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Snapshot
11 January 2010, 15:16
My first post after several days of reading ... this looks like a very good forum.

I'm struggling to clean some carbon off the end of a bolt, it seems to be stuck on pretty good and has so far resisted CLP, gun cleaner, brake cleaner and various nylon and brass / bronze brushes.

I have some Easy-Off (corrosive to eyes and skin) and some stainless steel cleaner (smells like kerosene) but I would appreciate any other suggestions or advice before I start with these.

TIA.

Snapshot

Slippers
11 January 2010, 15:26
Are you talking about on the tail of the bolt?

I recommend Quib's CLP/odorless mineral spirits combination. http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1607

After soaking for 20-30 minutes the carbon comes off very easily. Anything extra on the bolt tail I scrape with an empty brass casing, since the open end fits nicely into the radius of the bolt tail, and won't damage the chrome finish.

Quib has put up many other cleaning/inspection guides on this forum. Definitely worth a read when you have time.

Paulo_Santos
11 January 2010, 15:53
I just take a small scrwdriver and scrape the carbon off.You don't have to go too crazy with it.

Stickman
11 January 2010, 16:01
I just take a small scrwdriver and scrape the carbon off.You don't have to go too crazy with it.



Agreed, if you want to make sure you can't hurt it, use a spent brass casing to scrape away. The soft brass can't hurt the bolt.

Gator
11 January 2010, 16:35
I agree with stick and paulo. I use a dull exacto knife blade or a dull box cutter.
Try applying solvent and letting it set for a bit before scraping. That should make it easier.

Quib
11 January 2010, 16:38
I like to let folks know that my OMS/CLP mixture is not a magic solution that before your eyes, magically melts away years of carbon build-up. It is though a very simple method that tackles one of the most tedious parts of the weapon to clean (Not just the bolt, but the carrier and associated parts.). And, if used on a regular basis, it will keep the carbon build-up in check.

I’ve been using this method myself for a few years now with very good results, and have received numerous responses on several other boards from those who have tried it and were very pleased with the results they obtained.

If you have any questions regarding the process or the mixture, please don’t hesitate to ask.

ETA: And before I forget....... Welcome to Weapon Evolution. [:)]

CAPT KIRK
12 January 2010, 08:15
I too have used QUIB's OMS/CLP method and am convinced it works. I have found a little scraping is still required, however the OMS mixture eases the pain.

I have also noticed that this task has varying degrees of difficulty with different bolts (mabye something to do with the steel and its resistance to carbon). I seem to have the least difficulty with my MPI bolts for my NOVESKE.

I also thoroughly pre treat my bolt with "Machine Gunners" lube from LARUE TACTICAL before it goes back in after cleaning, which I believe is giving me some resistance to carbon build up.

Quib
12 January 2010, 10:20
I have also noticed that this task has varying degrees of difficulty with different bolts (mabye something to do with the steel and its resistance to carbon). I seem to have the least difficulty with my MPI bolts for my NOVESKE.


I’ve experienced the same thing..... some bolts simply clean up easier than others.

I did notice a lessoning of carbon build-up when I switched from BF CLP to BF LP. Nothing scientific though to back up my findings, just my personal observation.

Eric
12 January 2010, 13:47
One of the better products for this is Slip 2000 Carbon Killer. (http://www.slip2000.com/carbonkiller.html) I've been using this for a couple years with good results. I drop the BCG into the jar of the solution and let it soak while I clean the rest of the weapon. A long soak does not appear to have a detrimental effect on the BCG and softens or removes the carbon even more. Last night I had a BCG soaking for about five hours while I took care of some other business and minimal scraping was required. Since this product will totally degrease the metal, proper lubrication afterward is critical.

Snapshot
12 January 2010, 13:56
Thanks to all - I'll keep an eye out for the Slip 2000 Carbon Killer, in the meantime I'll try the OMS / CLP mix and the edge of a cartridge case.

Snapshot

Quib
12 January 2010, 14:51
One of the better products for this is Slip 2000 Carbon Killer................... (http://www.slip2000.com/carbonkiller.html) Since this product will totally degrease the metal, proper lubrication afterward is critical.



This is why I add the CLP to my mixture.

With the addition of CLP, lubing afterwards (for storage) is not necessarily required. The diluted CLP mixture provides complete coverage and the added benefit of corrosion prevention to the entire bolt and carrier, flowing into areas where lubing by hand afterwards might not suffice.

(Edited for clarity.)

Lastrites
12 January 2010, 16:27
I too like the OMS/oil additive mixture. Have found letting it soak for a nice long while is very benefical.

103m 95g
12 January 2010, 20:40
I use a carbon scraping tool for the OP's situation.
I have no affiliation with this company other that I bought one of their tools.
It's small light weight and works great. There are a bunch of other carbon scraping tools on the market, and there is your pocket knife. Is it needed?, well thats for you to decide
The CAT-M4 tool for both the Bolt tail and inside the carrier.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd2/103m95g/6.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd2/103m95g/7.jpg

Quib
13 January 2010, 03:27
I believe the following photos are good examples as to why the bolt tail deserves attention during routine cleaning.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4270736097_814c989007_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2690/4271481206_0c2afbc09c_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2690/4271481234_40e29f53fd_o.jpg

Quib
15 May 2010, 15:41
Since the discussion of carbon scrapers arose:

http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?1999-MAGNA-MATIC-DEFENSE-CRT-15-Carbon-Removal-Tool

alpha.kilo
16 May 2010, 15:31
Ok, this is a pretty low tech carbon scrapper option for the bolt tail. But I swear it works. Especially when combined with a soaking option.

I use a small piece of those green, "Scotch Brite" pads made by 3M for washing pots in pans around your kitchen. I cut a small piece of Scotch Brite and use brake cleaner or diesel fuel. A little elbow grease and the carbon whittles away. My days of scrapping bolt tails with a dental tool are long gone. Of course the carrier is another matter.

However, I must admit that the bolt scraping tools pictured above look pretty cool.

AK

OneKYards
28 May 2010, 23:17
On the Money. The CAT M4 Tool is well worth it's weight in gold. At first, I thought it was expensive at $30+ but used my Dads. Trust me, buy one if you own a Gas Impingement AR. I hate to shoot my G.I. AR's now that I have Pistons. My COLT LE6920's need a little loving once in a while.

Quib
25 July 2010, 08:06
Another option for those looking to keep carbon build-up in check, would be any one of the AR Multi-tools offered by Multitasker Tools:

http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?2453-Multitasker-AR15-Multi-Tools

LIL-COMMANDO
27 July 2010, 14:32
+1, I soak my bolt in Slip degreaser as I clean the rest of my rifle and use the Scotch Brite to remove the carbon very easily in seconds...


Ok, this is a pretty low tech carbon scrapper option for the bolt tail. But I swear it works. Especially when combined with a soaking option.

I use a small piece of those green, "Scotch Brite" pads made by 3M for washing pots in pans around your kitchen. I cut a small piece of Scotch Brite and use brake cleaner or diesel fuel. A little elbow grease and the carbon whittles away. My days of scrapping bolt tails with a dental tool are long gone. Of course the carrier is another matter.

However, I must admit that the bolt scraping tools pictured above look pretty cool.

AK

M-Forgery
1 August 2010, 23:00
I use M-Pro7 cleaner. A good soak in that and a brass brush and it comes right off. I also have a couple of the LMT enhanced bolts and a shot of M-Pro7 cleaner takes all the carbon off.

DanJaquish
2 August 2010, 05:43
Since the discussion of carbon scrapers arose:

http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?1999-MAGNA-MATIC-DEFENSE-CRT-15-Carbon-Removal-Tool

Thank you Quib,
The Magna-Matic CRT-15 was the FIRST tool on the market and only tool made 100% in the US from machined, hardened, and reground American Made steel. We use no castings, chinese steel, or sleezy marketing techniques. We are a sponsor on this board, and numerous companies on this board carry our products. Check us out here: http://www.magna-matic-defense.com . We also have a new video on ATAC TV: http://firearms.atactv.com/?mediaId=607 .

Stickman
2 August 2010, 09:30
As a department armorer and instructor, I can see why Officers would want the Magna-Matic CRT-15, but what I don't understand is why departments wouldn't buy a few of these. After seeing how the many individual officers care of their equipment, the CRT-15 would be a simple, quick, and effective way for an instructor to go down the line and ensure the tail actually was cleaned. This is a win-win deal as Officers always like a hand with cleaning, and the department sees a better and quicker job getting done

DanJaquish
2 August 2010, 10:31
As a department armorer and instructor, I can see why Officers would want the Magna-Matic CRT-15, but what I don't understand is why departments wouldn't buy a few of these. After seeing how the many individual officers care of their equipment, the CRT-15 would be a simple, quick, and effective way for an instructor to go down the line and ensure the tail actually was cleaned. This is a win-win deal as Officers always like a hand with cleaning, and the department sees a better and quicker job getting done

It depends on what the department's policy is for weapons cleaning, some make sure every officer knows how to field strip and clean thier rifle and are required to do it on thier own, some have a supervised cleaning area, and others allow only the armorer to do it.

Fontaine
4 August 2010, 20:08
Just as an FYI, a spent .45 ACP case is almost perfect for scraping away all the carbon on a bolt tail.

Don't think there are many cheapo solutions for the inside of the bolt carrier though... it's either lotsa q-tips and chemicals, or a specialized tool

Dualspringfields
4 August 2010, 22:03
I have one of the C.A.T. M-4 Tools too. It works good for the area your talking about.
http://www.catm4.com/index.html
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-23055711199818/CAT-M-4-instructions.pdf

Quib
5 August 2010, 03:35
Just as an FYI, a spent .45 ACP case is almost perfect for scraping away all the carbon on a bolt tail.

Don't think there are many cheapo solutions for the inside of the bolt carrier though... it's either lotsa q-tips and chemicals, or a specialized tool


My "cheapo" solution was to take an old section of aluminum cleaning rod, and pound one end flat with a hammer on my bench vice. I then used files to shape the end of the rod into a contour that fit the interior of the carrier. This could also be done with a section of brass rod if someone desired a material other than aluminum.

I picked up the idea from working aviation maintenance, where back in the day mechanics would hand craft "o-ring spoons" in a similar fashion. "O-ring Spoons" are used for removal and installation of o-rings.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4862939558_4eec986069_b.jpg

Quib
5 August 2010, 16:36
Here are two examples of DIY Bolt Carrier Carbon Scrapers.

Manufactured from aluminum and brass, these scrapers fit into and are held secured in an X-acto knife handle and make easy work of carrier carbon removal.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4864079813_833f69c33e_b.jpg

Stickman
5 August 2010, 22:59
I have one of the C.A.T. M-4 Tools too. It works good for the area your talking about.
http://www.catm4.com/index.html
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-23055711199818/CAT-M-4-instructions.pdf



I've never seen that one before, thanks.

tac40
6 August 2010, 10:49
Good points, our armorer doesn't carry the tools so it's on us.

tpelle
25 August 2010, 16:13
Just as an FYI, a spent .45 ACP case is almost perfect for scraping away all the carbon on a bolt tail.

Don't think there are many cheapo solutions for the inside of the bolt carrier though... it's either lotsa q-tips and chemicals, or a specialized tool

I've found that an old .30-06 case from one of my M1s works perfectly. It's long enough to provide a comfortable grip, as opposed to a short .45 ACP case.

Hmac
25 August 2010, 16:35
I sprung for the Magna-Matic scraper. Works great.

http://www.magna-matic.com/crt/crt_img/CRT-15_arrow_desc.jpg

rob_s
26 August 2010, 03:58
Anyone see this month's SWAT Magazine. BCM carbine goes 31k rounds...

5pins
26 August 2010, 06:39
Anyone see this month's SWAT Magazine. BCM carbine goes 31k rounds...

And how many times did they scrape off the carbon off?

rob_s
26 August 2010, 09:25
With any kind of tool? zero that I can tell.

ETA:
Confirmation from Pat that no type of carbon-removal scraper-type tool touched this gun.