Removing Carbon Buildup

**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...ead.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

Originally Posted by paulosantos

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

Originally Posted by CAPT KIRK

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. 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

Originally Posted by Eric

One of the better products for this is Slip 2000 Carbon Killer................... 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.

**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.

**Quib** · 15 May 2010, 15:41

Since the discussion of carbon scrapers arose:

http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum...n-Removal-Tool

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