Cleaning & scraping the carbon off an AR-15 Bolt. BCG Cleaning tool

[@Vane_M4A1]

School of the American Rifle had just released a video on this topic, he said it's best advised to soak the parts in cleaner then wipe it off, as hard and abrasive tools can wear it down out of spec. Either way, very cool and ear-soothing video!

[@davesgunchannel]

Thanks for the comment! Soaking the bolt and carrier is certainly a great way to clean these parts. Using a scraper should be reserved for large amounts of carbon, and only a quality scraper that fits the radius of the bolt should be used. Occasional use with moderate pressure will not harm the bolt in any way. I tried the soaking route and it took too long!

[@miltons8468]

I can see why it damages the bolt, it’s very harsh and is lapping microscopic metal off

[@hairydogstail]

@@davesgunchannel It is the carbon that behaves like an abrasive, not the metal per se that causes the harm..There is a small/tight tolerance between the bolt tail and carrier bolt tail bore..School from the American rifle is correct about metal scrapers..

[@5jjt]

​@davesgunchannel I'm assuming the scapper doesn't touch the portion of the tail that matters for gas seeling, and instead only touches were it's not harmful to touch?

[@drywallman1986]

Just use a spent casing. Works great

[@bama2579]

I use to do that, that's bad for your bolt . Not trying to be a know it all, just sharing what i learned

[@davesgunchannel]

Thanks for the comment! I have heard that as well, but opinions are all over the place on the subject. Personally, I have a hard time believing that an occasional scrape with the PROPER tool (made for this purpose) can harm the bolt. If abused, such as excessive scraping, too much pressure, then sure, I can see that. The tool fits the bolt perfectly, and does not at all dig into the metal, only the carbon that is on it. Anyway, I know this is a touchy subject, but that is my belief after having done this many times with no negative effects. Also, if the rifle is properly maintained, you should not need to scrape it anyway!

[@gunslinger1638]

In the army we usually used our gerber multi tools work well enough at home tho i just use a brass brush and cleaner

[@davesgunchannel]

Thanks for the input! Much appreciated! Dave

[@Vane_M4A1]

Red Steel 2 fan spotted

[@jr303official]

Why not just soak in a cleaner? I have soaked mine in fuel system cleaner and look like new the next day after a wipe off.

[@davesgunchannel]

Sounds like a great option!! Thanks so much for the input!

[@brucebangeman8627]

Or you could just soak it in butches’s bore shine for a few minutes, then whip it off,

[@davesgunchannel]

Great tip, thanks! Dave

[@Hamchuck112]

The carbon in that spot doesn’t really hurt anything

[@davesgunchannel]

I have heard that but I can’t disassemble something and NOT clean it, lol. I appreciate the comment!

[@evokiller3030]

Not good to do this use better cleaner and a toothbrush

[@dstglizzytwotonez4298]

I mean soaking it in some solvent of some sort, like Hoppes or even the Lucas Oil/cleaning solvent would be decent and would work much better.

[@davesgunchannel]

That works too! Thanks for the input!