The Dangers of using Bore Snakes on your AR-15

A few questions keep popping up so I thought I would make a pinned post. We will continue producing maintenance tip videos like this one as well as other video content. I'm sharing my experience servicing 20k plus AR's and tens of thousands of other types of firearms. As I said in the video, if you disagree with these tech tips that's ok. I make these videos to help those looking for information, not those who have nothing to learn. Question 1 - Who makes your kit? Answer 1 - It's something I pieced together. The case is made by Voodoo Tactical. It may not be made any longer. I'll make a separate video about the entire kit and include the names of the items in the kit. Question 2 - Who makes the sectioned rod with brass connections? Answer 2 - It's from a Swiss K31 Cleaning Kit. Question/Statement 3 - You don't use bronze or stainless brushes but use a bore snake with a built in metal brush? Isn't that hypocritical? Answer 3 - I rarely use bore snakes because of the built in brush. Others may use them often, thus the reason for the video. The items in my portable kit are for limited and field expedient use. I use different tools in the shop. Question/Statement 4 - You tell us to worry about the use of bore snakes but have sectioned rods in your kit. They cause damage too. Answer 4 - I never said segmented rods were 100% safe. Segmented rods have risk too, and Ill do a follow up video about them. I use them a very specific way to limit damage. The items in my portable kit are for limited and field expedient use. I use different tools in the shop. Question 5 - Will you do a video about the entire contents of your portable cleaning kit? Answer 5 - Yes we will do that. That being said, the items in my portable kit are for limited and field expedient use. I use different tools in the shop. Question/Statement 6 - Do you need to worry about the angle if you have a muzzle device? Won't that prevent you from pulling at an angle? Answer 6 - You can still put an angle with open ended flash suppressors. Brakes will force you to pull more inline with the bore. Question/Statement 7 - You said not to use scraping tools yet you have plastic scrapers. Answer 7 - I don't use those plastic tools to scrape at the bolt tail or other critical surfaces. It's mainly to clear or pry out things like mud, snow, and other items that find their way into the firearm. That being said, the items in my portable kit are for limited and field expedient use. I use different tools in the shop. Question 8 - If a bore snake breaks and gets stuck, why not just drive it out with a rod? Answer 8 - A bore snake gets tighter in the bore when it's pushed and often becomes more difficult to remove. Some people use special fittings with compressed air or grease guns with success. I have seen the results people trying blanks or live ammo to clear a stuck bore snake. It will usually blow up the gun or bulge the barrel. I wouldn't try that. I have my own methods to remove broken bore snakes that grab it with prongs so it can be pulled out. Question 9 - Why no bronze brushes? Answer 9 - When you use barrel cleaners meant to remove copper fouling you generally clean until your patches no longer have blue or green residue (copper being removed). Bronze brushes will leave bronze in the bore and your patches may lead you to believe there is still fouling to be removed. Bore cleaners can degrade bronze brushes as well. ***I'll update this pinned post as necessary.***

Can’t damage your bore with brushes and solvents if you never clean your barrel 👌

I've been a rifleman in the military for 10 years. I've always carried and used the same 2 boresnakes during my time in. I always clean the upper receiver, followed by the star chamber then run a dry boresnake 3 times. ( I always run the boresnake after cleaning the receiver and chamber, if you do it first you will just drop carbon back into your already clean barrel). I've personally never had a problem with them. I'm also constantly lending it to other guys while cleaning weapons and I have never seen particular problems. From what I have seen it tends to be the most affective way to clean an AR barrel. With that being said I did see a guy run a 7.62 snake through a 5.56 rifle and that was a disaster. Attention to detail

Ive been using bore snakes for like 20 years. They are great

How to clean a bore snake: Hot water with a couple of drops of dawn soap in a mason jar, shake vigorously! Rinse hot water only, shake vigorously. Air dry.

I found it interesting that you showed great concern for the crown of the barrel but had a sectional steel cleaning rod in your inventory.

I always inspect my cleaning tools before I use them, haven't had an issue with bore snakes up to this point, but I also don't go crazy with them either. Smooth even pressure applied while pulling, and always try to pull them as straight as possible out of the barrel is key to eliminating the extra pulling pressures that may cause bad things to happen to the barrel and snake. Additionally, one must be aware of the potentials for snagging the snake on the chamber end of the barrel... you have to make sure that you route the snake in a way that snagging it is neigh to impossible.

Cleaning gear has evolved tremendously since the olé M16-A1 days. Cleaned my first one in Feb.1977 with the buttstock cleaning kit on Paris Island. Thanks for the great videos,,,,,,, Semper Fi,,,

Really like these quick tip like videos, gives good information for your everyday Rifleman. I’ve learned a lot just by these videos. Thank you!

Dude, that lil’ kit you put together is exactly what I’m trying to put together. Cleaning kits for individual firarms can be soooo frustrating. So many sizes of rod ends and brushes and patch heads. Very Nice and alittle old school.

Thanks for putting your take on these out there. Have a few but I've heard varying opinions on whether I should even use them at all.

I always use mine sparingly, dry. I run patches after that to clear any debris out of the barrel. I was sure you were going to talk about a potential barrel obstruction that could go unnoticed due to a bore snake falling apart. I worry about that and always check the bore to ensure it is 100% clear. Good idea about the replacement policy, I was looking at mine the other day and thinking I had better replace it soon.

I think it would take 10's of thousands of pull through's to damage the crown or chamber. They are extremely hard! I don't think any normal shooter needs to worry about it. I could be wrong, I have been before, but I don't think a weekend shooter or hunter has to worry about it. Don't over think it. Just be careful and keep it clean.

I’ve been using BoreSnakes for twenty years! On inspection, a few were pretty bad. Thank you for sharing this

That’s cool to see you have the Swiss rods, mirror and handle in your kit. They are my favorite rods to use.

Good info as usual. I use bore snakes but very sparingly. Good to know i need to pay attention to pulling straight out

This is the channel where you learn any and everything I don’t watch any other channels talk about ball carrier groups because I know that they can’t test it in depth and diagnose it like this man can. This is completely free to watch even .

I just started using these and they are great. Never even thought of it breaking off in the barrel, so thanks for that warning. I really appreciate the video about bolt carrier groups as well. I didn't know you had to break the whole thing down and keep those rings lubricated.

I like to guide the bore snake so that when the larger part with the brush enters the chamber it's as parallel to the chamber as I can get it and then when it's started , pull it like you showed. I also wash them in a warm detergent every now and again, rinse well and let air dry. ( keep it clean .)

I had a customer bring in a bolt action rifle with a broken bore snake in the bore. He said he tried pushing it back out with a rod and jammed the aluminum rod and then stripped the threads leaving the snake and a section of rod in the bore. I soaked both ends with WD-40, let it sit about an hour and used air pressure. I hose clamped (I used 3 clamps) a piece of high pressure rubber hose to the muzzle end with a hose barb with a quick disconnect and gradually increased pressure, it took almost 85psi but luckily it popped out. I hope I never have to do that again.

I really appreciate this video I’ve really been looking for information on this.

I can't tell you how many high-mileage M1s, Enfields, Mosins and other milsurp rifles I have shot over the years. And we were always taught to scrub the bore with wet patch, dry patch, wet brush, dry patch, etc. Shot out or corroded (from corrosive ammo) bores had trouble and others were OK even after a million rounds and lots of rushed cleanings. I think some guys today are insane about hurting their barrels with cotton or aluminum! ;( Peace.

I'd like some more info on what you keep in your optics cleaning kit. I have a lens pen and some basic spray and wipe cleaners, but I'm always interested to learn what others use.

Always informative. Thanks!

If you're worried about it you can always just use a doubled over piece of heavy fishing line with loops tied on the ends to pull patches through. Works great really. Sometimes you might need a drinking straw or the like to avoid getting snagged on muzzle devices

I wonder if you'd do a video on how to properly check out, clean, and lube a fresh AR, or even cleaning one from the range I'm not someone who owns a ton of ARs but am looking to get another (I currently have an a2 clone from using a 20" delton HBAR upper with a PSA a2 lower, as well as a carbine length M&P I got used from trading) and since ARs seem to be your specialty, I'm curious as to what you'd recommend to check and do to a new rifle before you go out and shoot it, even what lubes you recommend or the difference between lubes and CLP...even if it covers the obvious stuff like check BCG staking and such, as well as things to do when building an AR from a kit build(what parts you suggest to lube, or any tips and tricks you can offer) As while I can search and find other videos on this topic, they all don't seem to have the knowledge of the AR15 platform you have Plus it'd be nice to have a go-to video I can point any of my friends deciding to buy an AR15 based rifle for the first time, or build one, either as their first AR or as their first time building But I imagine you have a huge list of more important topics you wanna make videos on, just if you ever do run out of topics, or just want an easy one to cover, I'd highly suggest making the video, and know I'd be personally appreciative as what's out there is so generic, it never covers the little things I'm curious about like if different gas systems require different considerations, like if there are specific issues to the rifle length gas system or the fixed stock I should worry about, vs my adjustable carbine stock and carbine length gas system or even mid length, or barrel style, govt profile, pencil, heavy Barrel etc Maybe consideration for Magpul parts(as they're so common) with some tips, like your use of Velcro to stop rattle etc... I guess really a video on new or beginner AR rifle checks for a new rifle, what to do before taking a new rifle to the range, and tips and tricks you've learned over the course of your years of experience with ARs that some of us who are either new, or would appreciate an experts guide for newer AR owners I know that's a big topic.. so I can understand if you don't cover it... Either way keep up the great videos, as I've enjoyed each one since I've become a subscriber

I've never used a bore snake, and I absolutely despise the cables. I was issued an Otis kit for my M4. I used it once and promptly acquired an old school cleaning kit. I still have that kit too.

The risk of damaging the crown by pulling out a snake at an angle seems to only apply if there is no muzzle device fitted. I avoid pulling the snake through at an angle since it seems more likely to damage the snake.

Thank you! Excellent advice to know & to pass on to new shooters.

When I heard you say, “Do-Dads” it reminded me of my Grandma!😃

What do you think about putting a patch on the brass brush portion of the bore snake

a lot of the newer bore snakes have a hand peace that you can use to help keep you steady while pulling them through. i just picked up a AR10 and got a new cleaning kit and the bore snake that came with it has a plastic disk that you hook the end of the snake on and you have finger grooves to help with leverage and keep it straight and when you finished with it you rap the snake around it and it all stores together. i love it so much lol. thanks for all of the great videos, i have been subscribed to you for a while and love how thorough you are.i realy feel bad about how hard youtube has made it for you but i will always support you as long as you make videos. thanks again

The pace of your explanation is perfect.

Good video.. I use Boresnakes as well.. but usually before and after a shooting session with CLP only.. at the beginning, a couple pull throughs to make sure there's no obstruction and clean out dust.. and after shooting again to clean dust, minor fouling and just for me to know it's cleared and safe..

Lots of good advice here. I only use a bore snake occasionally and discard them when I notice significant signs of wear [usually a lot more than 100 uses]. The straight-pull technique is old as the hills...it was SOP since corrosive ammo was issued for military guns and daily cleaning was mandatory. Note that bore snakes can be washed with soapy water...this will remove most or all of the wear-creating carbon that sticks to them.

Seems that if there’s a muzzle device installed, the angle is immaterial, correct? It also seems that as long as it’s properly and not lazily used (by using a vise to pull straight out and replacing at the first sign of wear), there’s no issue too? Though, if there was some fabric caught up inside, wouldn’t a simple barrel see through inspection would show if there was no obstruction? And if there is one, to run it through again until it’s gone? If there’s a small thread, then just send it till it burns to carbon? Only issue I can see is if it manages its way into the gas port, but that thread has to be so thin and so perfectly aligned. Either way, wouldn’t it also be burned after use?

Thank you for the warnings and tips.

Funny timing Chad, Perrin and I were just talking about bore snakes the other day. Personally, once I see any type of fraying - it’s tossed. It’s a relatively low cost and disposable item. To be fair too, I really don’t even use them on a arm where the snake is shorter than the barrel/receiver/ejection port - just in case of breakage, my thinking being there’s still something to get ahold of to get it out of the barrel.

Dang man, I didn’t even think of that, I just ordered a new set, mine are over 5 years. Thank you for this amazing tip.

Love this channel. Always learning.

Usually a worn out boresnake that fails, it’s only the brush that will hang up in a bore and it’s very easy to remove. Anyone running AR has to carry a rod anyway to knock out stuck brass

I’ve had my .22 boresnake since I got my first AR in 2008 and it’s still in great condition. I just used it last night in fact to clean it. I’ve had other boresnakes for about as long and never have had an issue with them either. With that said though, while I do like them and value them, I only use them to clean the barrels in between cleanings and keep them in my emergency kit. I come from a law enforcement background when it comes to shooting and maintaining my firearms ans d was taught that every time I shoot, no matter if it’s an entire range session with a gun or I just run a mag through it, it gets thoroughly cleaned afterwards. That includes solvents and a good bore brushing and then running patches through until they come out clean. Otherwise, especially with my carry guns, when in between cleanings when I’m simply wiping the gun and oiling it back up, I run a bore snake with a few drips of oil on the leading edge through the barrel to get any loose debris out. They’re handy tools for that and in case of minor emergencies in the field, but there’s no way you can get a bite aptly cleaned just using them.

Love bore snakes and I believe your 100% correct about pulling them straight out because of the possibility of lapping. Also like the idea about replacement intervals. The thing I wonder about when I see people cleaning their barrels with bore brushes or snakes is that I think they get over zealous with it and they brush the crap out of it and some don't pay attention to which direction they pull or push the brush through or worse, they go back and forth repeatedly. I was taught to just wet the bore down with solvent, let it sit for a few minutes (about the time it takes to smoke cigarette). Then push or pull a brush through 3x to 5x from the chamber towards the muzzle only unless weapon design prevents you from doing so in which case I'll opt for the bore snake. Then start pushing oily patches through till they come out clean. Sometimes I'm lazy and will rinse the bore with break parts cleaner blow air through to evaporate it then run a few oilly patches through til they come out clean followed by one dry patch. Been getting good results, my barrels are still accurate, and feel like I'm doing what's needed without over doing it. I've watched alot of people go at it, scrubbing their barrels like they were scrubbing a toilet bowl and thinking to myself, that's got to create unnecessary wear but I could be wrong.

Very good tip. Something I never knew. I'm not a fan of snakes. But I learned something!

can u link up so the makers of your cleaning tools? particularly the rods u use?

That is a very pristine looking cleaning kit! Sometimes they need to be used. Has anyone ever thought about just replacing them when they start to get frayed rather than letting them getting into a shape like that?

These videos are great! Keep them up.

I just started using bore snakes. Always used the three piece rod for years. The bore snake that i use seams to be hard to pull through even though it says 223 on it. I think that i like the rods better even though i have to unscrew the end off every time. Thanks for the info.

You have definitely given me something to think about in regards to the bore snakes. Do you have a rule of thumb for how often chrome lined barrels should be cleaned, or how often copper needs to be removed from a chrome lined barrel? Thank you for offering you're experience to us.

yooo where do i find the cleaning case you got?

Very interesting. I have been most fortunate in that I have always pulled my bore snake through my rifle barrels straight out -- it was the way it was taught in the British Army, although no reason was given. Now I know! 😇

Man, I love these videos. Thank you for keeping me from doing damage to my guns in my ignorance.

Excellent video with great info. Would you mind telling us where you found the canvas bag that's housing your cleaning kit? It is exactly what I'm looking for to build a general range kit around. Thanks.

Thanks for the video. Getting anything through a ar15 barrel is tough for me. Would liked to have you describe how you clean the bore snake.

thank you for your help, did you already make a video about cleaning and lub bolt carrier ?

1) Are aluminum cleaning rods ok to use in the barrels of any gun or does it need to be fiberglass or something other than a metal alloy of sorts ? 2) do you use strictly nylon brushes and is it ok to use brass brushes ? Also, does one need a specific solvent to remove copper or will most cleaners used for carbon, lead etc work ?

Great info recently bought a s&w FPC..first day out got random misfires with no primer strike on occasion..then 4th mag nothing..got home..and found roll/expansion pin wasn't driven far enough or "walked out"..bent firing pin..is it smart to redlock the expansion pins.?

This is good info. I use bore snakes on my ARs and hunting rifles. Always have been cognizant to pull straight through. I don’t clean my rifles’ barrels after every shooting. I’ve seen some guys that over-clean and put a lot of wear on their guns. After sighting in, my hunting rifles don’t get cleaned for the remainder of the season unless they get extraordinarily dirty or wet. I clean them before they are placed into storage. My ARs are usually shot several times before the barrel gets cleaned (I shoot my ARs multiple times a week, usually 140 to 200 rounds in a session). Most of the time, I just break down my BCG, wipe, and re-lube while it’s still warm. My AR barrels don’t need that much attention. When I do clean them, I typically run a bore snake with hoppes applied to the brushes through the barrel twice. I’ve never had an issue.

I came with an open mind and was mildly surprised, thanks for the info. I will replace my bore snake(s) before it frays.

Thanks for the heads up

Good information and schedule idea. Thanks

I've run bore snake type of barrel devices from various makers, of various calibers, with various chemicals for longer than care to remember. I've used them all hundreds if not thousands of times in some calibers but I also clean them regularly with hot water and mild dish detergents. I just replaced my well used set of Hoppes original Boresnakes with the Vipers and expect them to last hundreds of uses as well. I would say you're spot on about pulling them through nice and straight....that's probably where 99% of the wear can be avoided if you clean them regularly.

I only use clp with my bore snakes and Dewey cleaning rods for a proper cleaning. In my youth I messed up a barrel crown with my surplus cleaning rod

I never use bore snakes anymore. Shotgun patches and hoppes. And Iosso nylon brushes for tough scrubbing. If THAT doesn't do it. I use JB bore cleaner, that stuff it great.

On the crown damage : wouldn’t muzzle device or thread protector mitigate this risk?

Although off topic what’s your opinion on poly coated ammo as opposed to FMJ ??

I had not even considered this, thanks.

Just came across this video, what kit bag is that you're using? Would like to find something similar to ha e in my range bag and in my truck

I like the idea of nylon or plastic bushes and cleaning tools. I have seen some top shooting channels like MarkandSam Afterwork basically saying that never cleaning your barrel is the best option, because of the lead/carbon/copper is already perfectly smooth using a brush destroys your barrel’s accuracy. I’ve still used copper brushes recently just for wanting to keep my gun clean for storage.

Using them dry can be problematic, too. I ran one dry once and had a heck of a time with it. I thought it was stuck in there for good. A little squirt of Ballistol and it slid out.

Bore snakes are great. Can't blame them for people's idicracy and inability to use them.

Thank you, great reminders.

I'm for sure guilty of pulling through from a slight angle .

I was wondering if there was an easier faster way to clean all the nooks and crannies in my upper receiver. Could I spray it out with brake cleaner or is that a no no?

Good advice. Thanks

Now I've seen it all, you're telling me tards are f en up guns with bore snakes? Yikes

Those are the cleanest cleaning tools and kit I have ever seen.

Last measure on broken or object stuck in barrel is air pressure. I have filled both ends with oil, then seal the air hose nozzle end on barrel and apply air. It has worked for me. Be careful, it will come out forcefully.

Great advice!

Where did you get the cleaning kit case? Also nylon brushes?

Why no bronze brushes, especially if the barrel is chrome lined?

Any experience with the otis ripcord? Ive been trying to find a bore snake that doesnt use the integrated brass brush i get weird abiut things rhat abrasiv3

Is this a tactical thing or just for regular cleaning?

Have been subbed for a while, but this is the first recommended video from you in almost two years. 🤔

What is your opinion on ultrasonic cleaners for gun parts?

Myth or Fact: Never use segmented rods because you risk damaging the rifling.

Great advice thanks

Very good information! Thank you,

I did not know any of this and since im hoping to buy my first rifle this year its something im glad i know now,so thank u

love the portable cleaning kit! I was never really a fan of bore snakes, for all the reasons you mentioned. My biggest dislike is the fast accumulation of fouling. Its like re-useing a patch you just put through the bore. As someone who specializes in profesional cleaning, i always use brand new clean patches. Even if a new patch gets dirty, Ill throw it out and use a new one before it goes through a clients gun.

Many thanks! Much appreciated!!

The big reason you don't want to brush or use harsh solvents on your bore is to avoid degrading carbon/copper fouling equilibrium in your bore. There's a certain point at which you establish that equilibrium, where basically no more copper or carbon are building up in the rifling of your bore, and the bullet is pushing the excess out. It's at this point where your rifle will group most consistent, and you don't want to damage that. Just run a patch with CLP down it, and call it good.

How much transfer of copper onto the barrel ramps is acceptable on an a1 upper?

Interesting info. Thanks for the information.

What bag are you using for your cleaning supplies?

Thanks for the information

Thanks for the info, Chad

More damage is done using Aluminum Cleaning rods that are uncoated and no muzzle guide /crown protector. Steel cleaning rods that are dirty can also cut the Muzzle. You should also roll your Boresnakes up and put in a cloth bag tied closed and toss them in the washing machine every 3rd or 4th time they are used.

I once had an otis cleaning kit cable stuck down the bore of a rifle for about 4-5 years (wasn't my gun, long story), only got it out very recently by using a standard screw together USGI style cleaning kit for an AR15 and gently tapping out the patch eye after unthreading the cable. Never using any kind of cable type cleaning kit again.

Although I agree with 100% about pulling the snake strait through. How much are you really going to damage the crown with a muzzle device installed?