Chamber and Bore Tools
R: Required
r: Recommended
O: Optional
Cleaning Rod and Cable
Cleaning Rod (R)
A good cleaning rod is essential for keeping the bore of your barrel in top condition.
For the widest variety of attachments for use with the standard AR calibers, you generally want a cleaning rod that has an 8-32 female connector.
You should look for a cleaning rod that has a ball bearing mechanism that allows the rod to freely rotate as the cleaning attachment engages the rifling. Without this, you may be forcing the attachment over the rifling, which can lead to unusual wear.
You have a few options when it comes to rod material.
- Brass: Brass rods are sturdy and durable. Grit will not become embedded in them. Because brass is softer than barrel metals (stainless steel and 41xx series steel), it will not scratch the bore. Care must be taken not to bend brass cleaning rods, as they will deform permanently.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is very strong, by comparison to other options. Stainless steel doesn’t bend as easily as brass, but will still deform permanently. Stainless steel can scratch the bore more easily than other options, so care must be taken when using them.
- Coated: Coated rods generally have a metal core with a coating of nylon or plastic. This gives the benefits of a steel rod, but without the same risk of damage to the bore. However, grit will eventually get embedded in the coating and this will scratch the bore.
- Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber rods are flexible, so they will not permanently deform like a metal rod can. However, grit can become embedded in the carbon fiber and the carbon fiber can splinter if bent excessively. The tip of carbon fiber rods will generally be made of brass, and can break off from the carbon fiber rod. Carbon fiber is the most expensive option.
Cleaning Cable (r)
Let’s be honest: only the most OCD shooter (i.e. benchrest shooters) is going to bring a cleaning rod to the range or into the field. The best tool for cleaning your bore in the range is a cleaning cable and T-handle.
Caution should be taken if you use a cleaning cable on a barrel without a muzzle device. Pulling the cable at an angle (rather than straight out of the barrel) will cause the cable to rub on the inside of the crown. Over time, this will cause erosion of the crown (especially if you hold the gun the same way every time you pull it through). This can be an issue for precision shooters. If you have a muzzle device attached, the muzzle device would take the brunt of that wear.
Chamber Tools and Brushes
Chamber Tool Handle (R)
We recommend a dedicated chamber tool for detailed cleaning of the chamber area.  A good chamber tool will consist of a handle as a foundation.  It should include a star chamber scraper, the ability to attach star chamber pads, and the ability to attach threaded chamber brushes.
A pistol cleaning rod can be used with chamber brushes and mops, but you will not have the benefit of a scraper tool and cleaning rods are not as stiff/stable.
Chamber Brush (R)
A chamber brush is essential.Â
We do not recommend bronze or steel chamber brushes. These can scratch the chamber. We strongly recommend that you use nylon for the chamber.
Chamber Mop (R)
A chamber mop is the best way to remove debris from the chamber after loosening with a brush or scraper. A chamber mop will minimize scratching.
A chamber mop can also be used to apply CLP or solvent to the chamber.
Note that stuff will get embedded in the chamber mop, so you may want to replace it somewhat regularly.
Bore Tools and Brushes
Bore Brush (R)
A bore brush is essential. We recommend a bronze bore brush with proper technique. Nylon bore brushes are not much better than a patch.
A bore brush will need to match the attachment size and type of your cleaning rod/cable. We recommend standardizing to an 8-32 female rod/cable, which means using an 8-32 male bore brush.
Patch Holder (R)
You need to get patches down the bore of the barrel. The best way to apply bore solvents and other chemicals is with a wet patch. The best way to wipe the bore is with a dry patch.
The best way to get a patch down the bore is with a patch holder.
A patch holder will need to match the attachment size and type of your cleaning rod/cable. We recommend standardizing to an 8-32 female rod/cable, which means using an 8-32 male patch holder.
Get Social - Share This Page!
Tell Us What You Think!
Your feedback is really important to us. Our goal is to provide the highest quality content possible to help you on your AR journey. If anything isn’t clear, is missing, is incorrect, or otherwise needs our attention, we greatly appreciate you letting us know. It will help us continuously improve our content for the firearms community.