7 Best AR Cleaning Tools: Ultimate Guide for AR Cleaning in 2024

When cleaning specific firearms, such as AR-15 rifles, you need specific cleaning tools to ensure that you will do the job right and effectively. For that reason, you will need the best AR cleaning tools that can surely spark a positive upgrade to your AR cleaning experience. Of course, you will feel that cleaning your firearm is almost like a chore. With that in mind, you need kits, which include the best AR cleaning tools as a set. Therefore, you won’t buy many cleaning tools separately, and you can get dedicated AR cleaning kits at the best budget-friendly price. 

Moreover, regularly cleaning your AR-15 rifle frequently will provide you with benefitting results than you expect. Among the advantages of regular AR-15 cleaning is your rifle will last longer without demanding you frequent part replacements. Now, the question is, what exactly are the AR cleaning tools included in the AR cleaning kits and what tools do you need to buy individually. Sounds interesting to discover, right? Well then, just continue reading to learn more about them, starting with the AR cleaning tools to expect included in the cleaning AR kits. 

AR Cleaning Tools To Expect With The Kits

Even though AR cleaning kits are different from one another, there are still similarities between them, including what type of tools are inside them. In addition, these AR cleaning kits don’t have much difference in what to offer since they need to make sure that they are providing the best AR cleaning tools you need to maintain your AR-15 thoroughly. Here’s what comes to most AR cleaning kits:

Cleaning Rods

When choosing the best AR cleaning kits, you don’t need to worry about getting the right length of cleaning rods. However, if you are thinking of choosing the universal kits, you need to ensure that you are picking the right length of cleaning rods because they play a significant role in cleaning your AR thoroughly and precisely. 

Well, the primary purpose of cleaning rods is to allow you to reach the end of your rifle’s deep bore for cleaning. Generally, cleaning rods feature a swivel handle at one end. With that design, you can clean your rifle’s interior part, the bore without exerting much effort and time. In addition, cleaning rods can easily clear out stubborn gunpowder residue and fouling quickly. Therefore, there will be no foreign contaminants on your AR rifle that can cause malfunction. 

Moreover, cleaning rods work with other cleaning supplies, such as patches, brushes, and mops. They provide a way for those cleaning supplies to reach the narrow and tight parts of your AR rifle to guarantee a complete and effective cleaning. A more important factor to consider with cleaning rods, aside from their length, is to ensure that the cleaning rod is made using good quality material. 

See, misuse of cleaning rods is highly dangerous for the bore. Without proper caution, you can damage your firearm. One best way to avoid that, aside from familiarizing yourself with the proper use of cleaning rods, is to choose cleaning rods with good material. Some best materials for cleaning rods that can provide you with the best quality and softness are brass or steel. 

Cleaning Brushes

Truly, it is best to own cleaning kits because they have various and assorted cleaning brushes that you need to brush away residue and other remnants of foreign components in your gun parts, including in the bore and other exterior parts. 

Obviously, cleaning brushes for bore is among the most necessary cleaning tools inside a kit. Without them, your gun can malfunction any time from the build-up residue and dirt within the bore. That’s why it is not surprising that cleaning kits include so many cleaning brushes. Commonly, cleaning brushes for AR bore must be made from either nylon or bronze so they won’t scratch to damage your rifle bore.

After every shooting session, it is best to clean the rifle bore right away so the remnants and fouling inside the rifle bore will not harden and still be quick to brush them off your AR bore to achieve a successful and effective cleaning. Hence, having cleaning brushes will certainly help you have a long-lasting AR-15 rifle. 

Moreover, for other parts of your AR-15 rifle, you can also use other utility brushes. For instance, brushes made from nylon are best to use for safe and precise cleaning of the wooden parts of the firearm. Meanwhile, cleaning brushes built from stainless steel are best suited for non-blued metal parts cleaning. 

Cleaning Patches

Admittedly, each AR cleaning kit features a different amount of cleaning patches. With that having said, it is best for you to choose the cleaning kit that offers a decent pack of cleaning patches at a reasonable price. The best thing to remember with cleaning patches is to choose pre-sized, so you won’t experience getting your patches stuck on the bore. 

Since cleaning patches are consumable cleaning items, it is helpful and wise to buy a huge pack separately so you will always have one to use. Now, talking about the primary reason for having cleaning patches is that they help you get rid of any dirt and residue by loosening them. Generally, they are dipped in the gun cleaning solvent to remove stubborn fouling. With that function of cleaning patches, it will also help you to choose cotton and absorbent cleaning patches that can hold cleaning solvents well and thoroughly. 

More importantly, when you are using a cleaning patch, you need to keep in mind to always use a new one to avoid getting the remnants all over your gun. A clean cleaning patch lets you know your cleaning job’s status. For instance, if you keep pulling out a dirty cleaning patch, you’ll know that there is still fouling inside. Therefore, you still can’t stop cleaning. 

Cleaning Mops

Aside from cleaning patches and brushes, you will also have cleaning mops in most kits. These cleaning supplies for AR-15 rifles have almost similar function with cleaning patches, whereas they are designed to clean the bore until it goes back to its smooth and shiny appearance. 

Moreover, mops for firearms are truly versatile as they are not just useful with cleaning but are also helpful in applying light oil coating in the barrel of the firearm to help provide cover protection against any possible build-up of rust and corrosion. They are highly suitable for offering you an aesthetically pleasing AR-15 rifle that you can be proud of. 

Cleaning Swabs

Cleaning swabs is another helpful cleaning supply you can use to maintain your firearm’s ideal beauty and performance. The best AR cleaning kits feature quality cleaning swabs that match the quality of all the other cleaning supplies. One of the most outstanding materials for cleaning swabs is cotton. Cotton is a good material because it is soft and can absorb cleaning chemicals well to help you achieve a precise and complete coverage cleaning without leaving any spots dirty. 

Cleaning Jags

Like other cleaning supplies, you’ll see a variety of cleaning jags in different materials. Common materials used by manufacturers are quality plastic, nickel, and brass. Each comes with individual durability and characteristics but certainly can offer great functionality. See, cleaning jags offer conjunction, whereas they are generally used with cleaning patches and rods. Altogether, these cleaning supplies can reach the barrel for the final cleaning of any leftover fouling, cleaning chemical, or grime. 

Cleaning Chemicals

Common cleaning chemicals you’ll see with some AR cleaning kits are cleaning solvent and oil. When choosing cleaning kits with different priorities, others include more cleaning tools with no cleaning chemicals, while others feature more specific caliber cleaning tools but with cleaning chemicals.

Speaking of cleaning chemicals, cleaning solvents are part of it, but technically oil is not. Cleaning solvents can effectively deal with various types of fouling and can quickly loosen stubborn and old remnants. Meanwhile, oil is applied after cleaning the firearm because it is the one that offers a protective coat layer against any dirt and moisture to prevent the build-up of rust and corrosion. 

7 Best AR Cleaning Tools to Own

Suppose you are contemplating buying an AR cleaning kit that features all the cleaning supplies mentioned above. In that case, you can still add other AR cleaning tools to ensure that you can truly have the efficient and best AR cleaning results. With that in mind, check out below the other best AR cleaning tools that you would love to own because of their functionality:

1. Real Avid Carbon Boss AR-15 Gun Cleaning Tool

If you are struggling to deal with carbon fouling, you can ease your worries with the Real Avid Carbon Boss AR-15 Gun Cleaning Tool. With this purposely built AR carbon removal cleaning tool, you can eliminate stubborn carbon build-up to almost every surface of your AR-style rifle with less effort. It surely helps if you disassemble your firearm before cleaning to avoid leaving any spot uncleaned. 

Truly compact, this carbon removal cleaning tool includes various features. That’s why it looks pretty cool and innovative with its compact three-sided design. To give you an idea, some of the features include bolt lug, face, tail scrapper, rotating smart brush, pin punch, cotter pin puller, bronze phosphor brushes, and many more you can see when you visit the link below. By that, you can ensure that the tool has safe and efficient functionality, even with the most critical parts of your firearms. 

Thanks to its rotating smart brush, you’ll have less difficulty in every detail of the firearm bolt amazingly. If you wonder what gun parts you can clean with the Real Avid Carbon Boss AR-15 Gun Cleaning Tool, you can use it for firing pin, bolt carrier, bolt, and cam pin cleaning. Hence, it is a great additional AR cleaning tool to work smarter and more efficiently. 

2. Wheeler Delta Series AR Combo Tool

Want a multi-purpose AR cleaning tool that also works for maintenance, repair, and building applications? Well, the Wheeler Delta Series AR Combo Tool is another innovative tool for AR that can suit your needs and satisfaction. In addition, the AR tool is built innovatively from layered and laminated quality stamped steel, making it reliably durable to complete multiple AR care applications and servicing needs, such as handling heavy torque successfully.

Moreover, the combo AR tool is equipped with several features, including a bit holder, 6 bits, bit driver, which are highly useful tools for AR rifles. Truly, it is more pleasing to have an organized workspace, and this Wheeler Delta Series AR Combo Tool is not the tool that you should be worried about scattering for. Best of all, it is necessary to mention that the tool is not cheap at all. Certainly, its functionality is highly beneficial. 

3. Otis Technology The B.O.N.E Tool 

Of course, the AR rifle bore is an important firearm part, but so is the bolt, bolt carrier, and firing pin. That’s why cleaning them is also part of your duty. One of the best AR cleaning tools suited to do the job right is the Otis Technology The B.O.N.E Tool. Its primary purpose is to scrape carbon fouling from bolt carrier assembly and components flawlessly. 

Moreover, the Otis Technology The B.O.N.E Tool features an 8-32 threaded hole, which acts as the tool’s T-Handle. With the hole functioning as a T-Handle, it is undeniably easier to maneuver cleaning with a cleaning rod. When using it with a cleaning rod, it is important to ensure that you have a good loop to tie them together securely. 

Thanks to its sturdy steel construction, it will go a long way so that you won’t need to buy a replacement quickly. Despite durable use in battling stubborn carbon fouling, it is meant to last for long years. If you think that it can make your AR cleaning experience more efficient and thorough, there’s no doubt that you need it.

4. Wheeler Engineering Delta Series AR-15 Maintenance Mat

Feeling frustrated about your workspace surface cracks and damage caused by cleaning chemicals spills? Worry no more because the Wheeler Engineering Delta Series AR-15 Maintenance Mat is an effective solution. At a glance, a cleaning mat might not be included on your list for your best AR cleaning tools. However, knowing its convenience and functionality, you will surely be on your way to getting it. So, let’s get to know it more.

First, it does not only protect your bare and vulnerable working space or table, but it also protects your AR-15 rifle. Of course, there is abundant availability for cleaning mats in the market, and what makes the Wheeler Engineering Delta Series AR-15 Maintenance Mat stand out is its perfect size and coverage. Since it is specifically for AR-15 rifles, it has the correct size to accommodate them, including other AR cleaning tools. 

Aside from its safe surface offer for AR cleaning and maintenance, you will also find its exploded view of an AR-15 Carbine helpful and pleasing in the eyes. With the AR-15 Carbine view on the top, you won’t be confused about successfully executing efficient AR cleaning. Thanks to its various materials, such as a padded neoprene top and a non-skid rubber backing, the AR-15 maintenance mat’s durability and functionality are no issue, and you won’t have anything to complain about. 

Moreover, the Wheeler Engineering Delta Series AR-15 Maintenance Mat provides a no-mar surface with a double purpose. First, it is a safe surface that protects the firearm finishes to stay aesthetically pleasing in the eyes. After all, it should be part of your goal since no one wants to look at a firearm with cracked finishes. The non-mar surface is also advantageous for dealing with excess oils and solvents by absorbing and containing them. Even though it can hold a huge amount of liquids, you can still roll it up easily inside your range box. So, it is truly made to offer convenience and advantages to your work.

5. Tipton Best Gun Vise

Indeed, nothing else is more convenient than having free hands when cleaning your AR-15 rifle. To get that convenience, you need a steady AR platform that will let you worry nothing about stabilized cleaning. By that, you need the best gun vise, like the Tipton Best Gun Vise. It is an excellent AR tool that gives nothing but only ease of use and comfortability. 

Mounting your Tipton Best Gun Vise is the best guarantee to protect your firearm’s finish, helping it preserve its aesthetic beauty. The gun vise’s L-shape center support hold makes it effortless to mount any firearm on it. You can ensure that you will get its best value since it is highly versatile to accommodate various types of firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns. It is designed to provide a custom fit with its extremely adaptable figure. 

Curious about its durability? Well, it comes with a non-marring, solvent-resistant polymer. By that, it can withstand even a tough use over many years. In addition to the convenience that it can provide, the Tipton Best Gun Vise also features flat and round bottom compartments. The compartments are useful in keeping small AR cleaning tools to keep everything neat and unscattered. 

Check the Tipton Best Gun Vise. You’ll see that it has acquired thousands of positive reviews from gun owners, and one of the top contributors for that is its innovative designs, such as two adjustable offset clamping mechanisms and customized patch storage. See for yourself the outstanding and impressive advantage that this AR tool can do in positively upgrading your AR cleaning experience. 

6. Tipton All-In-One Universal Bore Guide Kit

Using a cleaning rod is a real challenge if you are a beginner. At times, it is just hard to maneuver a cleaning rod in a deep bore like AR-15 rifles. There is always the fear of scratching and damaging the gun bore. To get rid of that frustrating concern, you need the best bore guide. From the name itself, there is already a hint of its primary purpose: guiding and aligning a cleaning rod for safe and proper use. 

One of the best bore guides out there is the Tipton All-In-One Universal Bore Guide Kit, primarily fit for collars for most AR-15 and bolt-action rifles. What is included inside the kit are three bore guide tips for various firearm cleaning rods. With that being said, you cannot go wrong with this bore guide kit if it’s about your high expectations in protecting your firearm bore and action. 

The Bore Guide Kit also features an integrated solvent port. By that, you don’t have to feel frustrated if any fluid leaks into the action since the port can contain those fluids. Aside from protecting your firearm bore and action, you can also use this Tipton Bore Guide to control the bowing of cleaning rods. With that being said, you can highly reduce the possibility of damaging your firearm’s chamber and throat. Truly, it is a great investment and combination for quality cleaning rods.

7. Tipton Firearm Cleaning Pick Set 

Sometimes, there are old residue and fouling build-up that other AR cleaning tools, like cleaning brushes and patches. With that, you will need the help of a cleaning pick to get rid of other tiny but hard fouling. For the best cleaning pick, it is the best choice to have it as a set like the Tipton Firearm Cleaning Pick Set to save money. 

The Tipton Pick Set comes with four different shaped picks in high-strength polymer material for durability and functionality. Since you have different cleaning picks, you can ensure that you can effortlessly get rid of any foreign components in the reach spots in your firearms. Don’t worry about their safety, as they are best suited to use even with the finest surface. 

Of course, there are frustrating moments when you can’t access all the spots of your AR-15 rifle. With that being said, you need to be prepared by getting the Tipton Firearm Cleaning Pick Set since you cannot afford to have a malfunctioning firearm just because of leftover fouling. So, reach narrow firearm spaces with ease with the Tipton Firearm Cleaning Pick Set. Hence, nothing can ever ruin the condition and performance of your firearms. 

4 Best AR Cleaning Kits

Now that you know the best AR cleaning tools to own together with the best AR cleaning kits to achieve complete and smart AR cleaning and maintenance, it is now time to find your best and suitable cleaning kit for you. You don’t need to look further because some of the best AR cleaning kits are here! Therefore, cut yourself some slack and just explore what kits are included in the list below: 

1. SPORT RIDGE AR-15 Cleaning Kit

Starting the list is the SPORT RIDGE AR-15 Cleaning Kit. You already know from the name itself that it is a dedicated cleaning kit only best to meet the cleaning demands of AR-15 and M-16 rifles. Since it is a specific cleaning kit, it does not have too many AR cleaning tools included. That’s why it remains a compact and lightweight cleaning kit suited to bring along in any shooting range and field. 

The SPORT RIDGE AR-15 Cleaning Kit features a strong and durable pull-through coated cable/rod system. It is a useful tool that gives you the ease of cleaning the bore without any worry about possible scratches and damage. Meanwhile, the rifle’s cleaning brush has soft and durable bristles to scrub away any fouling in the firearm bore and other parts. Hence, there is no obstructing dirt and remnants within your firearm. 

Meanwhile, the slotted patch cleaning tip offers you a thorough and accurate cleaning advantage by helping you access your rifle’s tight and narrow areas. All the parts of your firearm are covered thanks to the double-ended utility brush with small and large bristles. The multi-purpose brush delivers an outstanding breakthrough cleaning by brushing away the powder and carbon residue. 

Moreover, the metal pick/scraper inside the cleaning kit provides scraping away fouling in the firearm. The SPORT RIDGE AR-15 Cleaning Kit is also equipped with a pack of 25 cleaning patches. Considering its price, it is a decent amount of cleaning patches. However, you know that you need more if you care about regular AR cleaning. Hence, the best tip is to buy a bulk amount of cleaning patches, so you always have one to use.  

On the other hand, the six-piece utility bit set is helpful for firearm maintenance. The durable handle operates well with different AR cleaning tools, including chamber rod, pull rod, and utility bit set. Besides the cleaning patches, a rifle mop is also included in the kit that works well in cleaning bore and oil application. More importantly, it is necessary to point out that the kit doesn’t have any cleaning chemicals. For that, you can buy them separately. In a positive light, you have the chance to find the most suitable one. 

Overall, if you are not planning to add other types of firearms anytime soon, the SPORT RIDGE AR-15 Cleaning Kit is an excellent dedicated starter cleaning kit at an affordable price. 

2. Otis Technology Cleaning Kit

The Otis Technology Cleaning Kit is only dedicated to cleaning M-4, M-16, and AR-15 rifles. Admittedly, this kit has positive reviews from thousands of past buyers. However, it is still not perfectly built, so always expect some flaws by using it. Nonetheless, those flaws can’t overshine the functionality and advantages it can offer you. 

By choosing this AR cleaning kit, you won’t need to buy a B.O.N.E. Tool as it already includes one in the set. Hence, you won’t need to fret about getting rid of the carbon deposits in the firing pin and bolt components. You’ll also have 100% cotton two inches patches and a small slotted cleaning tip with the Otis Technology cleaning kit. 

For quality, soft and moderate cleaning in the bore, the quality bronze bore brush does the job right. Meanwhile, the bore brush features abrasive and gentle bristles to deliver you safe and efficient performance-impeding residue. The cotton mop helps to apply gun cleaning solvent and oil evenly.  

If you want a short and effective Breech-to-Muzzle, you can attain that with the reliable 8 inches and 30 inches aircraft-grade Memory-Flex cables, making the cleaning kit truly worth trying for. Other AR cleaning tools to expect with Otis Technology Cleaning Kit are chamber brush, small obstruction remover, microfiber gun cloth, brass rods. Aside from them, there is also a chamber flag, pull handle, pin punch, slotted tip, and a compact all-purpose brush. 

Even though several AR cleaning tools are included, the kit still managed to add a cleaning chemical to complete the essential tools you need but still at an affordable price. All the cleaning tools are organized inside a zippered case; each has specific spots, so all tools are neat inside. All in all, the Otis Technology Cleaning Kit will make an impressive on-the-go cleaning kit you can use to keep your firearm free from any fouling and dirt. 

3. HOPPE’S No. 9 Deluxe Gun Cleaning Kit

Undeniably, the HOPPE’S No. 9 Deluxe Gun Cleaning Kit is built for universal cleaning, so it covers the cleaning of various firearms. In addition, the best edge of choosing this kit is it comes with a “Guide to Gun Care” booklet instruction to get you started right. 

If you aim for almost complete cleaning supplies with tools and chemicals, you will never go wrong with the HOPPE’S No. 9 Deluxe. It comes with impressively versatile and highly functional cleaning supplies. First, it features three-piece brass cleaning rods that are suitable for smooth and precise gun bore cleaning. 

Additionally, the phosphor bronze brushes are highly durable in dealing with different types of fouling. Meanwhile, the four slotted ends and a silicone cleaning cloth do the job of precise cleaning for firearm exterior parts. Of course, the kit is almost complete to say if it comes with cleaning chemicals and lubricating oil. 

Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner delivers impressive results in removing various types of fouling, such as lead and powder. Aside from fouling removal, it can also get rid of rust. On the other hand, the lubricating oil features a high-viscosity performance to offer outstanding long-lasting protection.

4. Otis Tactical Cleaning System

Suppose you have other firearms to clean other than your rifle. In that case, you need a versatile cleaning kit that can suit your firearm cleaning needs and won’t break the bank. By that, why don’t you try the Otis Tactical Cleaning System since it is dedicated to cleaning different firearms, such as rifles, shotguns, and pistols? Best of all, it stays at a budget-friendly price range. 

One of the best edges of choosing this kit is that it includes a .5oz Shooter’s Choice FP-10 Lubricant Elite. It is a powerful cleaner that quickly removes various fouling, such as carbon, lead, and powder. Plus, the cleaner can also minimize wear and fiction and delivers a protective coat to the firearm that shields it from rust and corrosion. 

Moreover, cleaning brushes are included in the kit; they are marked with caliber sizes, so you will quickly get what you need. Of course, the brushes are built from quality materials to deliver durability and functionality. Meanwhile, there are also cleaning components, such as patch savers, 8/32” connector, slotted tips included in the set to make your firearm cleaning experience more at ease. 

Interestingly, you can also get a chamber flag to clean more conveniently. You can say goodbye to your frustration in cleaning the bore because the chamber flag illuminates it to give you more access and a better view of the bore. Thanks to the obstruction remover, you can easily pull out tiny dirt, such as snow and mud, that is too hard and stubborn for brushes. 

On the other hand, the T-handle sustains quick attachment to the aircraft-grade aluminum cable. That’s why you will be more comfortable when cleaning. As a bonus, the Otis Tactical Cleaning System offers an instruction manual for beginners. It is useful for you as you won’t be confused while cleaning. 

Besides those tools, you will also like the compact soft case design that allows you to bring the kit to any outdoor shooting adventure effortlessly. Therefore, if you have a wide collection of firearms, having the Otis Tactical Cleaning System as a starter on-the-go kit will benefit you. 

Final Thoughts

There you go! You have discovered the AR cleaning tools that go with AR cleaning kits and other best AR cleaning tools to own. Hopefully, you can get started with them to achieve a comfortable and efficient AR cleaning experience. After all, you must do regular AR cleaning, so you must have the best AR cleaning tools that can help you do your work at ease and more effectively. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the best frequently asked questions regarding AR cleaning and the AR cleaning tools. So, if you happen to have other questions regarding the topic, you can see them below for you to learn more: