Best general cleaning kit/tool list?

[Alex47]

First post! Hey gang.

Getting into more shooting lately, and I'd like to put together or buy a full, organized kit for cleaning/service. Skeptical of most of the "53+ piece all-purpose" type malarkey found online; in my experience a lot of that type of thing have many junk/low-quality parts whilst lacking some basic tools. I hate crappy tools. I have:

.38 "3 SA revolver
.45acp springfield xd-sa
.22lr 1022 ruger
.308 steyr scout

Assume I'm starting at nothing/building a stand-alone kit. Need everything from brushes to hooks to oil, a good resistant mat. What's your favorite? Whats a good, trustworthy brand? Big plus+ if its organized nicely/a kit/high quality, but happy to DIY a case for myself too.

Thanks,
Alex

 

[Hikingman]

Break Free (CLP in spray can)
Q-Tips
100% Cotton T-shirt
(cut shirt into patches)
Rig Rag
Gun grease

 

[Alex47]

Thanks for the recommendations! I've got some frog lube products, a ragged toothbrush, and some rags that have been working pretty well so far but always keen on what else is out there. I'm mainly wondering on cleaning rods/bore brushes and the like. I'm sure eventually those barrels need to be cleaned...especially the .22/.308.

 

[John Joseph]

An old tooth brush is good. Well laundered cloth diapers for wiping down are good too (no lint left behind!)

Down to basics---
Silicone bronze bore brushes of the correct size
Patch loops and/or jags---your choice (plastic works good)
Wool mops of the correct size(put an oily patch over this and run down the bore----the mop will push the oily patch into the rifling to leave a protective coat
Patches---cotton flannel with a good "bite" are best---look for GI surplus. Cut up Oxford cloth or pillow ticking works good too.
Cleaning rods---lots of personal preference with these---I personally like the old aluminum Outers with bulbous black plastic handle with ball bearings while others may not, Does it matter? Probably not but the old Outers (not the current ones ) do hold up better for me.
Bore snakes are convenient when used on warm barrels at the range--- they'll shorten the time and amount of patches needed for a proper cleaning later on at home---especially on firearms that cannot be cleaned from the breech with a standard cleaning rod.
An oversized bronze brush to clean the chambers on semi autos
A rifling protector thingy to keep your cleaning rod straight in the bore so you don't mess up the rifling when cleaning rifles.

Nitro-solvent---if you have a plastic gun make sure the solvent won't attack the plastic!
Oil---fine light oil---lockwork is more like a watch than a diesel engine
Grease where applicable---check the owner's manual/manufacturer's recommendations
Wax---for wood stocks.

 

[Ramone]

I find these to be excellent for use instead of q tips for cleaning purposes:

https://www.amazon.com/Swisspers-Premium-Cosmetic-Applicators-80/dp/B00JQ8ZQYM

 

[bearcreek]

Thanks for the recommendations! I've got some frog lube products, a ragged toothbrush, and some rags that have been working pretty well so far but always keen on what else is out there. I'm mainly wondering on cleaning rods/bore brushes and the like. I'm sure eventually those barrels need to be cleaned...especially the .22/.308.

Frog Lube is basically coconut oil, just FYI. I would recommend against using it on firearms. I like Otis cleaning products but there's really no need to over think it. Any straight aluminum or brass cleaning rod that'll fit down the bore will do. Some old t shirts or sheets, some CLP and engine, transmission or gun oil of your choice and you're all set. Resist the urge to clean the gun too often.

 

[Mark1964]

Everybody develops preferences over time. Personally, I go DIY.
Re rods, brushes, jags and the like ... I'd suggest checking into some companies with very good reputations for quality products such as Pro Shot, Bore Tech, Tipton, Dewey's, etc.

 

[TonyAngel]

Frog Lube is basically coconut oil, just FYI. I would recommend against using it on firearms. I like Otis cleaning products but there's really no need to over think it. Any straight aluminum or brass cleaning rod that'll fit down the bore will do. Some old t shirts or sheets, some CLP and engine, transmission or gun oil of your choice and you're all set. Resist the urge to clean the gun too often.

I agree on the Frog Lube. I bought a bottle (almost $20) and what a waste. The stuff actually evaporates. No good for a semi auto anything. For lube, I use Slip 2000. It's a synthetic and non toxic. It doesn't evaporate or cook off either.

I don't use solvents. Not unless I'm having a particular problem, which is very rarely do.

 

[herrwalther]

I spent large segments of my life cleaning weapons with nothing more than a segmented cleaning rod, chamber brush, bore brush, double ended toothbrush, CLP, and an old shirt as a rag. In your case you would need at least 3 bore brushes. I prefer rods to flex cables, either will work fine depending on your preference.

Here is a good starting kit. Add some oil, long rod/cable for the 10/22 and Scout, and a mat.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1014938176?pid=890746

 

[Walkalong]

I like Gunzilla for handguns, when I clean them. Most anything will do.

Get a good one piece coated cleaning rod for the rifle, with a good bore guide.

I am using Tactical Advantage bore cleaner at present time, and like it, but many things work well.

 

[sparkyv]

Good ole Hoppes #9, t-shirt rag and patches, cleaning rod, jags/loops, brass brushes, q-tips and a toothbrush takes care of 90% of my gun cleaning needs. Some oil and grease for lubing up and Bob's your uncle.

there's really no need to over think it.

I agree:

Skeptical of most of the "53+ piece all-purpose" type malarkey found online; in my experience a lot of that type of thing have many junk/low-quality parts whilst lacking some basic tools.

 

[Bama59]

I just have 9mm and .38 spl so use about the same , I started with a cheap kit and threw it away . I have Dewy loop , Tipton jags and bore brushes ,HD cotton patches .
Hoppes9 and Rem oil seems to work best on my stainless and CLP on polymer. Don't shoot shotguns that much use cut up t shirt and wood dowel.

 

[Paul R Zartman]

Break Free (CLP in spray can)
Q-Tips
100% Cotton T-shirt
(cut shirt into patches)
Rig Rag
Gun grease

X2...but not just any Q tip, go to the makeup aisle and get the ones that are stiffer cotton, pointed on one end and round and flatter on the other......yea, so what, I do spend a little time in the makeup isle...SORRY...

The dreamy red lipstick with sparkles is kinda cool too...
Looking thru my gun kit, there's alot of brushes, tools and gadgets that came from the makeup isle...or the wife's bag...