Otis Singleton
If you're tired of spending hours scrubbing your rifle clean, an electric bore cleaner might be the solution to your problems. Electric bore cleaners are a type of equipment that can be used to remove metal fouling from gun bores. The commercial equivalent of this equipment can cost anywhere from $70 to $130. However, with the right parts, you can easily build your own electric bore cleaner at home for less than $10. In this article, we will explore the process of building an electric bore cleaner, the necessary parts, and the step-by-step instructions to get you started.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken | 30-45 minutes |
| Power source | 2 D-cell batteries or 3v 500mA AC-to-DC power supply |
| Voltage | 5 volts or lower |
| Ingredients | Steel rod, rubber stopper, ammonia, vinegar, water, small tapered rubber plugs, bronze brush, etc. |
| Cost | $10 |
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What You'll Learn
Using a flashlight
To build the electric bore cleaner, you will need to strip and wrap the ends of the speaker wire to connect the flashlight to the bore. Make sure you have a good funnel to minimise leakage out of the bore. You can use a rubber bore plug to seal the chamber, and drill a hole in it to locate the rod in the centre of the bore. Use a steel rod, such as a stainless steel cleaning rod, and small O-rings to allow the fluid to pass by and fill the bore easily. You can purchase these O-rings from hardware stores like Lowes.
Before using your electric bore cleaner, make sure to clean your gun with a wet patch and a dry patch to remove any existing residue. It is also important to remove any oxidation from the rod for better operation, which can be done with sandpaper or steel wool. Additionally, always use a bucket to catch the fluid and residue that comes out of the bore during the cleaning process. This process can take some time, usually around 30-45 minutes, and it is important not to leave the electric bore cleaner hooked up to your rifle for longer periods of time to avoid potential bore damage.
After using the electric bore cleaner, it is important to clean the bore with water, especially if you have used ammonia or vinegar as part of the cleaning process. These substances can etch the steel if left on for too long, so be cautious and always clean the bore afterwards. Additionally, make sure to clean your gun regularly, at least every 6 months to 1 year, to maintain its condition and performance.
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Power sources
One option is to use a common 2 D-cell flashlight as the power source. This can be achieved by soldering wires to the flashlight, one on the negative spring and another on the light bulb screw plate. The wires can then be stripped and wrapped where needed. This setup allows for a powerful and fast cleaning process, but it is recommended to limit the operation to no more than 40-45 minutes to avoid potential bore damage.
Another option is to use a wall charger or cell phone charger with a voltage between 6 and 9 volts. Exceeding this voltage range may result in etching of the metal. To use a charger as a power source, cut off the end of the wire that attaches to the device and strip the insulation to expose the copper wire. Identify the negative and positive wires for proper connection.
Some builders opt for a more versatile approach by setting up their electric bore cleaner to run on two separate power sources. This can include a combination of 2 D-cell batteries and a 3v 500mA AC-to-DC power supply, with a toggle switch to select the desired power source. This provides flexibility and allows the user to choose the most convenient option for their specific needs.
It is important to note that voltage requirements should be carefully considered to avoid potential damage to the bore. While higher voltages may provide faster results, they can also carry risks. Therefore, it is generally recommended to stay within the safe range of 6 to 9 volts for wall or phone chargers.
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Electrochemistry
The electrochemical bore cleaning process involves using an aqueous ammonia solution and an auxiliary metal electrode to remove metal fouling from the bore of a firearm. The bore is first filled with the ammonia solution, and then the electrode is inserted and allowed to stand for several hours. During this time, the metal fouling undergoes chemical oxidation and dissolves. This process is known as electrochemical oxidation, and it occurs when a direct current is applied in the presence of certain electrolytic solutions.
The electrochemical reaction specifically targets metal deposits, such as copper fouling, and dissolves them without affecting the ferrous base metal of the bore. This selective process ensures that the bore is cleaned effectively while preserving its structural integrity. Once the reaction is complete, the bore is then typically brushed and swabbed to remove any remaining residue.
One of the key advantages of the electrochemical bore cleaning method is its ability to rapidly and effectively remove metal fouling. Traditional cleaning methods often require days of soaking, scrubbing, and patching to eliminate copper fouling from the bore. In contrast, the electrochemical process can achieve the same result in a fraction of the time, with some users reporting success within 40 to 45 minutes.
The setup for electrochemical bore cleaning is relatively simple and can be created with commonly available materials. For example, a D-cell flashlight, wire, steel rod, electric tape, and a rubber stopper can be used to create a circuit. Additionally, a mixture of ammonia-based window cleaner and white vinegar can be introduced to facilitate the electrochemical reaction.
It is important to note that while electrochemical bore cleaning can be highly effective, it should not be left unattended for extended periods. Some users have cautioned against leaving the electric bore cleaner hooked up to a rifle for an entire day, as it could potentially cause bore damage. Therefore, it is recommended to follow instructions and maintain supervision during the cleaning process.
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Voltage requirements
The voltage requirements for an electric bore cleaner vary depending on the type of power source used. Some people use 2 D-cell batteries, while others use an AC-to-DC power supply. The voltage for the batteries is typically around 3 volts, with some people suggesting 2.5 volts or even 1.5 volts to be safer and avoid damaging the rifle. However, one person used a wall charger with a voltage between 6 and 9 volts, cautioning that anything more than 9 volts may cause the metal to become etched.
It is important to note that using a higher voltage for a longer period of time can also damage the rifle. Most people recommend using the electric bore cleaner for no more than 30-45 minutes at a time. This is enough time to effectively remove copper fouling and powder residue from the barrel.
The voltage requirements are crucial to ensuring the safe and effective use of an electric bore cleaner. It is always advisable to start with a lower voltage and adjust as needed, rather than risk damaging the rifle with a higher voltage.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the voltage requirements may vary depending on the specific type of rifle and the severity of the fouling. Some rifles with heavier fouling may require a slightly higher voltage to effectively remove all the residue. However, it is always recommended to exercise caution and start with a lower voltage to avoid any potential damage to the rifle.
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Electrolytic cleaning
To build an electric bore cleaner for electrolytic cleaning, you will need the following components:
- A power source: This can be a wall charger, such as a cell phone charger, or batteries, such as 2 D-cell batteries. The voltage should be between 6 and 9 volts, and it is important to ensure that the current is low to avoid damaging the bore.
- An electrolyte solution: This can be made using household ammonia, vinegar, and water, or baking soda and water. It is important to use the correct polarity connections when wiring the circuit to avoid damaging the bore. The negative side of the circuit should be attached to the bore, and the positive side to the steel rod that runs down the bore.
- A steel rod: This will serve as the anode and should be thin enough to fit down the bore of the firearm, such as a 3/16" or 1/8" steel rod.
- A rubber bore plug: This is used to seal the chamber of the firearm and should be small enough to fit snugly.
- Wire: Speaker wire or any other type of wire can be used to connect the components.
Once you have assembled the components, you can begin the electrolytic cleaning process. Place the steel rod down the bore of the firearm and secure it in place with the rubber bore plug. Connect the negative side of the power source to the bore and the positive side to the steel rod. Fill the bore with the electrolyte solution and turn on the power source. The electrolysis process will begin, and you will see bubbles and foam forming as the fouling is removed. It is important to monitor the process and not leave the electric bore cleaner running for too long to avoid damaging the bore. After cleaning, dump the contents into a bucket and clean the bore with water to remove any remaining electrolyte solution.
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Frequently asked questions
An electric bore cleaner is a device used to clean the bore of a firearm. It works by using electricity to create a chemical reaction that removes metal fouling from the bore.
You will need a power source, such as batteries or a wall charger, a steel rod, rubber plugs, ammonia, vinegar, water, electrical tape, and a container to catch the fluid.
First, the chamber end of the bore is plugged. Then, the barrel is filled with an ammonia solution and an auxiliary metal electrode. The electric current is applied, and the metal fouling is chemically oxidized and dissolved. Finally, the bore is brushed and swabbed as usual.
It is recommended to run the electric bore cleaner for no more than 30-45 minutes at a time.
It is important to use caution when working with electricity and chemicals. Make sure to use the correct voltage to avoid damaging the metal. Also, be sure to clean the bore with water after using ammonia or vinegar to avoid etching the steel.
