Cleaning/Maintenance Tools?

converse; I've been looking at the various tools used by forum members for cleaning and maintaining their M14/M1A's and have some questions that I am hoping I can get some help with.

So far I've only used a bore snake, patches and q-tips but want to invest in the right tools for the job of cleaning and maintaining my M1A. Just want to make sure I get the right tools and also avoid buying duplicate tools in different forms.

Apologies in advance if some of these questions are elementary just don't know much about this stuff.

For cleaning kits I've looked at:
1. G.I Cleaning Kits. Seem to be some variations based on time period. Is there one version that is better than others?
2. Otis kit.
I notice some folks have both. Is it necessary?

Other cleaning/maintainance tools:
1. Carbon Scrapers. Makes sense to me. Probably need a set right?
2. Gas Cylinder Lock. Seems like a must-have.
3. BAD-1 tool. Looks super handy but pricey. Do I need one?
4. G.I. or aftermarket Bolt Disassembly tool. Is this a necessary tool to disassemble the bolt? Is one better than the other

Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions.


converse

The butt stock c.kit is good, in addition a good pull through makes an adequate back up, and for home cleaning, a full length one piece rod works well. As for bolt disassembly, I'm sure someone out there can explain the field expedient procedure better than I can, that's done with the bolt still in the rifle. I do feel it is a must know. Hope this helps.

Phinehas

I use

• A standard GI cleaning kit
• A .308 caliber bore snake
• Dewey, nylon coated, one piece cleaning rod
• Sadlak carbon removal tools
• Sadlak gas cylinder wrench
• 3/8" box end wrench
• Several nylon brushes for the cleaning rod. 12ga shotgun (for cleaning the gas cylinder), .338 caliber, .308 caliber, and .270 caliber.
• Bolt roller greasing tool

I use the snake for field cleaning. I have the GI kit mainly for clearing the bore of obstructions (the heavy metal cleaning rod is the strongest I know of) and the combination tool. My Dewey rod is my first choice for bore cleaning because it has the nylon coating and it will not damage the bore as easily.

I disassemble the bolt with the GI combination tool that is included with the standard cleaning kit. One suggestion, when you take the bolt apart put your hands and the bolt in to a gallon sized plastic freezer bag if you are concerned with parts getting away from you (the ejector is infamous for flying out of control).

The BAD tool is nice but not necessary, the combination tool, a pin punch, and a screwdriver will pretty much do everything it does. If you have the money the BAD T1 would be a convenient combination tool but it's not a requirement.

Gas cylinder lock? I'm not sure what you are referring to. If you mean a gas cylinder lock wrench, then no, it's not a requirement but it sure makes it easier to get the gas cylinder plug off or on. I recommend getting one.

An alternative method for extractor removal and bolt disassembly is to place a fired .30-06 in the chamber of your M14 and release the bolt on to the rim of the casing. The extractor can then be drifted out from the underside of the mag well. Be careful when opening the bolt so the ejector doesn't go flying.

In my cleaing kit I have USGI combo tool, carbon drills, bolt roller greaser (a cutdown .45 ACP casing can be used for this), Otis pull through cleaning kit (for field use), a solid rod (bench use), cleaning rod guide (fits over the FH, a fired 12 ga. hull can be adapted for this), a bolt disassembly tool (USGI tool/.30-06 casing method can be used as an alternative) and good old Lubriplate 130A grease.

Optional tools include FH castle nut wrench, gas cylinder wrench (a large crescent wrench works for this), handguard clip removal/install tool, there's a little shuttle that used to be available that drops into the chamber area that prevents the bolt from closing and cleaning fluids out of the action. That's all the I can think of off the top of my head and without looking in my gear box............

Folks, there is one more item that I almost never see included in these kits because it is not really a cleaning device. I learned from Bill Ricca that these were initially called "Separated Cartridge Extractors" and were always known as "Ruptured Cartridge Extractors" from the time I came on active duty in 1971.

There were two types issued for the M1 Garand and one type for the M14. The M1 type that chambers like a cartridge is the handiest because you can use them on both Garands and M14's. After you chamber it, you put the buttstock on the ground and stomp the op rod handle to the rear and the ruptured case will come right out. I have NEVER seen a ruptured cartridge case that would not come out of an M1 or M14 with these. When I "walked the line" as both a Standard Infantry Weapons Repairman and as a Rifle Team Equipment Repairman (NM Armorer) I ALWAYS had one of these in my pockets somewhere. Most of the time I had to use them was with reloaded ammo, but I have seen it necessary for some foreign surplus stuff. Consider one of these as super cheap insurance. You may never need it or only need it a few times in many years, but without it, your day at the range is over and you can't fire your rifle until you get one and get a ruptured case out.

From Bill Ricca's site, here is the one I'm referring to:

A13 Separated Case Extractor, Mk II, chambers
like cartridge.................................................... $12.00

http://www.billricca.com/m1_m14.htm

Edited to add: Should you ever function fire an M14 with a .30-40 Krag round, I guarantee you will need one of these.

I also bought a different, but similar ruptured case extractor for 7.62X39mm Soviet when I had an SKS. Never needed it for my rifle, but I used it a handful of times to clear the rifles for other folks. That cartridge is enough shorter you really need the correct tool for that cartridge.