Bore Snake Cleaning

[Abraham]

I think after using a bore snake it becomes fouled and will spread gunk rather than remove it if it isn't clean.

So, what to do?

I fill a bucket with dish soap and water, put the bore snake in it and agitate.

Empty water, fill with fresh, agitate.

Do it once again.

Hang to dry.

What do you do to clean your bore snake?

...and no snickering...

[Beiruty]

Same as you do. Use hot water and if you have a small laundry washer, throw it there alone.

[Jusme]

I think after using a bore snake it becomes fouled and will spread gunk rather than remove it if it isn't clean.

So, what to do?

I fill a bucket with dish soap and water, put the bore snake in it and agitate.

Empty water, fill with fresh, agitate.

Do it once again.

Hang to dry.

What do you do to clean your bore snake?

...and no snickering...

Pretty much the same thing I soak the whole thing down in dish soap, agitate by hand, then wash rinse repeat a couple of times. I've heard of people putting them in the dishwasher, but Mrs. Jusme said "that ain't happenin' in her dishwasher!!

[bblhd672]

Bought a "delicates" wash bag that is different than the wife's (don't want to mess hers up!), put the Bore Snake in it, thrown in washer, delicate and small load setting, enough detergent to make the water soapy. Let is soak for 15-30 minutes and then run it through the cycle. Remove from wash bag, press out any excess water from brushes toward the ends and hang to dry.

If the washer isn't available I'd do the hand wash as noted above.

[Skiprr]

Pretty much same as above. I actually use Otis's "Ripcord" more often now than my Hoppe's Bore Snakes. The Ripcord doesn't have metal brushes, and has a rubberized core and a Nomex cover. For those reasons it's also easier to clean when it starts to get gummy. But same thing: warm soap and water; rinse thoroughly; air dry thoroughly.

[Scott B.]

I've been trying out some 'DragonTail' brand bore scrubbers. Made from Kevlar fibers, no bristles. So far, I like them, except for the lack of a handle. I use a field expedient screwdriver handle when pulling the 12 gauge snake through a barrel.

Their instructions for cleaning are: luke-warm solution of liquid Dawn and water. 1 tablespoon Dawn to 1 quart water. Immerse, squeeze gently to work soapy water into the woven Kevlar fabric, let stand 1 to 2 hrs. Rinse with luke-warm water, squeeze out excess. Hang to air-dry only. Do not use chlorinated cleaning products. And unique to the Kevlar - avoid UV light as it degrades the fibers (don't put it on the wash-line outdoors).

[TexasJohnBoy]

I have a Panda mini washing machine and spin dryer I used for laundry before I got a full machine. I use that for cleaning it. I wrap it in a small unmatched sock. I clean mine after every use. Of course, I'm getting married in a few months (first marriage, I'm a late bloomer), and I fully expect I'll be losing privileges on the washing machines as she wants to be a homemaker and has a very different version of clean than I do. I'll probably clean it the same way I clean my hats after that: soaking them in a bucket of hot soapy water for a while.

Carve out a room and/or garage/detached shop to call yours. Keep all your cleaning/reloading/etc/other hobbies there. It will help both of you to stay sane

[dlh]

I have a big empty plastic apple-juice bottle I keep in one corner of my shop.

When it is time to clean I put a Boresnake in that, about a tablespoon of Dawn, hot water, and screw on the lid. Then I shake it around for a minute or so and let it sit for about an hour. I then drain it out into a large sink I have in my utility room and rinse the Boresnake with hot water then hang it up with a clothespin in the garage to dry.

Lots of fun and a nice clean Boresnake when done!

[TreyHouston]

I have a big empty plastic apple-juice bottle I keep in one corner of my shop.

When it is time to clean I put a Boresnake in that, about a tablespoon of Dawn, hot water, and screw on the lid. Then I shake it around for a minute or so and let it sit for about an hour. I then drain it out into a large sink I have in my utility room and rinse the Boresnake with hot water then hang it up with a clothespin in the garage to dry.

Lots of fun and a nice clean Boresnake when done!

I like it! I have never thought of cleaning my snake but this looks like the best way!

[Soccerdad1995]

I have a Panda mini washing machine and spin dryer I used for laundry before I got a full machine. I use that for cleaning it. I wrap it in a small unmatched sock. I clean mine after every use. Of course, I'm getting married in a few months (first marriage, I'm a late bloomer), and I fully expect I'll be losing privileges on the washing machines as she wants to be a homemaker and has a very different version of clean than I do. I'll probably clean it the same way I clean my hats after that: soaking them in a bucket of hot soapy water for a while.

Congratulations on your impending nuptials. If your future wife is anything like mine, be ready for things to move around unexpectedly. I can set something on the counter as I walk in the door, and by the time I have grabbed a beer from the fridge, it is suddenly gone, or "put away" to use my wife's lingo.

[Abraham]

Wow, you guys have brought a ton of good information to this subject.

And, there are bore scrubbers on the market I've never heard of that I may give a try.

Some, it would seem, apparently do an even better job on the barrel than the Bore Snake.

Great!