Want to know the right way to clean and maintain your AR-15? In this comprehensive Brownells Tech Tip, Caleb walks through both a basic field cleaning and a detailed maintenance procedure that covers every major component of the rifle.
Starting with a simple field strip, Caleb explains how to clean the upper receiver, barrel, chamber, lower receiver, bolt carrier group, and buffer system while also demonstrating several specialty tools that make the process faster and easier. He also discusses common wear items, when to replace springs and small parts, how to inspect critical components for damage, and proper lubrication techniques to keep your AR-15 running reliably.
Whether you’re cleaning your first AR-15 or performing routine preventive maintenance on a hard-use rifle, this guide covers everything you need to know to keep your rifle functioning at its best.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:15 Field Cleaning vs. Detailed Maintenance
01:01 Specialty Cleaning Tools
01:41 Safe Field Strip
02:30 Removing the Buffer and Spring
04:42 Bolt Carrier Group Disassembly
06:56 Removing the Extractor
09:33 Cleaning the Upper Receiver
16:31 Cleaning the Barrel
22:49 Cleaning the Chamber
29:04 Cleaning the Suppressor Mount
32:32 Cleaning the Lower Receiver
38:19 Cleaning the Bolt Carrier
49:11 Cleaning the Bolt
57:34 Extractor Inspection and Spring Components
01:01:02 Cleaning the Firing Pin and Small Parts
01:03:24 Removing and Cleaning the Ejector
01:08:47 Bolt Carrier Group Reassembly
01:12:30 Detailed Trigger Group Cleaning
01:22:40 Lubricating the AR-15
01:28:45 Gas Ring Inspection
01:31:02 Replacing Springs and Wear Parts
01:34:55 Final Reassembly
01:37:20 Function Check
01:39:10 Final Thoughts
Products Featured
• Brownells Breech Tool
• Brownells Bolt Carrier Scraper
• Brownells Bolt Tail Scraper
• Brownells Needle Oiler Bottles
• Brownells Torque Wrench
• Brownells Bench Block
• Starrett Punch Set
• Dewey Cleaning Rod
• KG Copper Remover
• KG Carbon Remover
• Hoppe’s No. 9
• Rem Oil
• Slip 2000 Lubricant
• Geissele Super 42 Buffer Spring
• Geissele SSA-E X Lightning Bow Trigger
A clean AR-15 is a reliable AR-15, but it doesn’t have to be spotless. Caleb explains where carbon actually matters, which areas deserve the most attention, and how to avoid over-cleaning while still keeping your rifle dependable. You’ll also learn how to inspect common wear items, maintain suppressor mounts, and properly lubricate critical components for maximum reliability.
Have questions about AR-15 maintenance, cleaning supplies, or replacement parts? Leave a comment below or contact the Brownells Tech Line. We’re always happy to help.
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If you ever need to clean in the buffer tube… you can take two cleaning rods screwed together and a rag. You just wad up the rag and then like a cannon ram it down the buffer tube. It helps if you leave a trailing end of the rag left out so you can easily pull it out.
Q tips or Cotton Tipped Applicators should be in every cleaning kit. They’re invaluable for cleaning. You’ll go through a half dozen or more when doing a cleaning. A box of Pipe Cleaners can be useful too.
Appreciate you folks! 🤝
If you wrap your patch around the small side of the General Purpose Cleaning Brush… you’ll have an easier time in getting around the gas tube inside of the upper receiver. The large side isn’t really shaped small enough to fit. I’ve found the threaded part of a cleaning rod works fine too. If you’re just using the patch and rod. Patch pushed by the end of the threaded rod (like the end of mop head on a wooden stick) to squeegee it around to soak up oil and grime. It works well in that confined space around the gas tube. Great video. Many thanks.
This was an AWESOME video! I feel more confident that I can do the proper cleaning for my AR-15. Thanks!
Hello from Arizona
It be cool if you make a copy of the knights armament quad rail for the hk33/93
My favorite type of videos, always worth the watch. Learned a few things too! Happy Friday! 😁
Bro, I can’t believe you let your rifle get that dirty
More bad advice from Caleb! Use a bore guild. Don't use a brush on the inside of the barrel! Use a bore mop. Don't use carbon scrappers! Use gloves! You're also lubing it wrong!!!
Caleb, you can say (4-odd)
It's easier, and quicker.
Possibly cuter.
Awesome, really helpful video guys, thank you! : )
Wear gloves folks. Just a psa, lead poisoning is no bueno.
My takeaway is to make sure you impregnate your caked up bolt carrier group with "oil" 😏
6:40 The bolt is NOT called the bolt carrier group DA!!!
Happy Little Accidents! Great reference!
Next time you should detail cleaning of M1A/M14.
totally enjoyed this video for a muggy Friday am !!!!! best new tool i learned –the MARK BROWN CUSTOM – Gas Tube Gauge !! i now need one !!! out of stock! Thanx Caleb -Semper Fi from the woods of Maine !