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Posted: 4/6/2015 9:04:08 AM EDT
[Last Edit: HeavyMetal]
I'm kind of particular about keeping things clean, and the gas tube on my MAK 90 keeps giving me carbon. I've used a 12 gauge brush, and a couple of different cleaners, and its still dirty...

Title edited to slow down the active posties-HM
Link Posted: 4/6/2015 10:09:36 AM EDT
[#1]
Link Posted: 4/6/2015 10:39:22 AM EDT
[#2]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By KILLERB6:
C Killer.
View Quote

Thanks...
Link Posted: 4/6/2015 12:27:10 PM EDT
[#3]
I haven't actually cleaned my gas tube, but in a Hickok video I think he mentioned using one of those pipe cleaners
Link Posted: 4/6/2015 5:09:31 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Him] [#4]
One does not clean one's gas tube.

50,000 psi, incandescent gas does a really nice job of that.

Keep foreign objects the fuck out of your gas tube, otherwise you will be back here asking us how to remove them.

Your gas tube is a lot like your urethra ... better left alone.
Link Posted: 4/7/2015 7:12:58 AM EDT
[Last Edit: HeavyMetal] [#5]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Him:
One does not clean one's gas tube.

50,000 psi, incandescent gas does a really nice job of that.

Keep foreign objects the fuck out of your gas tube, otherwise you will be back here asking us how to remove them.

Your gas tube is a lot like your urethra ... better left alone.
View Quote


Except this is the AK Forum and OP is asking about an AK gas tube; much different than an AR gas tube.



HM:NVM-Wrong Button
Link Posted: 4/7/2015 7:55:36 AM EDT
[#6]
Originally Posted By Cop_out:
I'm kind of particular about keeping things clean, and the gas tube on my MAK 90 keeps giving me carbon. I've used a 12 gauge brush, and a couple of different cleaners, and its still dirty...
View Quote


20 gauge shotgun mop brush and some Hoppes #9
Link Posted: 4/7/2015 11:27:31 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Him] [#7]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By KILLERB6:


Except this is the AK Forum and OP is asking about an AK gas tube; much different than an AR gas tube.
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By KILLERB6:
Originally Posted By Him:
One does not clean one's gas tube.

50,000 psi, incandescent gas does a really nice job of that.

Keep foreign objects the fuck out of your gas tube, otherwise you will be back here asking us how to remove them.

Your gas tube is a lot like your urethra ... better left alone.


Except this is the AK Forum and OP is asking about an AK gas tube; much different than an AR gas tube.


OOPS! I guess reading is still fundamental.

Color me profoundly embarrassed.

+1 for 20 gauge mop.

Link Posted: 4/7/2015 1:28:23 PM EDT
[#8]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Him:


OOPS! I guess reading is still fundamental.

Color me profoundly embarrassed.

+1 for 20 gauge mop.

View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Him:
Originally Posted By KILLERB6:
Originally Posted By Him:
One does not clean one's gas tube.

50,000 psi, incandescent gas does a really nice job of that.

Keep foreign objects the fuck out of your gas tube, otherwise you will be back here asking us how to remove them.

Your gas tube is a lot like your urethra ... better left alone.


Except this is the AK Forum and OP is asking about an AK gas tube; much different than an AR gas tube.


OOPS! I guess reading is still fundamental.

Color me profoundly embarrassed.

+1 for 20 gauge mop.



FWIW, you're right...for AR gas tubes!!! [no worries]
Link Posted: 4/7/2015 6:48:48 PM EDT
[#9]
Thanks. I used some foaming cleaner, and a mop. Took some time, but its good to go now.
Link Posted: 4/19/2015 5:59:06 PM EDT
[#10]
Shotgun mop
Link Posted: 5/13/2015 7:57:50 PM EDT
[#11]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By KILLERB6:


FWIW, you're right...for AR gas tubes!!! [no worries]
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By KILLERB6:
Originally Posted By Him:
Originally Posted By KILLERB6:
Originally Posted By Him:
One does not clean one's gas tube.

50,000 psi, incandescent gas does a really nice job of that.

Keep foreign objects the fuck out of your gas tube, otherwise you will be back here asking us how to remove them.

Your gas tube is a lot like your urethra ... better left alone.


Except this is the AK Forum and OP is asking about an AK gas tube; much different than an AR gas tube.


OOPS! I guess reading is still fundamental.

Color me profoundly embarrassed.

+1 for 20 gauge mop.



FWIW, you're right...for AR gas tubes!!! [no worries]


Regardless that was a hgreat post ha ha!
Link Posted: 5/20/2015 12:32:17 PM EDT
[#12]
Link Posted: 7/4/2015 6:01:09 PM EDT
[#13]
Good old Hoppies and a shotgun brush.
Link Posted: 8/16/2015 9:59:01 PM EDT
[#14]
Hoppes as mentioned but windex has always been my friend to. Just run patches down it until your patch comes out clean.
Link Posted: 8/17/2015 12:13:15 AM EDT
[#15]
I always use a shotgun brush as well.
Link Posted: 8/17/2015 12:17:32 AM EDT
[#16]
Link Posted: 8/26/2015 3:31:49 PM EDT
[#17]
+1 on the shotgun mop
Link Posted: 1/17/2016 10:47:00 PM EDT
[#18]
I just wod up some paper towels or a small rag and push it through with the ram rod.  The only cleaner I use is Breakfree CLP.
Link Posted: 1/18/2016 1:00:35 PM EDT
[#19]
Link Posted: 1/22/2016 10:02:37 AM EDT
[#20]
Clean the gas tube?

Not sure its needed.
Link Posted: 1/22/2016 12:35:42 PM EDT
[#21]
Link Posted: 2/6/2016 1:04:05 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Docduracoat] [#22]
I have been shooting my Chinese milled under folder for 25 years, running at least 1,000 rounds per year thru it.
Usually way more than that.
I clean it every single time I shoot it.
I have never felt any need to clean the gas tube.
still works perfectly
I am living proof that you do not need to clean the gas tube
Link Posted: 2/6/2016 1:24:29 PM EDT
[#23]

Here is a photo of my Chinese under folder after I painted it with duracoat in an urban digital  pattern
I will admit that after I painted it, I  took the little scraper tool that came in the original cleaning kit and twirled it in the gas port drilled in the barrell.
That was 5 years ago, never did it again.
It seems to have had no effect, still runs the same...perfectly.
I have slowed down shooting it now that my wife bought me an Arsenal ( it is painted in duracoat in a tiger stripe pattern)
I still clean the gun after every time I shoot.
Never clean your gas tube.
It is not necessary.
Link Posted: 2/6/2016 5:17:28 PM EDT
[#24]
Originally Posted By Docduracoat:
<a href="http://s1314.photobucket.com/user/Docduracoat/media/Docduracoats%20work/photo_zps4531c3bd.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i1314.photobucket.com/albums/t571/Docduracoat/Docduracoats%20work/photo_zps4531c3bd.jpg</a>
Here is a photo of my Chinese under folder after I painted it with duracoat in an urban digital  pattern
I will admit that after I painted it, I  took the little scraper tool that came in the original cleaning kit and twirled it in the gas port drilled in the barrell.
That was 5 years ago, never did it again.
It seems to have had no effect, still runs the same...perfectly.
I have slowed down shooting it now that my wife bought me an Arsenal ( it is painted in duracoat in a tiger stripe pattern)
I still clean the gun after every time I shoot.
Never clean your gas tube.
It is not necessary.
View Quote


Moisture can accumulate in the gas tube just from shooting in high humidity. Happens to me almost every time I shoot in the rain.

It DOES need to be cleaned, but depends on your ammo and environment.

For cleaning I simply use a 12-ga brush and then push a paper towel through it with the gas piston.
Link Posted: 2/10/2016 2:40:43 PM EDT
[#25]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By HeavyMetal:



Yes it is, please read the thread prior to commenting.
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Originally Posted By HeavyMetal:
Originally Posted By apr67:
Clean the gas tube?

Not sure its needed.



Yes it is, please read the thread prior to commenting.



I read the thread, I still see no need to clean it.
Link Posted: 2/10/2016 4:03:12 PM EDT
[#26]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By apr67:



I read the thread, I still see no need to clean it.
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By apr67:
Originally Posted By HeavyMetal:
Originally Posted By apr67:
Clean the gas tube?

Not sure its needed.



Yes it is, please read the thread prior to commenting.



I read the thread, I still see no need to clean it.


Why clean any of the AK then?

My gas tube is pitted, I'm sure from corrosive ammo used in its previous life.

You never clean an AR gas tube may be where some opinions are coming from.

I clean mine "because it's there".



Link Posted: 2/10/2016 7:32:22 PM EDT
[#27]
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 12:12:21 PM EDT
[#28]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By 4356:


Why clean any of the AK then?

My gas tube is pitted, I'm sure from corrosive ammo used in its previous life.

You never clean an AR gas tube may be where some opinions are coming from.

I clean mine "because it's there".



View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By 4356:
Originally Posted By apr67:
Originally Posted By HeavyMetal:
Originally Posted By apr67:
Clean the gas tube?

Not sure its needed.



Yes it is, please read the thread prior to commenting.



I read the thread, I still see no need to clean it.


Why clean any of the AK then?

My gas tube is pitted, I'm sure from corrosive ammo used in its previous life.

You never clean an AR gas tube may be where some opinions are coming from.

I clean mine "because it's there".





Corrosive ammo is a totally different factor.

Sure if you are shooting corrosive you have to clean it, and just about everything else like the outside of the gas tube, the gas block, the dust cover,  that you might not normally worry about.

On the other hand with non-corrosive ammo, I see a minor layer of black carbon in the tube and that's about it.  Its not  a precision fit device that is going to be hampered by a bit of carbon.  Other parts of the AK are much closer fits and ergo are impacted by dirt and carbon and it will affect function.  For example a really dirty bolt can slow the firing pin down causing FTF's.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 7:22:17 PM EDT
[#29]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By apr67:


Corrosive ammo is a totally different factor.

Sure if you are shooting corrosive you have to clean it, and just about everything else like the outside of the gas tube, the gas block, the dust cover,  that you might not normally worry about.

On the other hand with non-corrosive ammo, I see a minor layer of black carbon in the tube and that's about it.  Its not  a precision fit device that is going to be hampered by a bit of carbon.  Other parts of the AK are much closer fits and ergo are impacted by dirt and carbon and it will affect function.  For example a really dirty bolt can slow the firing pin down causing FTF's.
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By apr67:
Originally Posted By 4356:
Originally Posted By apr67:
Originally Posted By HeavyMetal:
Originally Posted By apr67:
Clean the gas tube?

Not sure its needed.



Yes it is, please read the thread prior to commenting.



I read the thread, I still see no need to clean it.


Why clean any of the AK then?

My gas tube is pitted, I'm sure from corrosive ammo used in its previous life.

You never clean an AR gas tube may be where some opinions are coming from.

I clean mine "because it's there".





Corrosive ammo is a totally different factor.

Sure if you are shooting corrosive you have to clean it, and just about everything else like the outside of the gas tube, the gas block, the dust cover,  that you might not normally worry about.

On the other hand with non-corrosive ammo, I see a minor layer of black carbon in the tube and that's about it.  Its not  a precision fit device that is going to be hampered by a bit of carbon.  Other parts of the AK are much closer fits and ergo are impacted by dirt and carbon and it will affect function.  For example a really dirty bolt can slow the firing pin down causing FTF's.



Carbon build-up is granular and can retain moisture, leading to rust, even with non-corrosive ammo.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 7:33:17 PM EDT
[#30]
I just use Hoppes #9 and patches.  I don't worry about getting it spotless either. I do it every other trip and
if I don't get to it, no biggie.
Link Posted: 2/15/2016 7:27:11 PM EDT
[#31]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By apr67:


Corrosive ammo is a totally different factor.

Sure if you are shooting corrosive you have to clean it, and just about everything else like the outside of the gas tube, the gas block, the dust cover,  that you might not normally worry about.

On the other hand with non-corrosive ammo, I see a minor layer of black carbon in the tube and that's about it.  Its not  a precision fit device that is going to be hampered by a bit of carbon.  Other parts of the AK are much closer fits and ergo are impacted by dirt and carbon and it will affect function.  For example a really dirty bolt can slow the firing pin down causing FTF's.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By apr67:
Originally Posted By 4356:
Originally Posted By apr67:
Originally Posted By HeavyMetal:
Originally Posted By apr67:
Clean the gas tube?

Not sure its needed.



Yes it is, please read the thread prior to commenting.



I read the thread, I still see no need to clean it.


Why clean any of the AK then?

My gas tube is pitted, I'm sure from corrosive ammo used in its previous life.

You never clean an AR gas tube may be where some opinions are coming from.

I clean mine "because it's there".





Corrosive ammo is a totally different factor.

Sure if you are shooting corrosive you have to clean it, and just about everything else like the outside of the gas tube, the gas block, the dust cover,  that you might not normally worry about.

On the other hand with non-corrosive ammo, I see a minor layer of black carbon in the tube and that's about it.  Its not  a precision fit device that is going to be hampered by a bit of carbon.  Other parts of the AK are much closer fits and ergo are impacted by dirt and carbon and it will affect function.  For example a really dirty bolt can slow the firing pin down causing FTF's.


The deposits soak up moisture is the way I look at it, Im not concerned with function. A few passes with a shotgun brush and patch works for me.

A burst of clp spray in the piston doesn't hurt.
Link Posted: 4/15/2016 9:23:30 PM EDT
[#32]
20 ga. bore brush wrapped in a Otis patch. The brush knocks the carbon off and the patch picks it up and carries it out. A bit of Hoppe's #9 speeds the process along. Gas tube clean.
Link Posted: 4/15/2016 9:26:58 PM EDT
[#33]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Him:
One does not clean one's gas tube.

50,000 psi, incandescent gas does a really nice job of that.

Keep foreign objects the fuck out of your gas tube, otherwise you will be back here asking us how to remove them.

Your gas tube is a lot like your urethra ... better left alone.
View Quote


This.  It's pretty much self cleaning....
Link Posted: 4/15/2016 10:16:51 PM EDT
[#34]
Pew-pew-pew (repete as needed)
Link Posted: 4/15/2016 10:24:09 PM EDT
[#35]
Link Posted: 4/15/2016 10:24:34 PM EDT
[#36]
Link Posted: 11/4/2016 11:25:44 PM EDT
[#37]
Years ago I bought a 9 piece nylon cleaning brush set from Homier. At least 3 of the brushes can be used to easily clean the gas tube. The brush quality was just fine. I bought a second set for only $3.99. I just tried to look for these same brushes but, could not find them on Homier's site. Ebay has the same type of brushes listed. I could be wrong but the prices were around $10 - $13 per set. I absolutely needed to clean the gas tube after firing the Russian ammo I bought at a gun show years ago. The ammo was very corrosive but the muzzle flash at night was miniscule.
Link Posted: 11/10/2016 5:02:45 AM EDT
[#38]
I'm pretty new to AK's. The other day I had my AK on the bench cleaning the bore after a shooting session and for no particular reason took the gas tube off. Noticed one of these hanging on the pegboard behind my bench:

 
 
 One pull of the 20 ga. Boresnake through the tube and it was absolutely spotless. I seriously doubt I'll clean my gas tube much, but the Bore snake is a super easy way.
Link Posted: 11/10/2016 8:15:46 PM EDT
[#39]
I usually spray up in there with an aqueous cleaning solution and then ream it out good with a paper towl. Then lube liberally with CLP.
Link Posted: 3/21/2017 10:33:10 PM EDT
[#40]
Did you wrap a patch around the 12g bronze brush? I usually scrub it with the bronze brush, then use a patch around the bronze brush.
Link Posted: 4/6/2017 6:53:04 AM EDT
[#41]
I'm new to AKs, but I figure why not clean the tube and the gas block.  I spray a bunch of cleaner into the block until it drips out the barrel, and then spray the gun tube.  Let it site a moment and then use a 45 cal brush with two patches wrapped around it.  Snug enough fit to remove all the black crud from the tube.  Takes only a few minutes so I dont mind it.  If I was shooting the gun in a few days maybe I'd just clean and lube the bolt and piston and receiver rails but a "cleaning" for me is each part including the tube and block.
Link Posted: 5/3/2017 4:50:21 AM EDT
[#42]
The countries that issue AK's to their troops teach their soldiers how to properly take care of and clean their AK's. It's right in the field strip to remove the gas tube for cleaning. They made it easy to remove for that purpose and it is why the cleaning kit contains a gas port scraper as well.

You brush out the gas tube and wipe until clean, then lightly oil it.


Only dumb civilian americans who don't care about their weapon would say cleaning the gas tube isn't needed.
Link Posted: 6/12/2017 2:30:17 PM EDT
[#43]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By GrimesSU:
The countries that issue AK's to their troops teach their soldiers how to properly take care of and clean their AK's. It's right in the field strip to remove the gas tube for cleaning. They made it easy to remove for that purpose and it is why the cleaning kit contains a gas port scraper as well.

You brush out the gas tube and wipe until clean, then lightly oil it.


Only dumb civilian americans who don't care about their weapon would say cleaning the gas tube isn't needed.
View Quote
To be fair, many of the countries issuing AKs are also issuing corrosive ammo.........
Link Posted: 9/3/2017 10:21:44 PM EDT
[#44]
After a few thousand rounds I blow it out....

AtotheR
Link Posted: 10/17/2018 1:02:17 AM EDT
[#45]
I keep worn out socks and T-shirts and cut them up for gun cleaning patches. Works well for me.
Link Posted: 10/18/2018 2:11:15 PM EDT
[#46]
Same thing I do with milsurp barrels:  warm to hot water with a brush (.50-cal blackpowder brush on a small rod works magnificently) until the water runs clean out of it, then patches till it's bone dry, then ballistol, wd-40, or some other oil meant to actually get RID of water.  job done.  usually very quickly.
Link Posted: 11/7/2018 12:58:36 AM EDT
[#47]
I have an aluminum ultimak rail/gas tube. How do I keep this non corrosive moisture laden carbon fouling from rusting up my gas tube?
Link Posted: 11/20/2018 11:47:10 PM EDT
[#48]
AKs do not have gas tubes. They have piston tubes.
Link Posted: 11/28/2018 10:16:10 AM EDT
[#49]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By forker:
AKs do not have gas tubes. They have piston tubes.
View Quote
So the chinese put holes in the piston tube so the piston has a nice windowed apartment?

Or are they to vent off gas?
Link Posted: 12/7/2018 9:01:08 PM EDT
[#50]
I swab the tube with Hoppes on a few large patches and then roll up some paper towel that's a tight fit inside the tube and then push it through with a cleaning rod until I can grab the end and finish pulling it through.

Nice and clean after a few passes with tight,  clean,  paper towels.

I used to use 20 gauge bore mops but they got filthy real fast whereas the paper towels are single use.
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