The Best Universal Gun Cleaning Kits (Buying Guide 2022 )
Gun maintenance may often come across as an inconvenience to many – it takes a whole new level of passion for guns for this process to come off as enjoyable. For beginners, cleaning and maintenance can be daunting at first, in addition to its being tiring.
So, what can we do to make this process a tad bit easier for those who need it?
The answer lies in purchasing the best universal gun cleaning kit. These kits, complete with every cleaning tool you could possibly need, are compatible with all types of firearms.
Be it a rifle, pistol, or shotgun of any caliber, these kits have got you covered.
So, can you waltz into a shop and purchase any kit?
Not necessarily. As with any product, the purchase of a gun cleaning kit should be well thought out. The kit should meet your personal preferences and the technical requirements of the firearms you are likely to clean with it.
Thus, in this comprehensive guide, we will be recommending 11 incredible universal gun cleaning kits to you. With that, we will be answering some burning questions we get regarding gun cleaning and maintenance.
Are gun cleaning kits universal?
Most kits have a wide range of compatibility. They can clean different types of guns as well as different gauges and calibers. Some professional-grade kits can clean every possible type and size.
However, since most kits are likely to have some limitations, double-check whether your firearm is compatible before purchasing.
Can you use baby oil to clean a gun?
Baby oil contains a high concentration of mineral oil, which reacts to changing temperatures. The mineral oil will melt off in high temperatures, leaving no lubrication behind.
In lower temperatures, it will freeze and jam your gun. Thus, we would recommend not doing so.
What Do I Look When Purchase A Universal Gun Cleaning Kit?
Nowadays, guns are referred to as safety devices. In a 2021 statistics report released by Gallup, it was noted that 88% of the participants answered yes to owning a gun for protection against crime.
It is true that they can keep us safe from other people but we have to make sure that it is safe for ourselves first. Part of taking care and keeping safe gun usage is proper maintenance including gun cleaning.
Cleaning guns doesn't have to be complicated, and even beginners can do it with proper caution and the right gun cleaning kit. Read on and learn more about universal gun cleaning kits.
01. Included Components
Brushes
Metal brushes and nylon brushes are common components in gun cleaning kits. Any of these brushes are good for cleaning guns.
However, having just one brush may not be enough for all your needs. Make sure to purchase a universal gun cleaning kit with more brushes.
Cleaning Swabs
Cleaning swabs coat the barrel sides with oil or solvent. Choose a cleaning swab that is made of cotton to make sure that they are gentle and absorbent for a better hold of your cleaning liquid.
Cleaning Jag
A cleaning jag is used for holding the cleaning patches. It allows the cleaner to push the patches inside long narrow spaces for cleaning or removing other substances.
Slotted Patch Holder
Some kits have slotted patch holders instead of cleaning jag. They work the same as a cleaning jag. However, many users say that they hold cleaning patches more securely.
Squeeze bottle
A squeeze bottle is used for storing the cleaning solvent and oil. Make sure that the gun cleaning kit you purchase has two squeeze bottles to hold cleaning liquid and oil.
Cleaning Rods
The cleaning rods should have different sizes for different guns, Make sure that the materials used are softer than the gun barrel to avoid barrel damages. The best cleaning rods materials are aluminum and stainless steel.
Cleaning Solvent
In addition to your cleaning solution, you should use a cleaning solvent to effectively remove gun powder residue.
Lubrication oils
Lubrication oils are used for ensuring that the gun components will work smoothly. It helps in avoiding any types of loading problems and misfires.
02. Liquid Volume
Cleaning liquid volume varies by brand and cleaning kits. They usually come in 4 ounces of gun cleaner and 2 ounces of gun oil. Make sure that these cleaning liquids have a volume enough for your guns.
03. Material
The materials for a good gun cleaning kit should include brass or bronze instead of plastic.
Plastic material can break off easily and have a tendency to get broken while inside the gun.
A combination of metal and plastic materials is also sturdy.
04. How easy to carry
The portability of the kit is especially important for people who are always on the go.
If you intend to use the kit in places other than your home, make sure that the size and build are appropriate for you.
Gun cleaning kits with handles are also easier to carry.
05. Sided case
The gun cleaning kit may come in different kinds of cases like nylon bags and aluminum toolboxes.
Nylon bags are highly portable and weather-resistant.
On the other hand, aluminum toolboxes are not that good for easy transportation but can last longer and provide more security for your cleaning tools.
06. Size
Gun cleaning kits come in different sized components and tools.
Make sure that your cleaning kit size is appropriate for easy transportation and storage. Also, check the gun cleaning kit manual to make sure that the tools are fit for your gun caliber.
Universal gun cleaning kits are very likely to clean all kinds of guns with different calibers. However, it is always wise to double-check.
07. Brand
The brand is important. Branded gun cleaning kits are sure more expensive but their quality is better.
- Otis Technology
- Allen Company
- HOPPE'S
- Tipton
- Pridefend
- BoostEady
- Fix It Sticks
- Raiseek
- Ultimate Rifle Build
Buying from reputable brands can also provide you with a warranty.
Without further ado, let us take a look at the eleven products that we think are worth recommending to you. These kits are all high quality and perform very well, earning them a spot in our recommendations.
01. GLORYFIRE Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
We are kicking off our list with a budget-friendly option that will blow your mind. For the money, it offers incredible durability and compatibility.
An Array of Tools
Our very first choice of universal gun cleaning kit comes with tools that will help you clean rifles, shotguns, pistols, or muzzleloaders. You name it, and this 159 piece all-rounder cleaning kit has got it covered.
It comes with brass rods, brushes, mops, spear-pointed jags, black power jag, and utility brushes, among many other tools.
CLP Provision
The set also comes with two empty bottles, which you can fill with your cleaner, lubricant, or CLP of choice to make sure you have them on you on the go.
Altogether, this complete set does not leave much lacking.
Size Labelled
Identifying which tools are correct for which guns just from sight can be difficult for beginners. To make this a problem of the past, this set comes with size labeled tools as well as size labeled casing.
You can easily identify the size of the tool and also make sure you are putting them back in their correct place.
Reinforced Rod
The brass rods included in this set are reinforced and thicker compared to several other brass rod inclusions in other kits. This prevents the rod from breaking when bent or when working through tough grime or dirt.
Portable
All of these great inclusions come in a portable, easy to carry green casing. The casing not only houses all the tools but also has space for CLP bottles and so on.
This entire package comes at a great price, making it one of the best universal gun cleaning kit for the money.
Pros
- High-quality nylon plastic
- Portable case
- Dedicated slot for solvent and cleaning oil
- Reinforced and thickened rods
- Size labeled case and tools
Cons
- Case feels slightly flimsy
- Does not come with CLP
02. BOOSTEADY Universal Handgun Cleaning Kit
Even if you have a full-fledged kit, it always helps to have one that can accompany you anywhere – camping, hunting, and so on. This is where our second pick comes in!
Compact
Great things come in small packages – and this super-compact universal gun cleaning kit is proof. Only 6.5” x 3.6” in size, this case holds brass cleaning rods, small and large brass slotted tips, and a nylon brush. It also includes ample cleaning patches.
Altogether, it makes for an incredible cleaning kit compatible with handguns.
Durable Nylon Parts
While several such sets come with cheap plastic cleaning tips that are quick to break, this particular set offers you high-quality and durable nylon tips.
These tips do not break like cheap plastic and also allow you to test out a few different angles to get the best possible cleaning.
Steel Cleaning Picks
If you are fed up with those pesky, hard-to-reach crevices of your gun when cleaning, you will get great use out of the stainless steel picks included in this set.
They are designed to reach all of those crevices and help take gunk out.
Brass Cleaning Rods
A unique feature in this set is the 2 brass cleaning rods. The two rods can be securely screwed together to make one 10.5” brass cleaning rod.
It functions like any full-sized brass cleaning rod without forgoing the convenience of a compact carrying case.
Affordable
We are sure you will be happy to know that this kit is considered one of the best budget universal gun cleaning kit.
You can enjoy the high-quality parts, the portability, and the long service life of the product – all at that affordable price!
Pros
- Extremely compact
- Budget friendly
- Durable nylon brushes
- Includes bronze bore brush
- Ample cleaning patches
Cons
- No dedicated slot for CLP
- For handguns only
03. Allen Company Ultimate Universal Weapon Gun Cleaning Kit
Looking to delve into professional gun care without burning a hole in your pockets? As always, we’ve got you! The next kit will greatly boost the range of guns you can work with without making you go broke.
Professional Grade
This pick is perhaps the best rated universal gun cleaning kit for professionals – but still within a decent budget. Even though this kit does not come with the convenience of being portable, it includes all the tools a professional needs.
The quality of the tools is also of professional grade.
Great Compatibility Range
Another feature that makes this a professional-grade gun cleaning kit is the fact that it is compatible with rifles, pistols, and shotguns of varying types and calibers. It can also cover 12, 20 gauge, and .410 bore shotguns.
Thus, it is the perfect pick for someone looking to dabble into becoming a gunsmith.
Complete Array of Tools
The set includes muzzle guards, cleaning rods and picks, brass jags, bronze brushes, brass adapters, brass slotted tips, cotton swabs, cleaning brushes, and cotton patches.
Altogether, it makes a complete cleaning kit with the exception of CLP or a bottle to hold any CLP of your choice.
Tool Box
All of these tools come in a professional-grade, high-quality toolbox. This toolbox is admittedly bulky with a dimension of 11 inches x 16 inches x 9 inches. However, it is durable and compartmentalized.
Each tool has a dedicated slot, meaning the box stays organized, and the risk of losing such small tools is reduced.
Price
You will be surprised to know that the total price of this kit is such that each tool comes down to under one dollar each. Thus, if you are looking to embark on a professional career on a budget, this kit is definitely the way to go!
Pros
- Professional grade
- Rifle, pistol and shotgun compatible
- Comes with a case for easy organization
- Complete set of tools
- Great for commercial use
Cons
- Not portable
- Does not include CLP or CLP bottle
04. Hoppes 9 Elite Gun Cleaning kit
Gun cleaning kits can often be intimidating for beginners. However, with the help of an easy-to-use kit, the transition can always be made easier. This is one of the many reasons we love and recommend this product.
Cleaner and Lube
The fourth product on our list is one that is more so a universal lubrication kit than it is a cleaning kit. It does not come with a plethora of cleaning tools, but it does come with a cleaner and lubricant that can be used with practically any firearm.
This makes it a must-have set for those looking to care for all their guns with a single product.
Beginner Friendly
For beginners who are just starting out with cleaning and caring for their own firearms, there can be no easier product to start with.
A set complete with one of the best lubrication and cleaning products on the market really makes this a foolproof option.
Precision Lubricator
Moreover, the set comes with a precision lubricator. The needlepoint on the applicator makes it easier to have the product reach every nook and cranny of the firearm.
It can greatly help beginners improve their hands at precisely cleaning and lubricating their guns.
Patches Included
The set also comes complete with 40 2” square patches. These patches, with a high thread count, have made quite the name for themselves.
The patches fit .38-.45 caliber or .20-410 gauge firearms, which is a very impressive range.
Affordable
This whole set comes at a very reasonable price. For a set that includes some of the best CLP products on the market, it is a very reasonable price tag and will not add to the already existing financial burden of gun maintenance.
Pros
- Great for beginner
- Cleaner and lube included
- Precision lubricator included
- High thread count patches
- Compatible with all firearms
Cons
- No tools included
- Patches are not high quality
05. Hoppe’s No. 9 Deluxe Gun Cleaning Kit
Here, we have another kit for first-time gun owners or even seasoned gun owners and shooters looking for a basic kit to get everyday cleaning done.
Perfect for Beginners
Once again, we have a product that is well suited for beginners. We know how daunting the first few steps towards gun ownership and maintenance can be – and we are more than willing to help out.
Not only is this a minimalistic set with tools that are easy to figure out, but it also comes with a guide to gun cleaning!
Versatile Tools
The set comes with quite a few different types of tools. These include brass rod, slotted ends, silicone cleaning cloth, phosphor bronze brushes, lubricant, and bore cleaner.
This helps you take care of all the basics of gun cleaning, and you can always consult the manual for further help if need be.
Compatibility
Even with a limited yet efficient selection of tools, the set caters to several different guns. It can help you clean rifles, pistols as well as shotguns.
Thus, even though this is a smaller and more affordable set, it does not limit your options.
You can also get more done with just one of these sets, helping you save money.
Lube and Cleaner Included
One of the biggest upsides of this set is that it comes with lubricant and bore cleaner – that too from one of the most loved manufacturers.
For beginners, this eliminates the need to go out on your own and find a great gun grease, for this set has already done the job for you.
Portable Casing
All of these tools come packed in a compact 3.53 oz. box which you can take with you wherever you go. Emergency cleaning will no longer be a hassle on camping or hunting trips.
Pros
- Includes guide to gun care
- Silicone cleaning cloth
- Compatible with multiple caliber and gauge
- Features lube and cleaner
- Phosphor bronze brush
Cons
- Leaky bottles
- Plastic parts are not the best quality
06. Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit
With routine cleaning, massive, heavy-duty kits often prove to be overkill. Thus, we have the perfect kit for the smaller daily tasks of gun maintenance.
Strong Casing
Regardless of whether your tools are budget-friendly or a splurge, they should stay protected at all times for a prolonged service life as well as great results.
Luckily, this kit comes in a rugged, weatherproof casing which is also equipped with a ballistic nylon shell. It keeps all your cleaning tools protected at all times.
Versatile Tools
The kit comes equipped with all the tools needed for routine, light cleaning of handguns. This includes jags, a cleaning rod, nylon slotted tips, brushes, and patches.
These tools, together, allow you to maintain all common calibers such as Glock pistols, 9 MMs, .22 calibers, and so on.
Durable Parts
As opposed to cheap plastic parts, the tools in this kit are all made from high-quality components. The slotted tips are nylon, while the brushes are phosphor bronze.
Thus, the set is a very durable one and can survive several routine cleaning sessions without snapping or breaking.
T-Handle Included
In addition to all the tools, you will also find a T-handle in this kit. The handle makes it easier to rotate the tools, ensuring a thorough cleaning on the grooves and crevices of the gun.
Affordable
With such high-quality products, starting from the casing to the patches, you would expect this kit to cost a pretty penny. However, this is an incredibly affordable kit.
If you are looking to purchase the best quality cheap universal gun cleaning kit, this is a very good option to consider.
Pros
- Weatherproof, portable carry case
- Versatile cleaning rod
- Two sized of slotted tips
- Durable nylon jags
- Great for light routine cleaning
Cons
- Does not come with CLP
- Not strong enough for deep cleaning
07. Otis Technology The Otis Elite
Next up, we have a professional-grade kit that not only covers a huge range of firearms, it also gives you tools for optic care. This is a set that is built to last you a lifetime.
Ideal for Professionals
Are you a professional or someone with an extensive gun collection? If so, your days of investing in several different kits and products are over. This one kit comes with an impressive variety of tools.
Brushes, obstruction removers, slotted tips – any tool you can name will be found in this very kit.
Wide Range of Compatibility
Of course, having several tools is of no use unless they can clean guns of varying calibers and gauges. You can use this kit to clean all shotguns, pistols, rifles, and inline muzzleloaders.
It even includes a smaller T-handle to help you clean firearms with smaller caliber.
Optic Care
But the compatibility of this set does not stop there. What makes this a truly unique product is that it includes tools for optic care too. This includes lens spray, lens tissue, lens cloth, and lens brush.
So if you’ve got hunting optics that could use some extra care, this set will take care of that too.
Solvent Included
In this kit, you will also find 0.5 fl. oz. of CLP. Once you have used all the CLP, you can use the same bottle to refill with your CLP of choice.
This saves you the hassle of finding a good CLP for yourself and gives you the flexibility of using the product of your choice.
A Lifetime Set
This product may not come with a cheap price tag, but it is one that will serve you for life. With the quality and sheer variety of the tools in the set, you can confidently invest in this product with a promise of incredible service life.
Pros
- Compatible with all firearms
- Size marked tools
- Optic care tools included
- CLP included
- Ideal for professional use
Cons
- Costly
08. New Hoppe’s 9 Rifle Cleaning Kit
Looking for more options for beginners? We have got you covered. This kit is affordable, easy to use, and from a well-loved manufacturer. You cannot go wrong with it.
Reliable Brand
Since this is one of the most widely loved brands for gun care, it only makes sense that we have yet another one of their products to recommend to you. Products from this manufacturer are nearly foolproof.
Beginner Friendly
The reliability of the brand and the simplicity of the particular product make this a perfect choice for beginners. If you are new to gun care, you can purchase this set.
he tools are extremely easy to get a hang of whereas a full-fledged kit can be daunting for some rookies.
Durable Cleaning Rods
This set comes with three sturdy steel cleaning rods. The rods are completely resistant to corrosion and are durable, thus they will not snap or break.
Along with the cleaning rods, you will also get slotted ends, a cleaning brush, and patches. To make use easier, the set comes with a T-handle.
CLP Included
Not only does the kit include CLP, it includes two of the industry’s leading gun care solvents. These are the manufacturer’s very own bore cleaner and lubricating oil.
With these two widely loved solvents to start with, all beginners will have a great stepping stone into the world of gun care.
Clamshell Packaging
All this comes neatly organized in clamshell packaging. While this might be an inconvenience to those looking for a kit that comes in a usable casing, it gives others the freedom to use their casing of choice.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Sturdy cleaning rod
- Corrosion-resistant rod
- CLP included
- Patches included
Cons
- Compatible with a limited number of calibers
- Inconvenient packaging
09. Real Avid Gun Boss Pro Handgun cleaning kit
This time, we have a kit that could be a great addition to your workshop. It comes equipped with the ability to do all light to medium-duty tasks and boasts a very interesting and unique tool.
Kickstand Casing
The first feature that we think is worth mentioning is the fact that this kit comes in unique packaging. Housed inside the clamshell packaging is a sturdy kickstand that you can use to prop the kit up while you work.
The practically indestructible casing can also be used to place the kit on a pegboard and such. It is truly versatile!
Unique Handle
Secondly, this kit comes with a unique, multifunctional handle. This ergonomically designed handle has three different functions.
The rotating feature helps you clean grooves and lands, the 8-32 threaded receiver helps reach all the nooks and crannies, while the built-in tap hammer surface allows you to tap pins with ease.
Brass Cleaning Rod
The brass cleaning rod in this kit is a 2 segment tool that makes a 12.5” rod. This rod does not snap or break upon use, and you can confidently use it to remove fouling and all other types of dirt and debris from your gun.
Nylon Slotted Tips
You will also find durable nylon slotted tips in this kit. There are 2 slotted tips of two different sizes that allow you to pass a patch through and thoroughly clean the bore.
As the kit has slotted tips in two different sizes, you earn the flexibility of cleaning a wide range of guns with the kit.
Affordable
Despite all the high-quality features, unique packaging, and handle, as well as the impressive compatibility of the set, it all comes at a shockingly reasonable price.
The set is sure to last you through countless cleaning sessions, and every penny spent ends up being worth it.
Pros
- Kickstand case
- 3 function ergonomic handles
- Excellent for cleaning tough to reach areas
- Phosphor bronze brushes
- Good range of compatibility
Cons
- Road safety
- Packaging may be inconvenient for some
10. Outers 28-pc Uni Gun Wd Clean Box
This is a product that did not leave any stone unturned in terms of aesthetics. Luckily, it also has great performance. Let us look further into the last recommendation.
Packaging
As for the last product on our list, the most distinct feature is surely the packaging. This kit comes in a beautiful aged oak box.
The wooden is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it is also durable. Just from visuals, this would be a beautiful kit to have in your home or gift to others.
Inclusions
However, functionality is not forgone for aesthetics. In this latched wooden box, you will find brass rods, bronze brushes, mops, spear pointed jags, slotted tips, nylon cleaning tools, and patches.
You will also find a shotgun accessory adaptor.
Compatibility
All of these tools together create a kit that is suitable for use with every caliber and gauge. Not only that, the compatibility is so wide that the kit is set to work with all different types of firearms too.
High Quality Tools
Compatible tools would be of no use if they weren’t high quality. Luckily for us, the quality of the tools in this visually pleasing kit is of high quality too.
The brass rods are strong, and tips, brushes, and mops are all able to survive countless rounds of cleaning without breaking or deteriorating in any way.
Affordable
Aesthetics, functionality, and reliability – the product does not lack anything. So, it must come with a heavy price tag, right? You will be happy to know that this kit comes at an extremely reasonable price.
It is perhaps one of the most affordable ones on the market but without forgoing the quality you want.
Pros
- Brass rod
- Compatible with all gauges and calibers
- Patches included
- Affordable
- Decorative wooden casing
Cons
- CLP not included
- Box design is not too portable
FAQs Regarding Gun Cleaning Kits
If you have questions about gun cleaning kits and all related topics, we are positive you will find the answer below in our extensive FAQ section.
Q. Where meticulous research should be done?
Next comes the part where meticulous research should be done to ensure the kits you are contemplating are fit for use with your guns. It should be compatible with the type and well as the caliber or gauge.
Without this compatibility, the kit will be entirely useless to you regardless of how highly rated it is.
Q. What can I use home remedies to clean my gun?
Even though home remedies have been used for a long time instead of products dedicated to gun cleaning, we strictly recommend using store-bought professional products only.
To clean your gun, you will need a bore cleaner or a CLP product and cleaning tools and patches.
However, if you must stick to home remedies, you can use equal parts kerosene, transmission oil, and mineral spirits and use it to break down the rust and grime from your gun.
The next point is a no-brainer – quality.
Without tools of high quality, you will end up having to replace them at regular intervals. Low-quality cleaning tools may even damage your firearms; thus, you should always choose wisely.
Q. How much does a gun cleaning kit cost?
Starter kits can be purchased for as low as $15, and professional kits can cost $150 and upwards. The price will depend heavily on quality, compatibility, and several other factors.
A microfiber cloth and Q-tips are good tools to reach all the parts of the gun and not ruin its finishing due to abrasiveness.
If you are using home remedies, please be aware that they may cause irreversible damage to firearms.
Q. Can you use vinegar to clean a gun?
Vinegar, mixed with than equal amount of hydrogen peroxide, has been used to clean guns for generations. This concoction does a good job of removing rust.
Q. Are all gun cleaning kits the same?
The short answer is no. Guns come in different kinds and sizes. Hence, they need different cleaning kits and tools. While there are universal gun cleaning kits available nowadays, there is still no 100% guarantee that they are complete with every cleaning component needed of a gun.
Make sure to always check the cleaning label to check compatibility with your gun or guns.
Final Words
Big and special investments, like firearms, deserve the best treatment. Taking care of your equipment will help them perform better for longer. Thus, we think it is important for every shooter to have a cleaning kit they can trust.
We hope our list of recommendations helps you find the best universal gun cleaning kit that fits you like a puzzle! With the perfect kit, you will be able to find joy in caring for your firearms and enjoy your hobby unlike ever before!
