For those who use Bore Snakes...

[Ferrisfan]

How often do you replace them? I just threw one out because I was afraid the cord was going to tear loose while inside my barrel. Looking around, I don't see any rule of thumb for how many times it gets used before you replace it. I only find recommendations for washing them, not replacing them.

 

[Chdamn]

I’ve used the same one for years. Most of them you can clean fairly easily.

Made the mistake of using a bored snake once though.

 

[NCWalrus]

I use them until the fall apart. I wash them not as frequently as I should.

I do add strips of chore boy copper scrubbers wrapped around them to get a little more cleaning power.

 

[Average Joe]

Rule of thumb for me, when it’s time to tie a 2nd knot in the cord 🤣🤣🤣. In a serious note, they are difficult to wear out. Just clean it before it becomes to saturated with particles.

 

[Friday]

The brass scrubby bristles at the front begin to collapse.
Time to go.

 

[Burt Gummer]

Just be sure not to use a copper solvent in conjunction with your bore snake

 

[wvsig]

When they look tired. They are so cheap if there is any thought that they are not 100% I replace them.

 

[Bigdave0924]

I don’t clean my guns enough to wear one out

 

[Hellquest]

I decent one I can use for a long time. The cheaper ones I throw out when I see rips or they start to come undone.

I like cheap ones for sacrificing to surplus bores or black powder.

 

[Herk]

I had about 6 of them that I used for 5-6 years and they all broke around the same time - fortunately not in a way I couldn't extract them.

 

[Timfoilhat]

I learned to use bore snakes from an instructor as part of a class. Since he carries the pistol he uses in classes he makes a point of running a bore snake down the barrel after class before he leaves, just in case he somehow gets into a situation where the police are inspecting his carry gun. He wants it to look not recently fired. I know, he's planning for the unlikely, but he does have a point. I now do the same thing.
Been using the same 9mm and .223 snakes for 9 years. No issues. I even keep them in a zip lock that has clp in it to keep them slightly wet.

 

[Artg56]

I started using them around three years ago to clean my 10-22 and Buckmark. No issues yet with fairly regular use of a pair. I’ll continue to use them until they show signs of wear before I replace them.

 

[IrishCannon]

Otis Ripcords are FAR superior to any of the Hoppe's bore snakes. I would say it's like comparing an industrial strength blanket to a quilt nana made with yarn.

The Bore Snakes degrade pretty easily IMO. I've never had a Ripcord fall apart.

 

[WNCWrencher]

I didn’t think there would be that much of a longevity difference between the 2. Looks like I’ll be using ripcords moving forward