Gunsmithing cerakote removal options

[CStroud]

Bolt is sticky/binding some when cycling. What are my options for removing cerakote from inside the action that won't damage the metal underneath? Do I just need to send it off for dlc coating and let them remove it and coat it back?

 

[Terry Cross]

Bolt is sticky/binding some when cycling. What are my options for removing cerakote from inside the action....

Is your bolt body coated as well?

Removing CK from inside the bolt raceways will be a PITA.

Do I just need to send it off for dlc coating and let them remove it and coat it back?

Only way to remove properly applied CeraKote is surface to surface abrasives or blasting.

 

[CStroud]

Bolt body is not coated. I'm pretty sure I'm just going to send it back off for dlc or tin coating at this point.

 

[Threadcutter308]

Is your bolt body coated as well?

Removing CK from inside the bolt raceways will be a PITA.


Only way to remove properly applied CeraKote is surface to surface abrasives or blasting.

Can confirm. Never Cerakote a bolt, at a minimum. I like Cerakote, but I learned to not to apply it to the bolt or the raceways after the first one I did.

 

[CStroud]

Yeh I have an old Phoenix action that both the bolt body and action were cerakoted, and it is gummy/sticky feeling when cycling the bolt. That's why I asked for no cerakote inside the action or on the bolt this go round, but here we are.

 

[Caba]

I'd try heavily lubing the bolt/raceways and running the bolt a few hundred times to see if it wears in a bit.

 

[fdkay]

You could try some JB bore paste on the lugs and run it back and forth, but you're just as likely to put wear on the lugs and not so much on the cerakote.

 

[Mike173]

My understanding is that salt blasting from a sand blaster can remove cerakote but will not damage most anodized or DLC finishes. I could be wrong but look into that as well. I was looking up how to remove cerakote from some higher end firearms to restore its original look a couple months ago.

 

[hafejd30]

I have a sneaky suspicion which gun you’re referring to

This is without the mag in it correct?

 

[CStroud]

I have a sneaky suspicion which gun you’re referring to

This is without the mag in it correct?

Yessir.

 

[Hennig]

It’s really not that hard to cerakote actions and still have them run slick - amazing how many guys struggle with this.

 

[Supersubes]

Trouble is the surface was blasted, then coated. Even a gentle removal will still leave the surface rough, and you wouldn't want to dlc or nitride that. My vote is to lube and run it. It will smooth out.

 

[CStroud]

I was also curious if it could be honed like a cylinder wall, but didn't see much on that when I searched.

 

[Supersubes]

I was also curious if it could be honed like a cylinder wall, but didn't see much on that when I searched.

LRI can both polish the bolt body portion of the raceway, and polish the bolt.

 

[CStroud]

Update: crisis seemingly averted. Someone lubed the new prc bolt with grease and the back of the bolt was/is contacting the action. Apparently there are some minor differences in the new AI AT bolts vs old. I cycled it a ton both dry and lubed and it’s nowhere near as bad. Obviously I can make it bind if I get too far off center when pushing the bolt back in, but as long as I’m square behind the rifle it rarely happens. Pic of contact area below.

 

[Judd]

There is a Cerakote called micro slick..works extremely well for those tight raceways, my Cerakote guy talked me into trying it and I’ve been very happy. Yes, he blasts the bolt.