How to Clean and Maintain Your Gel Blaster Properly?

Gel blasters are popular recreational toy guns that shoot aqueous polymer gel beads known as gel balls. Like any equipment, proper cleaning and maintenance is key to keeping your gel blaster functioning smoothly for a long time. This comprehensive guide will walk through all the steps and best practices for cleaning and caring for your gel blaster.

What are the steps for cleaning and maintaining a gel blaster?

Cleaning and maintaining a gel blaster involves several important steps and regular care for optimal performance. Here is a step-by-step overview:

Step 1: Clean the Barrel

The barrel is one of the most important parts to keep clean on a gel blaster. Built up residue inside the barrel can impact performance and accuracy.

Use a cleaning rod with a soft cloth to thoroughly clean the full length of the barrel. Scrub off any dirt, debris, dust, or residue that has accumulated. For deeper cleaning, use isopropyl alcohol to dissolve and dislodge persist grime. This video demonstrates effective cleaning techniques for gel blaster barrels.

Be sure the barrel is completely dry before reassembling your blaster. A clean, dry barrel will help maintain velocity and range.

Step 2: Clean the Magazine

The magazine can easily collect dirt, dust, and residue from normal use. Remove the magazine and wipe it down with a soft dry cloth. Use a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol to scrub away any grime buildup from the feed lips, spring, and inner surfaces.

Ensure the magazine is completely dry before reinserting into the gel blaster. Any moisture can impact the feeding and smooth function of the magazine.

Step 3: Clean Exterior Surfaces

On a regular basis, use a soft dry cloth to wipe down all the exterior surfaces of your gel blaster. This will remove any dust, dirt, or debris accumulations.

For a deeper clean, use a cloth dampened with water and a small amount of mild soap. Wipe down the body, Stock, pump grips, and other exterior pieces. Avoid getting water into any openings. Thoroughly dry all surfaces with a clean cloth.

This simple wipe down will keep your blaster looking like new and prevent any residue buildup.

Step 4: Lubricate Moving Parts

The internal moving parts of gel blasters need regular lubrication. This includes O-rings, seals, pump components, trigger pieces, and chamber components. Using a few drops of quality silicone oil on these parts helps prevent friction, jamming, and wear and tear.

Follow your blaster’s manual for exact lubrication locations. In general, focus lubrication on O-rings, pump rails, trigger mechanism, chamber, and bolt. Avoid over-lubricating as this can attract more dirt over time. Re-apply lubricant every 500 rounds or so.

Keeping moving components properly lubricated smoothens function, prevents jams, and extends the lifetime of your gel blaster.

Step 5: Store Properly

Proper storage is also important for maintaining the integrity of your gel blaster over time. When not in use for extended periods, store the blaster in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme heat or cold.

Before storage, ensure the blaster is unloaded, cleaned, and lubricated. Use a gun bag or hard case for protection. The storage location should be secure and out of reach of children.

Proper storage prevents damage, preserves function, and keeps your gel blaster in optimal shape when it’s time for action.

Step 6: Use High-Quality Gel Balls

The quality of gel balls used in a blaster can directly impact performance. Poor quality, off-brand ammo is more prone to jamming, melting, and uneven firing. Spend a little more for top grade, Austrian or other premium gel balls. These maintain shape better, load smoothly, and improve accuracy.

Avoid reusing gel balls after picking them up off the ground. Deformed or dirty ammo will jam the blaster. Discard used rounds and keep fresh ones loaded. Quality gel balls feed smoothly and prevent many functional issues.

Step 7: Avoid Overuse

While gel blasters are built for recreation and fun, avoid excessive use without proper maintenance. Shooting hundreds of rounds nonstop can overheat components and accelerate normal wear. Let the blaster rest and cool periodically, while also taking time for cleaning and lubrication needs.

Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for round counts and frequency of use will help ensure your gel blaster enjoys a long service life. Reasonable care goes a long way for preserving performance.

Step 8: Follow Manufacturer Guidelines

Review your specific gel blaster model’s instruction manual for additional cleaning and maintenance recommendations. Follow all directions to properly disassemble, clean, lubricate, and reassemble the blaster after outings.

Adhering to the manufacturer guidelines gives you the exact process for that model and ensures you don’t miss any important steps. Your blaster will thank you for it!

What supplies are needed to clean and maintain a gel blaster?

Having the right supplies on hand makes cleaning and maintaining your gel blaster much easier. Here are some essential items to include in a gel blaster cleaning kit:

• Soft cloths: For wiping down exterior surfaces and the barrel interior. Microfiber cloths work well.
• Cotton swabs: Helpful for precision cleaning of tight areas and the magazine feed lips.
• Cleaning rods: Essential for running through the barrel to dislodge debris.
• Isopropyl alcohol: Mixed 50/50 with water, great for dissolving grime in the barrel and magazine.
• Silicone oil: For lubricating O-rings, seals, and moving internal parts. Avoid other lubricants.
• Paper targets: Help assess barrel cleanliness and test performance.
• Small brush: For removing debris from crevices. An old toothbrush works.
• Q-tips: Good for applying lubricant to precision areas without overdoing it.
• Small screwdriver: Often needed to access cleaning points inside the receiver.
• Adjustable wrench: For separating blaster sections during deep cleaning.
• Eye protection: Wear eye pro when disassembling to avoid springs and parts.

How often should you clean and maintain a gel blaster?

Consistent cleaning and maintenance is essential for keeping a gel blaster in good functioning order. Here are some general guidelines on frequency:

• After each use: Wipe down all exterior surfaces, clean the barrel, and clear any debris from moving parts.
• Every 250 rounds fired: Disassemble for a deeper clean of the barrel, magazine, chamber, pump, and internal parts.
• Every 500 rounds fired: Detail strip the blaster for a thorough cleaning. Lubricate all O-rings, seals, and contact points.
• After each day of use: Do a full takedown, cleaning, inspection, and lubrication of all components. Verify proper reassembly and function.
• After extended storage: Disassemble and thoroughly clean the blaster after prolonged storage. Lubricate prior to firing again.
• If accuracy declines: Thoroughly clean the barrel and magazine to restore performance. Consider replacing O-rings and seals.

Following this general timeline helps preserve optimal function and extend your gel blaster’s operational lifetime. Adjust frequency based on amount of use and environment.

What problems can occur from improper maintenance?

Failing to properly clean and lubricate your gel blaster can result in a variety of issues including:

• Jamming: Residue, lack of lubrication, and deformed gel balls can cause jams during firing or loading.
• Reduced range/accuracy: Dirty barrels and low-quality ammo impacts performance.
• Wear and tear: Moving parts grind down without lubrication, damaging seals and O-rings over time.
• Corrosion: Moisture, dirt and debris can corrode metal components if not removed.
• Melted components: Heat buildup from friction degrades plastic pieces resulting in deformity or cracking.
• Magazine issues: Dust/dirt in the magazine follower and feed lips impedes the feeding process.
• Leaks: Chamber seals and O-rings when dry fired repeatedly will leak air.
• Pump issues: Sticky or grinding pump action due to lack of lubrication and dirt buildup internally.

While gel blasters are robust, consistent maintenance and cleaning reduces these issues for optimal enjoyment of the hobby.

What safety precautions should you take when maintaining a gel blaster?

While cleaning and lubricating a gel blaster, adhere to these safety guidelines:

• Verify the blaster is unloaded before disassembly. Remove magazine and clear the chamber.
• Point the muzzle in a safe direction away from people. Assume it could discharge accidentally.
• Avoid forcing parts during disassembly. Follow instructions precisely.
• Wear eye protection in case springs or parts release suddenly and eject.
• Control springs and small pieces carefully during cleaning so they don’t fling off.
• Ensure no lubricant gets on the exterior which could make the blaster slippery.
• Take care when using cleaning solvents like alcohol by wearing protection and using proper ventilation.
• Be mindful of cocked triggers and mechanisms so they don’t release unexpectedly.
• Double check that all parts are reassembled correctly to avoid dangerous malfunctions.
• Keep ammo securely stored separately from the blaster when maintaining it.
• Store and transport the blaster unloaded in a protective case when not in use.

FAQs

What are gel blasters?

Gel blasters are air-powered toy guns that fire water-filled polymer beads called gel balls. The balls are about 6-8mm in size and resemble paintball pellets. Gel blasters use a pump-action or electric firing mechanism to accelerate the gels through the barrel using compressed air. They are popular for recreational shooting sports and tactical games.

How do airsoft guns differ from gel blasters?

Airsoft guns use 6mm plastic BBs while gel blasters shoot larger 8mm water-filled gel balls. Airsoft BBs can injure bare skin while gel balls burst on impact. Airsoft uses CO2 or electric power, gel uses pump or electric. Airsoft has more precision while gel blasters have higher fps velocities. Both are used for target practice and mock combat games.

What safety precautions should you take when using toy guns?

Always treat toy guns as if they are real firearms. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Do not point at anything you don’t intend to shoot. Wear eye protection. Obey all local laws regarding public brandishing. Use common sense and maturity when handling toy guns. Store them securely from children.

Why are proper cleaning and storage important for airguns?

Airguns use pneumatic powerplant systems with many moving seals, O-rings, and springs. These parts need regular lubrication and cleaning of dirt, grime residue to prevent jams or decreased power. Moisture corrodes metal parts over time as well. Keeping airguns clean, lubricated and stored properly maintains optimal functioning.

What are some best practices for gun safety and responsibility?

Always keep guns pointed in a safe direction. Treat every gun as if it is loaded. Verify the chamber is empty when handling. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Know your target and what lies beyond. Use eye and ear protection. Lock guns and ammo securely from unauthorized access. Take a safety course to learn responsible ownership.

What kinds of places prohibit the use of toy guns and gel blasters?

Any public area typically prohibits openly carrying toy guns as they can be mistaken for real guns. Gel blasters should only be used at designated fields and private property with owner consent. Never take toy guns to schools, parks, streets, stores or any public setting without proper authorization. Use common sense and follow all regulations.

What are some different types of airguns and how do they operate?

Common types are spring-piston, pneumatic, CO2, pre-charged pneumatic, and electro-pneumatic. Spring uses coiled springs, pneumatic uses lever/pump power, CO2 uses compressed gas cartridges, pre-charged uses high-pressure air tanks. Each powers a pellet down the barrel via mechanical or pneumatic forces. Airguns come in pistol, rifle and smoothbore designs.

How can you make biodegradable gel balls for environmental friendliness?

Most factory gel balls contain Boron which makes them difficult to break down. To make biodegradable gels, boil and dissolve water beads made of sodium polyacrylate. Mix in biodegradable cornstarch powder as it cools. Pour into molds to make simple gel balls that will break down naturally outdoors.