Review: Botach CRT AR15 Bolt CLeaning Tool

[j706]

I am always looking for a faster more efficient way to clean my AR15 type bolts and carriers. I do a fair amount of business with an on line company called Botach. They seem to always have the best prices on anything. I stumbled across their bolt cleaner recently and decided to try it out. The price on these are $19.98 with free shipping. I ordered on Thursday 05/02/13 and it arrived Monday 05/06/13.

KZ CRT Carbon Removal Tool

This thing came in a clear plastic zip bag with no instructions or paperwork. You don't need instructions for a silly carbon removal tool. It appears to have an black oxide finish. The bolt tail cleaning section has a pinned on separate piece allowing you to add finger tension. By all accounts it seems to be a quality little tool.

I had a bolt that I had already cleaned but decided to use the CRT on it just the same. For years I have used a scotch pad combined with a 1/2" hole drilled in my work bench to clean bolts. Long story short even though I am quite meticulous on cleaning my stuff I got carbon from out of the carrier and off of the bolt tail. This seems like it will be quite the handy little cleaning tool. Considering the cost, it's small size, simplicity and quality construction I think it is good buy.

 

[dans4420]

Yup I got boached one time..........

 

[j706]

Yup I got boached one time..........

What happened?

 

[dans4420]

They never sent my order then cancelled it 2 month's later.

 

[j706]

They never sent my order then cancelled it 2 month's later.

Hmmm. I have heard others having problems with them. I have purchased a whole lot of stuff form them and "luckily" never had even the slightest of problems.

 

[Stainer]

Someone with more knowledge will be coming along to confirm or correct me on this, but I have heard from my armorer that using these can actually do harm to your BCG as the inside where the bolt goes is chromed and these can scrape off the chrome. Like I said, not sure if that is 100% true, but it was enough for me to just take the extra couple of minutes using less abrasive means.

 

[mvician]

KZ rips off another design

 

[j706]

Someone with more knowledge will be coming along to confirm or correct me on this, but I have heard from my armorer that using these can actually do harm to your BCG as the inside where the bolt goes is chromed and these can scrape off the chrome. Like I said, not sure if that is 100% true, but it was enough for me to just take the extra couple of minutes using less abrasive means.

Not a valid concern for any quality bolt carrier assembly. Chrome has a Rockwell level of 70-75. This tool is AISI SAE 0-1 Oil Hardened Tool Steel. It has a Rockwell of 36. With my limited knowledge that means chrome is quite a bit harder than the tool in question. The tool's cutting edge should wear out before the chrome if a person were grinding the two together with sufficient force. In reality one should only be removing carbon from the chrome which it does readily and easily.

 

[tgmorris99]

Just an FYI that botach is selling these on eBay for $5 less than on their website - $14.99 shipped.

KZ CRT Carbon Removal Tool | eBay

I ordered one yesterday and already have a tracking number.

 

[PGRChaplain]

Thanks for a Great Review! Yes the tool is much softer than the Bolt.