Hand Reamers

About Hand Reamers

Hand reamers are precision cutting tools designed to enlarge and finish pre-drilled holes to exact dimensions with superior surface finishes. Unlike drill bits that create initial holes, these manual tools refine existing holes to achieve tight tolerances and smooth internal surfaces essential for precision engineering, metal fabrication, and workshop applications. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks hand reamers from trusted manufacturers including Dormer, Faithfull, and Wera, featuring high-speed steel (HSS) construction in both metric and imperial sizes.

Available in straight shank and taper configurations, hand reamers feature multiple fluted cutting edges that remove small amounts of material with exceptional control. Straight shank reamers produce consistent diameter holes throughout their depth, whilst taper reamers gradually enlarge holes and prove particularly useful for creating precise tapered fits. These manual tools deliver accuracy levels that power tools often struggle to match, especially when working with softer metals, plastics, or situations where precise tolerances are critical.

Applications

Hand reamers are essential tools across various trades and industries requiring precision hole finishing:

• Precision Engineers and machinists working on jigs, fixtures, and component manufacturing
• Motor Mechanics requiring accurate hole dimensions for bearing fits and fastener installations
• Maintenance Fitters carrying out repairs on industrial machinery
• Fabricators and metalworkers creating custom steelwork and structural components
• Toolmakers producing moulds, dies, and specialist tooling
• Plumbers needing precise hole finishing for valve installations
• Model Engineers and hobbyists building scale models and precision projects
• Agricultural Engineers repairing farm machinery in remote locations

Choosing The Right Hand Reamers

Size and Measurement System: Determine whether you need metric or imperial sizes based on your project specifications. Metric reamers are standard in most UK engineering applications, whilst imperial sizes remain common in older machinery maintenance and specialist industries.

Reamer Profile: Straight shank reamers suit through-holes requiring consistent diameter, whilst taper reamers like the Faithfull Steel Taper Reamer excel at progressive hole enlargement. The Dormer B334 expanding reamer offers adjustable sizing for versatile applications.

Material Construction: HSS reamers from brands like Dormer provide excellent durability and edge retention for general workshop use. The Dormer B100 series offers reliable performance across various materials.

Handle Type: Consider whether you need integrated handles like the Wera Kraftform Plus series for superior grip comfort, or square shanks for use with adjustable tap wrenches providing greater torque control.

Safety Information

Always wear safety glasses to protect against metal swarf and particles. Secure workpieces firmly in a vice before reaming—never hold small components by hand as rotational forces can cause unexpected spinning. Inspect reamers regularly for damaged cutting edges and store carefully to prevent edge damage. Apply steady, even pressure and use appropriate cutting fluid to reduce friction. Never reverse direction whilst the reamer is in the hole.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size pilot hole should I drill before using a hand reamer?
Drill a pilot hole approximately 0.1-0.4mm smaller than your target dimension. For a 10mm reamer, a 9.7-9.8mm pilot hole is typically ideal. This reaming allowance ensures proper cutting rather than burnishing.

Can I use a hand reamer in a power drill?
It's not recommended. Hand reamers require slow, controlled speeds (approximately 6-10 RPM) achievable only by manual turning. Power tools rotate too quickly, generating excessive heat that can damage cutting edges. Use purpose-made machine reamers for powered applications.

What's the difference between metric and imperial hand reamers available at MyToolShed.co.uk?
The difference is the sizing system: metric uses millimetres whilst imperial uses fractional inches. Most UK engineering uses metric specifications, but imperial sizes remain necessary for maintaining older machinery or working with legacy equipment.