A pipe reamer is a device that is used to enlarge or smooth the interior of a pipe. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as to remove debris or to make the pipe easier to clean.
How does a pipe reamer work?
The reamer has a cutting head that is attached to a long handle. The cutting head is inserted into the end of the pipe and turned. As the cutting head is turned, it cuts away the material from the inside of the pipe, enlarging the opening. The size of the cutting head and the number of teeth on it determine how much material will be removed with each turn. Pipe reamers are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different pipe diameters. They can also be fitted with different types of cutting heads depending on the type of material being removed. For example, there are reamers designed specifically for removing copper or aluminum. Reaming is a relatively quick and easy way to enlarge a pipe without damaging it.
Types of pipe reamers
Here are some of the most common types of pipe reamers:
Taper reamer: This type of reamer has a tapered cutting head that gets progressively larger towards the end. It is used to gradually enlarge the diameter of a pipe.
Expansion reamer: This type of reamer has a cutting head that expands as it is turned. It is used to quickly enlarge the diameter of a pipe.
Fluted reamer: This type of reamer has a cutting head with flutes (grooves) that cut away material as it is turned. Fluted reamers are often used to remove burrs from the inside of a pipe.
Pipe cleaning reamer: This type of reamer has a cutting head with bristles or blades that are used to remove debris from the inside of a pipe.
Chucking Reamer: This type of reamer is held in a chuck (a type of clamp) and rotated. It is used to enlarge the diameter of a pipe or to remove burrs from the inside of a pipe.
Adjustable hand reamer: This type of reamer has an adjustable cutting head that can be set to different sizes.
Straight reamer: The straight reamer is the most basic type of reamer, and is simply a cylindrical piece of metal with cutting teeth on the outside.
Rose reamer: A rose reamer is a type of reamer that has flutes that spiral around the body of the tool in a helical pattern.
Shell reamer: A shell reamer is a type of reamer that has flutes on the outside that are perpendicular to the body of the tool.
Taper reamer: A taper reamer is a type of reamer that is tapered so that it can enlarge a hole gradually.
Counterbore reamer: A counterbore reamer is a type of reamer that is used to enlarge the counterbore (the area around a hole) of a workpiece.
Pilot reamer: A pilot reamer is a type of reamer that has a guide at the end to help keep it aligned with the hole being enlarged.
Combination reamer: A combination reamer is a type of reamer that can be used for both counterboring and reaming.
What are the benefits of using a pipe reamer?
Pipe reamers offer a number of benefits, including:
- They can enlarge a pipe without damaging it.
- They can be used to remove burrs from the inside of a pipe.
- They can be used to clean out a pipe.
- They are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different pipe diameters.
- They can be fitted with different types of cutting heads depending on the type of material being removed.
Why use a pipe reamer?
Pipe reamers are used for a variety of reasons, such as:
- To enlarge the diameter of a pipe
- To smooth the interior of a pipe
- To remove debris from a pipe
- To clean a pipe
Can you ream any type of material?
No, pipe reamers are not suitable for all types of material. For example, they should not be used on cast iron or steel pipes, as they will damage the pipe. Additionally, the type of cutting head used will determine what type of material can be safely reamed. For example, there are reamers designed specifically for removing copper or aluminum.