Reamer

A reamer is a specialized cutting tool used in metalworking and woodworking to enlarge or finish a pre-existing hole to a precise size and smooth surface. Unlike a drill, which creates a hole, a reamer refines a hole, ensuring accuracy in diameter, roundness, and cylindricity. Reamers are available in various forms, including hand reamers and machine reamers, catering to different applications and materials. They typically feature multiple flutes or cutting edges that progressively remove small amounts of material as the tool rotates and is fed through the hole. Careful use of cutting fluids is usually required to help the reamer cut smoothly and prevent damage to the tool or workpiece. They are used in various industries where precision is paramount such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing.

Reamer meaning with examples

• The machinist used a hand reamer to carefully enlarge the pilot hole in the engine block, ensuring the perfect fit for the wrist pin. The fine tolerances required the precise cutting action and smooth finish a reamer provides, guaranteeing optimal engine performance and longevity. This process is crucial to eliminate any stress concentration, which reduces friction.
• After drilling a series of holes in the aluminum sheet, the technician employed a machine reamer to achieve consistent hole diameters for the rivets. The precise sizing allowed for a strong and secure connection. The uniform hole diameters are critical to the structural integrity, so the machine reamer was the best solution.
• In woodworking, a tapered reamer was selected to prepare the peg holes on a new acoustic guitar, which produced an excellent friction fit of the tuning pegs, preventing slippage. The resulting tapered holes ensured proper alignment and stability, crucial for the instrument's sound quality and tuning stability. This specific reamer type is commonly used by luthiers.
• The quality control inspector used a precision reamer to check and calibrate the size of the holes in the control panel. This ensured that all components fit seamlessly. The instrument was certified to meet the highest industry standards for electronic manufacturing and the proper fitment of switches.