Improve the size, roundness and internal finish of pre-drilled holes with this 1/2″ HSS Straight Flute Hand Reamer.
A hand reamer is a precision finishing tool used after drilling. It removes a small amount of material from an existing hole to bring it to its nominal finished diameter. It should not be used to create a hole from solid material.
This reamer features a long starting taper that guides the tool into the hole and allows the cutting edges to engage progressively. This design helps the operator maintain alignment while reducing abrupt cutting engagement.
The straight-flute configuration is recommended for most general hand-reaming applications in uninterrupted holes. For holes containing keyways, slots or other interrupted surfaces, a spiral-flute hand reamer is generally preferred.
The round shank terminates in a square drive section, allowing the reamer to be held securely with a suitable tap wrench. Depending on the setup, the reamer may be rotated through a stationary workpiece, or the reamer may be held while the workpiece is rotated.
Recommended Applications
- Final sizing of pre-drilled holes
- Improving hole roundness
- Improving internal surface finish
- Manual fitting and assembly operations
- Toolroom and machine-shop work
- Maintenance and repair applications
- General hand reaming of uninterrupted holes
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Nominal size | 1/2″ |
| Decimal equivalent | 0.500″ |
| Metric equivalent | 12.7 mm |
| Reamer type | Hand reamer |
| Flute style | Straight flute |
| Flute length | 3″ |
| Overall length | 6″ |
| Cutting material | High-speed steel |
| Finish | Bright / uncoated |
| Main shank form | Round |
| Drive end | Square |
| Suggested package quantity | 1 piece |
How to Use
- Drill the initial hole slightly below the required finished diameter.
- Secure the workpiece firmly.
- Attach a suitable tap wrench to the square drive end.
- Align the reamer concentrically with the existing hole.
- Apply an appropriate cutting fluid for the workpiece material.
- Rotate the tool slowly and evenly in the cutting direction.
- Maintain steady axial alignment without forcing the reamer.
- Complete the cut and remove the tool carefully.
- Clean and inspect the finished hole.
Important Operating Notes
- This reamer is a finishing tool, not a drill.
- It should remove only a small amount of material.
- Do not use it to correct a severely misaligned or substantially undersized hole.
- Avoid reversing the reamer while its cutting edges remain engaged.
- Select cutting fluid according to the workpiece material.
- Verify the finished hole with an appropriate measuring instrument.
Straight-Flute or Spiral-Flute Reamer?
A straight-flute hand reamer is recommended for most general applications where the hole has a continuous internal surface.
A spiral-flute hand reamer is generally more suitable for interrupted cuts, including holes containing keyways, slots or cross holes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nominal finished hole size?
The nominal size is 1/2″, equivalent to 0.500″ or 12.7 mm.
Can this hand reamer produce a hole from solid material?
No. An initial undersized hole must be drilled before reaming. The reamer is intended only for final sizing and finishing.
Can it be operated with a tap wrench?
Yes. The square drive end is designed to be held with a compatible tap wrench.
Why does the reamer have a long starting taper?
The taper helps guide the tool into the pre-drilled hole, promotes accurate alignment and allows the cutting edges to engage gradually.
Is it suitable for holes with keyways?
A spiral-flute hand reamer is generally preferred for holes with keyways or other interrupted surfaces.
Is this a coated reamer?
No. It is manufactured from high-speed steel and has an uncoated bright finish.
What is the flute length?
The flute length is 3″.
What is the overall length?
The reamer has an overall length of 6″.
Accurately finish 1/2″ holes with a durable HSS hand reamer designed for controlled entry, alignment and manual operation.





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