What is a Bridge Reamer and When Should It Be Used?
What is a Bridge Reamer?
A bridge reamer is a specialized type of reamer primarily used to enlarge holes, align holes, or remove burrs from boreholes in materials such as alloys, composites, and plastics. This type of reamer features a straight shaft and flutes like a standard reamer but has a longer cutting length and larger diameter to allow for the enlargement of big holes. Its name comes from its design, which spans the gap between the borehole’s starting diameter and the desired final dimension.
When Should You Use a Bridge Reamer?
A bridge reamer is suitable for a wide range of drilling projects, including aligning bolt and rivet holes in metal structures, drilling out bushings and pulleys, and fitting bearings onto shafts. This reamer works best on larger holes, usually those larger than 1/2 inch in diameter. Bridge reamers are also useful for working on curved or angled surfaces because they have a straight shaft that will move smoothly through the hole.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Bridge Reamer?
One of the significant advantages of using a bridge reamer is the ability to achieve high accuracy in creating larger boreholes. Bridge reamers ensure that the hole diameter is consistent and straight, which contributes towards a higher precision in the machined product. Another significant advantage is the ability to adjust the reamer’s length based on the needs of the hole. This feature lets users work on deeper holes without having to tilt the tool to remove chips.
Where Can You Buy a Bridge Reamer?
Bridge reamers can be purchased from a variety of sources, including online retailers, hardware stores, and specialty tool makers. Websites such as McMaster-Carr and Grainger have a large selection of bridge reamers to choose from. They can also be found in machine shops, perhaps even on rent, or borrowed from other machine shops in the area.
How Do You Use a Bridge Reamer?
When using a bridge reamer, choose the correct size reamer for the job. While drilling, apply consistent pressure to reduce heat building up on the cutter, which can deteriorate the cutting edges. Use flood coolant or cutting lubricant to keep the reamer and material cool.
