The 9 Best Hand Reamers
This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in August of 2019. Whether you’re a professional repair person or a home DIYer, you might occasionally find yourself faced with a hole that needs to be a little bigger. You could try to drill it out, hoping for accuracy, or you could use one of these nifty hand reamers, instead. They enlarge with precision to provide smooth edges and a dependable diameter. We've included adjustable and standard options. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Engineer TR-02
2. General Tools 481
3. Klein Tools Conduit-Fitting Screwdriver
Editor's Notes
September 04, 2019:
Because we know that hand reamers can be used for a variety of purposes, we’ve elected to add a range of options that should suit various needs. These include the Klein Tools Conduit-Fitting Screwdriver, perfect for electricians; the General Tools 481, for anyone who needs to ream and deburr pipe; and the Engineer TR-02, which is a general-purpose model for tackling a range of tasks. We also added the Cal-Hawk 2-Piece set as a general-duty choice, but it's not quite as robust as the Engineer option. It comes with two sizes for roughly the same cost, though, so it may be useful when wider sizing options are preferred over durability. Professionals, including those who work in auto repair, might also like the CME Tools A-K Set, which boasts 11 pieces — and a relatively large price tag. We also decided to add the StewMac Standard Peghole, even though it’s something of a specialist tool. Only those working on guitars and certain stringed instruments will need it, but for those who do, it can certainly come in handy.
4. Woodstock Repairman's Taper
5. CME Tools A-K Set
6. General Tools 196
7. Ridgid 223S
8. StewMac Standard Peghole
9. Cal-Hawk 2-Piece
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.