Black Iron Pipe Reamer?

Harvey Ramer · March 2015

What is the best Reamer for black iron pipe. Something handheld or used with a cordless drill. Not talking about the reamers that come with, and are mounted to, the threading machines.

Abracadabra · March 2015

what size pipe? I have a ridgid 2s that'll go to 2" when I don't feel like dragging along the 300. haven't seen anything for 2" that'll go on the end of a drill.

EBEBRATT-Ed · March 2015

only ones I know of are the Ridgid handheld type with a ratchet handle. They make two types, straight flutes for using with a pipe machine and the spiral type supposed to be used by hand only--no pipe machine. I have use the spiral with a pipe machine but you have to use some caution so it doesn't get caught and explode the pipe.

If I use a hand threader or a 700 power drive to thread I usually cut with a portaband--no burr to ream and no pipe cutter to crank

ChrisJ · March 2015

I use a round file because I couldn't see spending the money on a reamer due to the amount I'd use it.

But the only ones I ever see talked about are Ridgids.

Snowmelt · March 2015

Go to rems

Larry_52 · March 2015

EBEBRATT-Ed said:
only ones I know of are the Ridgid handheld type with a ratchet handle. They make two types, straight flutes for using with a pipe machine and the spiral type supposed to be used by hand only--no pipe machine. I have use the spiral with a pipe machine but you have to use some caution so it doesn't get caught and explode the pipe.

If I use a hand threader or a 700 power drive to thread I usually cut with a portaband--no burr to ream and no pipe cutter to crank

I use the straight flute reamer in my ratchet handle for the reason you mentioned with the spiral. I also only use straight flute easy outs more than spiral for the same reason.

Gordy · March 2015

Electric die grinder. Unless sparks are a concern in your work area.

Harvey Ramer · March 2015

Thanks guys.

Charlie from wmass · March 2015

I use the spiral with my rigid 300 or by hand. How could you hold it that long to explode the pipe? I have run it until the pipe was sharp and used it to cut out gasket material or a small hole in bricks or cement blocks.

Gordy · March 2015

I mentioned the die grinder it is pretty handy for other things also. An investment in a multi use tool is always a cost effective one. It would seem from Harvey's original post something portable light, and effective is a need maybe for a particular situation. More work than by hand would warrant yet not so much that conventional means would warrant.

JUGHNE · March 2015

You probably talking reaming all sizes. But my Rigid spiral/ratchet reamer is pretty worn out for the 1/2" size. So for 1/2" pipe I use the step bit (Unibit...Corbra bit) in a battery drill.
This bit is available in larger sizes but I've never tried any for pipe reaming.

EBEBRATT-Ed · March 2015

From Ridgid web site:◾ Model 2-S Spiral Ratchet Reamer – Self-feeding spiral design for extra-fast and easy hand reaming. Model 2-S Reamer is not suitable for power reaming.
◾ Models 2 and 3 Ratchet Reamers – Long taper design will not dig in. Suitable for use with power drives

I have used the spiral with a pipe machine as well and if you are careful it is fine. JMHO. But this is what Ridgid says.

To me the simple answer is a Porta Band. The blades last a long time, they cut fast, no burr no cranking a manual cutter.

Charlie from wmass · March 2015

I use the 300 to cut the pipe also. Unless I am use the larger threader or the old Toledo 999 threader because it is late and I don't want to bother my neighbors with the noise.

hot_rod · April 2015

Unibits are really handy for reaming and many other uses. Or a small cordless like the Milwaukee HackZall.

On large piping jobs I would set up the Dewalt dry cut saw. That way you cut burr-free pipe, threaded rod, and uni strut with one tool. Copper tube also. A fairly big, heavy tool, however

EBEBRATT-Ed · April 2015

I agree with Hot Rod on the dry cut saw. We have 2 Milwaukees and there great tools. The blades are a bit pricey @ $140 or so but if you do a lot of cutting this is the best way. If you don't beat the saw an use it moderately the blades hold up well.

I am talking about the carbide metal cutting blades, not the abrasive blades which leave burrs like razors

SWEI · April 2015

We bought a RAGE3 a few years back and love it -- but the blades are spendy as noted. Save them for where you really need them.

Black Iron Pipe Reamer?

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