Introduction: Shop Cheats: Clean Various Holes
Here is another Instructable in my series of Shop cheats. How to clean up pipe, tube, holes and bores, of most any size and depth! If you want to read any of my previous posts here are some links:
I re-use a lot of materials. And often times those materials are less than clean. Maybe I would like to run a cylinder hone down a hole but the hole is too deep for the hone. Or maybe I have a part that has seen more of it's own share of weather and has rust and crud in it. Just as long as there is a hole or bore that needs imprecise cleaning and is not overly large, maybe under two inches, this can make things easier. This cheat is really simple, cheap and easy. And you actually have to build something this time!
You will need:
- A power drill
- Welding rod or other stiff wire
- Emory cloth and/or steel wool
Step 1: Make a Tool
1) Start with the welding rod, and bend about an inch back over onto itself.
Make the bend nice and sharp. Typically I use a vise to hold the welding rod securely. But pliers will work too.
2) Insert a length of Emory cloth or steel wool
The size of your hole will determine how much abrasive you will want to use. Use enough that you get a figure eight with Emory cloth. This way it is non-directional. Also if you have enough Emory cloth you can rotate used parts for unused parts.
3) Pinch welding rod tight
This is how you will be securing the abrasive to your tool. So the tighter the better.
4) Chuck in your favorite power drill
Just chuck up the other end of the rod in a power drill. Use it just like a cylinder hone. Except you can use it in any depth hole, so long as your welding rod or wire is long enough.
Sometimes in larger holes I pack steel wool in the loops of the Emory cloth. This way the tool touches everything.
7 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
Check it out, I liked your shop cheats stuff so much, I posted my own 'ible about it!
https://www.instructables.com/id/Shop-Cheats-DIY-Grinder/
8 years ago
I've used a piece of steel rod and cut a slot in the top with a portaband or hacksaw and wrap emory cloth around the tip and thru the slot. doing it this way allows you to put more pressure on the emory cloth. but I will keep you idea in my mind just in case I need some flexibility. .great idea
Reply 8 years ago
Oh btw I forgot to mention that you chuck the steel rod in your drill or die grinder
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
A friend of mine does the same thing. I would too, but if I needed such heavy pressure I would just grab a ream.
8 years ago on Introduction
Very clever, keep the shop tips coming!
8 years ago
Well done, we have used this for years at my work we call it a "Redneck Hone" and usually put scotch bright in it for polishing.
8 years ago on Introduction
Great idea, it gives so much flexibility, you can vary length of the rod to suit your needs.
Well done sir, and thanks for sharing :-)
R