If you are a metal worker, engineer, technician or a serious DIYer you will be familiar with the process of deburring.
It is something that you do regularly after performing most machining operations.
Deburring tools can be used on plastic, nylon, copper, wood, and other non-metallic materials, as well as mild steel, mild cast iron, and aluminum.
However, if used on much harder materials, like hardened steel, the tool could chip or break.
When purchasing a deburring tool, it is important to keep in mind the types of material you will be working with and whether you need a heavy-duty tool or an everyday tool.
My top choice for a deburring tool is the General Tools 482 Swivel Head. It offers certain features that are usually found only in the more expensive tools. The swivel head gives it the maneuverability and performance of other higher-priced deburring tools and the spring-loaded locking collar allows for the quick exchange of blades.
But you might be looking for a few different features, so have a look at all my suggestions and find the right deburring tool for you.
| Best deburring tool | Images |
|---|---|
| Best overall deburring tool: General Tools 482 Swivel Head | 
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| Best deburrer for home use: AFA Deburring tool with a Blade | 
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| Best multi-purpose deburring tool: Noga RG1000 Multi-Burr | 
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| Best for removing plastic burrs & for 3D printers: Shaviv 90094 Mango Handle | 
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| Best compact deburring kit: Yxgood Hand Deburring Tool Kit | 
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| Best heavy duty deburring tool for tough materials: Noga NG8150 Heavy Duty Deburr Tool | 
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| Best basic deburring tool for small jobs: General Tools 196 Short Length Hand Reamer & Countersink | 
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| Best deburring tool for plumbing projects: SharkBite U702A | 
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In this post we'll cover:
- What is a deburring tool?
- Buyer’s guide to finding the right deburring tool
- Top 8 best deburring tools available
- Best overall deburring tool: General Tools 482 Swivel Head
- Best deburrer for home use: AFA Deburring tool with a Blade
- Best multi-purpose deburring tool: Noga RG1000 Multi-Burr
- Best for removing plastic burrs & for 3D printers: Shaviv 90094 Mango Handle
- Best compact deburring kit: Yxgood Hand Deburring Tool Kit
- Best heavy duty deburring tool for tough materials: Noga NG8150 Heavy Duty Deburr Tool
- Best basic deburring tool for small jobs: General Tools 196 Short Length Hand Reamer & Countersink
- Best deburring tool for plumbing projects: SharkBite U702A Deburring Pipe and Depth Gauge Tool
- FAQs on deburring tools
- What is a deburring tool?
- How do you deburr wood?
- How do you deburr copper pipes?
- What does deburr mean?
- How do you deburr holes?
- How far does SharkBite go in?
- Are SharkBite fittings to code?
- Does PEX pipe need to be deburred?
- Why use a deburrer when the same thing can be done with a chisel?
- Can you use a deburring tool wearing working gloves?
- Are the blades interchangeable between different brands?
- Are there any hacks with this tool?
- Conclusion
What is a deburring tool?
The deburring tool is designed to remove sharp edges and burrs from drilled holes and pipework.
Deburring is the process that removes sharp edges, or burrs, from material to ensure that the edges are smooth and even.
Deburring is commonly performed after machining operations, such as cutting, drilling, sharpening, or stamping, all of which typically leave sharp edges on the material.
Metalworkers, in particular, know the importance of the deburring process. When they are being cut, metals leave very sharp, rigid edges.
Deburring eliminates these so that workers can handle materials safely.
This video explains why this simple tool can be so indispensable:
Buyer’s guide to finding the right deburring tool
There are thousands of deburring tools on the market. There is no all-around deburring tool. So it is difficult to choose the right one for your job.
There are certain things you must consider before buying a deburring tool.
Quality and shape of the blade
The most important part of a deburring tool is the blade. The market offers a wide range of blades, and it is important to choose the correct blade for the material you are working with.
Softer metals such as aluminum, copper, or soft iron need a softer blade. A blade that is too hard will break a softer metal. The harder the metal, the stronger the blade needs to be.
The shape of the blade also varies. Some blades are designed to go deep inside a hole to deburr the edges, some are designed for sharp corners and shallow holes.
Extra blades
No matter how good the deburring tool is, its blade will experience a lot of friction and wear. Eventually, the blade will need to be replaced.
Some of these tools come with replacement blades. Some manufacturers expect you to buy the replacement blades separately, but, generally, they are not an expensive item.
It is important to purchase the correct size and make of blade for the tool you are using.
Ergonomic grip
The grip is an important feature, as it needs to be comfortable and offer good control.
If you use this tool regularly, for extended periods, you want to avoid hand- fatigue which can lead to safety issues.
Cost
Deburring tools are not extremely pricey, but you need to ensure that you get good value for your money. Ideally, you should purchase the deburring tool that is best suited to the specific job you plan to do.
No single tool can perform optimally for every deburring process on every type of material. So, because they are affordable tools, it makes sense to purchase more than one tool, for different applications.
If you plan to drill holes and remove burrs from them, you will need a simple, easy-to-use, affordable deburring tool.
If the job is heavy duty and you are working with hard metal, then you will need an industrial-strength deburring tool.
Top 8 best deburring tools available
Here are the top 8 deburring tools we picked and reviewed, that might help you to make a decision.
Best overall deburring tool: General Tools 482 Swivel Head
“A quality tool that does the job!” This is the opinion of numerous reviewers who used this tool.
The standout feature of the General Tools 482 Head Swivel is the swivel head which is usually only found in the more expensive deburring tools.
This super-smooth swivel head gives the tool great maneuverability and the ability to deal with tricky curves and bends. It has a comfortable aluminum handle, coated in thick gray paint.
The pivoting blade makes this an extremely efficient deburring tool and, because it comes with two interchangeable blades, it can be used across a range of materials.
The 482A blade is for use on steel, copper, aluminum, and plastic. The 482B blade is for cast iron and brass.
The blades are long-lasting, and, although it comes with only one extra blade, the replacement blades are inexpensive
The spring-loaded locking collar offers a quick release to change blades and provides firm support during usage.
This deburring tool can be for home use, plumbing applications, or as a machinist tool in the shop. It is ideal for removing burrs from cut pipe, tubing, conduit, and PVC tubing.
Features
- Quality and shape of blade: Two interchangeable blades – a 482A blade and a 482B blade. A swivel head for added maneuverability.
- Extra blades: One extra blade is provided but replacement blades are inexpensive.
- Grip: A comfortable aluminum handle for good control.
- Cost/value for money: Excellent value for money.
General Tools also makes one of my favorite scribing tools for precise markations
Best deburrer for home use: AFA Deburring tool with a Blade
If you are looking for a basic tool that can work efficiently across a range of materials, then the AFA Deburring tool is the one to consider.
It is a simple tool consisting of a handle and a blade.
It can be used on steel, copper, aluminum, and plastic, across a wide range of contours and shapes. It is particularly suited to 3D printing and resin art, for shaving and smoothing.
The blades are made of tempered high-speed steel which makes them sharp, strong, and resistant to wear. HSS steel is usually 80% longer lasting than regular steel.
The tool comes with ten replacement blades, packed in a handy storage case. Replacing the blade is a quick and easy process.
The aluminum handle is smooth, which means it may get slippery in a sweaty hand and the user may find it hard to put exert pressure on it.
Perfect for the hobbyist and home DIYer, this tool is not suitable for industrial, heavy-duty deburring jobs.
Features
- Quality and shape of blade: Blades are made of tempered high-speed steel, which lasts 80 percent longer than regular steel.
- Extra blades: Comes with ten replacement blades.
- Grip: Aluminum handle is smooth and may become slippery and hard to grip.
- Cost/value for money: Very reasonably priced.
Best multi-purpose deburring tool: Noga RG1000 Multi-Burr
As the name suggests, the Noga RG100 deburring tool is a versatile tool that has four multipurpose blades, each of which is designed to work on a specific material.
This feature makes it a favorite both with DIYers and professional handymen, although it is heavier on the pocket than most other models.
Of course, it has more options, which also justifies the higher price tag.
The N2 blade is for use on cast iron and brass and the S10 blade is for plastic, steel, and aluminum.
The D50 scraper has a fixed base and is used on heavier materials. The countersink blade allows the user to cut away holes and is also suitable for most craft projects.
The innovative blade holder has four folding shafts which can be locked into position while the tool is in use and then folded back into the handle, for easy storage.
It’s a great tool to take on the job. Because the blades fold it, you can safely carry it around in your pocket or toolbelt.
Features
- Quality and shape of blade: High-speed steel blades for durability.
- Extra blades: The blades that are not in use, fold back into the handle.
- Cost/value for money: A more expensive tool, but it can be used for a range of applications.
If you love tools that perform multiple functions, you will love the Japanese saw (here’s why)
Best for removing plastic burrs & for 3D printers: Shaviv 90094 Mango Handle
The Shaviv 90094 Mango Handle Deburring Tool is aimed at home DIYers and 3D printing enthusiasts and it comes as part of a kit.
The kit contains one each of B10, B20, and B30 high-speed steel blades. The B10 blade is designed for deburring straight edges and hole edges on steel, aluminum, copper, and plastic.
The B20 blade is designed for deburring straight edges and hole edges on brass, cast iron, and plastic, and rotates clockwise as well as counter-clockwise.
The B30 blade simultaneously deburrs the inside and outside of holes up to 0.16″ thick on steel, aluminum, copper, and plastic.
The kit also contains one each of E100, E111, and E200 high-speed steel blades.
An additional feature is the blade holder on the handle so the tool can be extended for long-reach work.
This tool is useful for the home handyman or the avid 3D printing aficionado.
With the range of blades supplied in the kit, you will be able to use this tool for some time before needing to buy replacement blades.
Features
- Quality and shape of blade: Kit contains a range of high-speed steel blades for working on different materials.
- Extra blades: B and E blades are part of the kit.
- Grip: The rubberized handle has a comfortable grip.
- Cost/value for money: An affordable quality product
Best compact deburring kit: Yxgood Hand Deburring Tool Kit
The YXGOOD Hand Deburring Tool is a compact and versatile tool that is easy and convenient to carry around.
It is purchased as part of a kit that includes 15 blades, 5 of each type.
This makes it useful across a range of materials, and for use on straight and curved edges, cross holes, and deep holes.
The blade, made of tempered high-speed steel, can be rotated 360 degrees and the blade is easily replaced by simply pressing a release button. Additional blades come in a handy storage case.
The solid aluminum handle is small – just over four and a half inches in length.
It has a comfortable grip, but some users may struggle to maintain a firm hold if they have large hands.
Features
- Quality and shape of blade: Tempered high-speed steel blades.
- Extra blades: The kit includes 15 blades, 5 of each type.
- Grip: The handle is small so some users may struggle to hold it comfortably.
- Cost/value for money: An affordable tool.
Best heavy duty deburring tool for tough materials: Noga NG8150 Heavy Duty Deburr Tool
The Noga NG8150 Heavy Duty Deburring Tool is exactly what it says it is – a heavy-duty tool for heavy-duty applications.
It has the capacity to hold the extra strong Noga S-blades and the Vargus E- blades, which are mounted directly on the handle.
It is, thus, particularly suited to working on hard metals as well as plastic and aluminum. The tool comes with 10 S-10 blades which are stored within the handle.
Blades are quickly and easily changed by pressing a safety button.
The S-10 blades are perfect for large radius curves and long edges but may be too large for use in tight spaces and small holes.
The ergonomically designed handle is made of rigid plastic and has a comfortable grip.
Features
- Quality and shape of blade: Has the capacity to hold the heavy-duty S-blades.
- Extra blades: An additional 10 S-blades are supplied. They are stored within the handle.
- Grip: A comfortable grip, made from heavy-duty plastic.
- Cost/value for money: Very reasonably priced.
Best basic deburring tool for small jobs: General Tools 196 Short Length Hand Reamer & Countersink
If you need a versatile tool for small projects and don’t want to spend a lot of money on anything elaborate, this is the one to purchase.
“Cheap and works like a champ!“ was how one reviewer described it.
The General Tools 196 short-length Hand Reamer and Countersink is more than just a deburring tool. This easy-to-use, handheld tool can be used for a range of applications.
It efficiently deburrs plastic, copper and iron pipe, and sheet metal but it can also be used on softer materials like plastic and wood to enlarge and countersink holes for screws.
The compact cutting head features a tough boring bit with 5 flutes that removes burrs from cut pipes up to ¾ inch inner diameter, with literally a twist of the wrist. It is perfect for small jobs.
The short, ergonomically designed handle gives good control.
Features
- Quality and shape of blade: Features a tough boring bit, with 5 flutes.
- Grip: The short, ergonomically designed handle gives good control.
- Cost/value for money: Very reasonably priced.
Best deburring tool for plumbing projects: SharkBite U702A Deburring Pipe and Depth Gauge Tool
If you are a plumber who uses the SharkBite connect system, you need to give this tool some serious consideration.
The SharkBite Deburr and Gauge Tool is designed to accurately measure the insertion depth for SharkBite push-to-connect fittings.
It also deburrs the pipe with a simple rotation of the tool once the pipe is inserted. It’s worth noting that the deburrer is most effective on PEX and other plastic pipes and is not as effective on copper piping.
The SharkBite push-to-connect technology offers plumbers the easiest way to join different pipes in any combination, without soldering, clamping, or gluing.
This tool makes plumbing repairs and installations fast, easy, and leak-free.
When you insert a pipe into the SharkBite fitting, the stainless-steel teeth grip the pipe, and the specially formulated O-ring compresses to create the perfect watertight seal.
The simple rotation of the tool achieves the deburring once the pipe is inserted, thereby ensuring a smooth connection. The tool is fairly large so it may be difficult to deburr a pipe that is close to a wall.
Features
Designed to be used together with the SharkBite connect system, this tool has limited application outside of this.
However, if you are a plumber who uses this system, this inexpensive tool will help ensure you can connect and repair pipes with ease.
FAQs on deburring tools
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is a deburring tool?
A deburring tool is designed to remove sharp edges and burrs from drilled holes and pipework. Burrs and sharp edges can form on workpieces during manufacturing processes like drilling holes and it’s often beneficial to remove them.
How do you deburr wood?
To deburr small wooden pieces tumbling in a media of fine sand or on its own is a good way.
Try it in hot fine sand, it burns the edges away and gives the wood a burnish look the temperature of the sand can be around 300F. Do not leave it in for long.
Check out more great wood carving tools here
How do you deburr copper pipes?
To deburr copper pipes, ensure that you have a sharp cutting tool. Then, gently place the tool inside the pipe along the burred edge, and gently but firmly use the blade to scrape away the burrs.
The following YouTube video explains it well:
What does deburr mean?
To remove the burrs from a piece of machined work.
How do you deburr holes?
When burrs are hard to access, such as those in the cross-holes of tubular components, there are more efficient ways to deburr than by hand.
Common methods include applying brushes, mounted points, sphere-shaped rotating tools, flexible abrasives and rotating tools with replaceable HSS or carbide blades or inserts.
How far does SharkBite go in?
SharkBite push-to-connect pipe insertion depth and pipe size compatibility.
| SharkBite Fitting Size | Nominal Pipe Size | Pipe Insertion Depth (IN) |
| 1/2 in. | 1/2 in. CTS | 0.95 |
| 5/8 in. | 5/8 in. CTS | 1.13 |
| 1 in. | 1 in. CTS | 1.31 |
| 1-1/4 in. | 1-1/4 in. CTS | 1.88 |
Are SharkBite fittings to code?
SharkBite fittings are approved by the Uniform Plumbing Code and International Plumbing Code for permanent installation.
In fact, the only way to properly remove SharkBite Universal fittings is to use the SharkBite disconnect tongs and disconnect clips.
Does PEX pipe need to be deburred?
PEX tubing and CPVC pipes don’t have to be deburred or reamed.
However, in case the CPVC piping has some kind of ridge around the interior edge, then you can use fine sandpaper, emery cloth, or utility knife to ream the inner edge carefully.
Why use a deburrer when the same thing can be done with a chisel?
You can do the same work using ‘chisels’. There are varieties of chisels in store, chisels as small as a needle, and also flat chisels. They also vary based on the material they are to be used upon.
So it’s quite impossible to carry a bag of twenty or more chisels for deburring. In this case, the deburring tool is needed. You can easily carry a deburring tool kit than these chisels.
And also another thing to be considered is the speed. Using a chisel to deburr a large piece is very time-consuming.
For workmen, time is money. So don’t waste time using chisels than deburring tools.
Can you use a deburring tool wearing working gloves?
Yes. While dealing with sharp metal burrs, it is advisable to wear a pair of work gloves. They will keep your hands safe from cutting hence your hand slips.
Are the blades interchangeable between different brands?
Yes. You can put a blade into a handle from a different brand and can work with this. Most of the time they work, but, it is not advisable.
The brands make their blades in different shapes according to their tool design. The girth of the bottom end might be of a different size. For this design, the blades will not fit in your handle.
The spare blades are cheap. So buy new ones or just replace blades from another brand.
Are there any hacks with this tool?
This tool is meant for deburring which it does the best.
But if you want you can sharpen the blade in a way that makes the tip flat like a screwdriver. The swiveling blade works well as a screwdriver.
Conclusion
Be wise and check all the features, their works, pros, and cons of a product before buying it. Check the reviews and features of deburring tools before buying one for your work.
You have to buy the tool that suits your work the best. They increase the quality of the products and good products bring profits.
Read next: Adjustable Wrench Types and Sizes You Need to Know
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.
