How to Select Twisted-in-Wire Brushes

Twisted-in-wire brushes are used for cross-hole deburring, the process of removing burrs from the intersections of cross-drilled holes. These industrial brush tools are also used for removing soot and carbon deposits from pipes, and for cleaning holes, flues, and threads. Because twisted-in-wire brushes can internally clean and deburr hard-to-reach places, these versatile brushing tools are helping leading manufacturers solve surface finishing challenges.

For industrial buyers, selecting twisted-in-wire brushes requires an understanding of brush types and specifications, especially filament type and tool diameter. Application requirements and Series-level options are also important to consider. Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM), an American supplier of surface finishing solutions, provides four major types of twisted-in-wire brushes: cross-hole deburring, thread cleaning, flue, and tube. Miniature cross-hole deburring tools are also available.

Cross-Hole Deburring Brushes

Cross-hole deburring brushes are used to internally clean and deburr cross-drilled holes. Series 81-A brushing tools come in diameters as small as .024” for micro burr removal. These sturdy twisted-in-wire brushes have stainless steel filaments that are resistant to rust, and are designed specifically for thru-hole applications. Series 81-AY deburring tools are also used for thru-hole cleaning and burr removal, but have abrasive-filled nylon filaments and come in diameters as small as .032”.  

Series 85 cross-hole deburring tools are recommended for closed holes. Available in diameters from 1/8” to 3”, these twisted-in-wire brushes can have filaments made of brass, steel, nylon, or natural fiber. Designed for blind hole or bottom end applications, BRM Series 85 brush tools are so versatile that they’re used for surface preparation, internal cleaning, and the removal of small surface imperfections.       

Thread Cleaning Brushes and Flue Brushes

As their name suggests, thread cleaning brushes are used for cleaning pipe threads. BRM Series 83 brushing tools are twisted-in-wire brushes that are used also for deburring, de-scaling, and rust removal. Available in diameters from 1/4” to 2”, pipe thread cleaners can have filaments made of brass, carbon steel, stainless steel, or nylon. BRM also supplies butterfly-type brush tools for all popular screw threads in diameters from 1/4” to 1-1/4”. This type of brushing tool can be used also on tapered screw threads.  

Flue brushes are twisted-in-wire brushes for removing soot and carbon deposits from pipes, and for cleaning tube sheets. These industrial brushes are available for various bore sizes and feature brass, carbon steel, stainless steel, or nylon filaments. BRM Series 90 flue brushes have a four-wire, double-wire spiral construction. Series 92 adapter-type flue brushes feature a double-stem, double-spiral construction instead. Typically, pipe nipples are attached to flue brushes.

Tube Brushes

Tube brushes or cylinder brushes are used for removing chips, dirt, oil, rust, and corrosion from the inside of holes. Series 83 twisted-in-wire brushes are general-purpose tube brushes that are cut for power and great for thread deburring, tube cleaning, de-scaling, and rust removal. Series 84 brush tools are the only BRM tube brushes that feature ring or loop handles instead of metal mounting stems.

Brush Research Manufacturing also offers Series 85 brush tools for blind holes and bottom ends. Series 86 twisted-in-wire tube brushes have tufts to prevent scratches. Series 87 center brushes are designed for automated setups, and Series 88 tapered brushes are suitable for powered operation or manual use. Series 89 condenser brushes are four-wire, single-spiral tube brushes that may include a pipe nipple.