How to Use Flex-Hone® Tools

Flexible honing tools are versatile. Supplied in standard sizes from 4-mm to 36”, flexible cylinder hones are available in 8 different abrasive types, 11 different grit sizes, and are suitable for any type or size of cylinder. Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM) also offers custom Flex-Hone® tools, as well as surface finishing solutions such as the Flex-Hone® for Firearms. For inner diameter (ID) operations such as burr removal, edge blending, cylinder wall deglazing, and plateau finishing, flexible cylinder hones are ideal.

Choosing the right Flex-Hone® tool for your application is essential, but it’s important to follow proper guidelines for use. A ball hone’s abrasive globules are its most distinctive features, but Flex-Hone® tools also feature a metal stem for easy mounting and quick tool changes. Some users chuck the Flex-Hone® tool in a handheld electric drill. Others mount flexible cylinder hones in production machinery. This versatility, along with the deburring tool’s quality and reliability, add to the value of flexible honing.   

Off-Line and In-Machine Operations

Flex-Hone® tools can be used with a variety of garage, machine shop, and manufacturing equipment for off-line or in-machine operations. Typically, users already own the power tools or machinery that they’ll need for cylinder honing. For example, most hobbyists own a hand drill and most manufacturers have machines with spindles. Amateur and professional gunsmiths, firearms and auto parts companies, diesel mechanics, engine tuners, and even light aircraft builders all use Flex-Hone® tools.

As this How to Use a Flex-Hone® Tool video shows, off-line operations occur away from production machinery, such as on an engine stand or workbench. By using a ball cylinder hone with an electric hand drill, for example, a Flex-Hone® customer can surface finish engine cylinders or the bores on shotguns, rifles, revolvers, pistols, or paintball guns. Rotate the flexible hone prior to entry, and remember that the BRM ball hone is a low RPM tool. The Flex-Hone® Resource Guide provides general speed ranges.

Unlike off-line honing, in-machine deburring and surface finishing uses existing production equipment to automate operations. By using the Flex-Hone® with existing production machinery, manufacturers can reduce labor costs, optimize machine cycle times, and promote surface finish uniformity. Designed for use with most any rotating spindle, automated surface finishing and deburring maximizes investments in milling machines, lathes, CNC equipment, robotic arms, and machining centers. 

Lubrication and Clean-Up

With both off-line and in-machine operations, flexible honing tools always require lubrication. Choose a high-quality honing oil (such as BRM Flex-Hone® oil) or other good-quality lubricant, such as machine oil. Never use solvents, as they may degrade the adhesive bonds in the tool. Don’t skimp with a few drops of honing oil, but instead lubricate the Flex-Hone® tool generously. Proper lubrication helps keep heat to a minimum, prevents the tool from loading, and suspends the abrasive material. 

After flexible honing is complete, thoroughly clean the cylinder. For best results, use a soft nylon brush and hot or warm soapy water. Dry the bore and then clean with a lint-free cloth that’s coated with a light oil or mineral spirits. Continue to clean the cylinder until the lint-free cloth remains clean. For more information, download the Flex-Hone® Resource Guide and watch the Flex-Hone® videos available on BRM’s YouTube channel.