11 best flex hones
Flex hones, also known as flexible honing tools or ball hones, are abrasive finishing products used in industrial applications for honing and surface finishing cylindrical or conical bores.They are commonly used in the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries. Here are some key points about flex hones:
Purpose: Flex hones are used to improve the surface finish and size of bores in various materials, including metal, plastic, and composite materials. They are designed to create a smooth and uniform surface texture inside a bore.
Construction: Flex hones consist of abrasive balls or abrasive globules attached to flexible filaments or shafts. These filaments are often made from nylon or other flexible materials, allowing the hone to conform to the shape of the bore.
Abrasive Material: The abrasive material used in flex hones can vary, but it is typically made of materials like silicon carbide or aluminum oxide. The choice of abrasive material depends on the material being honed and the desired finish.
Applications: Flex hones are commonly used for deburring, edge blending, cross-hole deburring, and plateau finishing of engine cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, and other precision parts with internal bores. They are also used in applications where a specific surface finish or size tolerance is required.
Operation: To use a flex hone, it is typically attached to a rotary tool such as a drill or a honing machine. As the tool rotates, the flexible filaments with abrasive globules expand and contract, evenly abrading the inner surface of the bore. This process helps remove imperfections and create a uniform finish.
Size and Grit: Flex hones come in various sizes and grit options to accommodate different bore sizes and surface finish requirements. The grit size determines the aggressiveness of the honing process, with finer grits producing smoother finishes.
Benefits: Flex hones offer several advantages, including the ability to produce consistent and controlled surface finishes, ease of use, and reduced labor costs compared to traditional honing methods.
Safety: When using flex hones, operators should wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and gloves, as the process generates abrasive dust and debris.
Overall, flex hones are valuable tools in the manufacturing and machining industries for achieving precise bore finishes and maintaining the quality and functionality of mechanical components. Their flexibility and adaptability make them suitable for a wide range of applications where bore quality is critical.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best flex hones on the market
Brush Research FLEX-HONE Cylinder Hone, GBD Series, Silicon Carbide Abrasive, 3-1/2" (89 mm) Diameter, 240 Grit Size
Flex-Hone Tool
Product description
The Flex-Hone® tool was originally created by Brush Research Manufacturing to deglaze cylinder walls in automotive applications. Brush Research embraced the benefits of a plateau finish and pioneered the concept of plateau honing culminating in the introduction of the Flex-Hone tool in 1972. The Flex-Hone has gained many nicknames over the years and including ball hone, ball style hone, flexihone, dingleberry hone, bead brush, glaze breaker and glaze buster. Flexible honing with the Flex-Hone tool produces an oil holding cross hatch pattern and a true plateau finish free of cut, torn and folded metal. Any type or size of cylinder can benefit from the Flex-Hone®. These abrasive bead style brushes are produced in standard diameters from 4mm to 36 inches. Nine abrasive types are offered including silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, boron carbide and diamond allowing the tool to be tailored to finish any base material. A choice of 11 different grit selections are available for precise control of finish parameters. The elimination of peaks results in rapid ring seating, better oil control, reduced seepage in hydraulic and pneumatic applications and provides better seal performance and longer seal life. Successful applications include firearm chambers, shotgun barrels, musical instruments, combustion chambers, air compressors, pumps, valve bodies, valve guides, brake cylinders, wheel cylinders and the list goes on and on. Flex-Hone® tools are also very effective for deburring cross drilled holes, port radiusing and edge blending. Because of its unique construction, the Flex-Hone is self-centering, self-aligning, and self-compensating for wear so it does not require an elaborate set-up or special training. Deburring can be effectively automated and combined in the machining process to allow a complete cylinder finish in one operation or it can be employed as a secondary operation with equal results.
- Flexible abrasive cylinder hone for surface finishing and cross hole deburring
- Self-centering, self-aligning, self-compensating for wear
- Use by hand or in CNC equipment
- Order by actual bore size, tool produced oversized
- Sizes from 4mm to 36 inches
User questions & answers
| Question: | i have a 5.125 cylinder bore. Will the 5.5 inch work |
| Answer: | If you click on it, it will ask you to enter the hole size that you are wanting to hone....then choose the hone dimension that will work with the diameter that you have |
| Question: | what size do i need for a 4.040 bore? Thanks |
| Answer: | GBD is the commercial version with 80% more globules along the shaft. For sizes larger than 4-1/8" the only tool that is offered by Flex-hone is the GBD style. |
| Question: | What’s the difference in Gb and gbd |
| Answer: | Winbfred,The tool does not expend but is manufactured oversize. Thus if you measured the hone it would be more like 4.370" but you need oversize for the globules to be pressed against the bore for the honing action. If your bore is grater than 4.290" choose the 4-1/2" hone |
| Question: | How much above 4.25 will it expand |
| Answer: | A type 27 has a depressed center. A type 1 is a thin, flat wheel. If you are looking for this product in a type one 6 x .045 x 7/8 the part number is 23103. |
Brush Research FLEX-HONE Cylinder Hone, GB Series, Silicon Carbide Abrasive, 4-1/8" (105 mm) Diameter, 240 Grit Size
Flex-Hone Tool
Product description
The Flex-Hone® tool was originally created by Brush Research Manufacturing to deglaze cylinder walls in automotive applications. Brush Research embraced the benefits of a plateau finish and pioneered the concept of plateau honing culminating in the introduction of the Flex-Hone tool in 1972. The Flex-Hone has gained many nicknames over the years and including ball hone, ball style hone, flexihone, dingleberry hone, bead brush, glaze breaker and glaze buster. Flexible honing with the Flex-Hone tool produces an oil holding cross hatch pattern and a true plateau finish free of cut, torn and folded metal. Any type or size of cylinder can benefit from the Flex-Hone®. These abrasive bead style brushes are produced in standard diameters from 4mm to 36 inches. Nine abrasive types are offered including silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, boron carbide and diamond allowing the tool to be tailored to finish any base material. A choice of 11 different grit selections are available for precise control of finish parameters. The elimination of peaks results in rapid ring seating, better oil control, reduced seepage in hydraulic and pneumatic applications and provides better seal performance and longer seal life. Successful applications include firearm chambers, shotgun barrels, musical instruments, combustion chambers, air compressors, pumps, valve bodies, valve guides, brake cylinders, wheel cylinders and the list goes on and on. Flex-Hone® tools are also very effective for deburring cross drilled holes, port radiusing and edge blending. Because of its unique construction, the Flex-Hone is self-centering, self-aligning, and self-compensating for wear so it does not require an elaborate set-up or special training. Deburring can be effectively automated and combined in the machining process to allow a complete cylinder finish in one operation or it can be employed as a secondary operation with equal results.
- Flexible abrasive cylinder hone for surface finishing and cross hole deburring
- Self-centering, self-aligning, self-compensating for wear
- Use by hand or in CNC equipment
- Order by actual bore size, tool produced oversized
- Sizes from 4mm to 36 inches
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is there a break-in period after deglazing a cast iron sleeve 2 stoke engine with a flex-hone |
| Answer: | This is an APRC1-P. The only difference between this one and the "6" is the 6 was part of a 6 pack. Same filter though. Thank you! |
| Question: | what size hone and grit should i use for a 95mm nikasil coated cylinder |
| Answer: | It really depends on how much the ice machine is being used, but it would be advisable to change them out after 6 months. Especially if you have used it a lot. |
| Question: | I have evinrude intruder 115 hp outboard v4 what size do I need |
| Answer: | Yes or wheels |
| Question: | I have 81mm and 83 mm cylinders to hone. What size hone should I order or do I need to order a different size for each |
| Answer: | 170 |
OTC Tools 7011-10 Flexible Ball Hone for Cylinders and Bores - 1-1/2" - 38 mm
Product description
OTC's 1-1/2 inch - 38 mm flexible ball hone is designed to give you the proper oil control cross hatch finish in a 1-1/2 inch - 38 mm bore. Ball hones can be used to refinish bores found in multiple automotive, motorcycle, & ATV engine, brake, and driveline systems like: engine cylinders, lifter bores, calipers, wheel cylinders, & u-joint yokes. Also useful for bearing or bushing bore applications. The 180 grit silicon carbide abrasive material is designed for use in cast iron or aluminum bores. Choose hone size by the size of the bore you are trying to hone - i.e. a 1 inch bore would use a 1 inch ball hone - ball hones are designed slighly oversized to provide a soft cutting action. Value is at the core of the OTC tool and equipment portfolio. Whether it’s a simple repair or the most complex drivability concern, these award-winning tools universally solve problems faster, and at better value, than any other product line available. Whether it’s a specialty tool or unique piece of service equipment, OTC provides top solutions to modern automotive service challenges while increasing technicians’ productivity and shop profits.
- OTC's 1-1/2 inch - 38 mm flexible ball hone is designed to give you the proper oil control cross hatch finish in a 1-1/2 inch - 38 mm bore
- Ball hones can be used to refinish bores found in multiple automotive, motorcycle, & ATV engine, brake, and driveline systems like: cylinders, lifter bores, calipers, wheel cylinders, & u-joint yokes
- Also useful for bearing or bushing bore applications
- 180 grit silicon carbide abrasive material is designed for use in cast iron or aluminum bores
- Choose hone size by the size of the bore you are trying to hone - i.e. a 1 inch bore would use a 1 inch ball hone - ball hones are designed slighly oversized to provide a soft cutting action
Product features
OTC - Proudly Serving Professional Technicians for Almost a Century
Technicians are problem solvers who aren’t afraid of sweat on their brow and grease on their hands. They provide high quality services that demand high quality tools. When they need a reliable tool, they know they can depend on OTC tools to deliver.
Owatonna Tool Company for the long haul — proudly designing and manufacturing American specialty service tools, diagnostics and shop equipment since 1925.
Brush Research 09247 Rifle Chamber Flex-Hone, Silicon Carbide, 800 Grit, For 5.56 NATO (Pack of 1)
Flex-Hone Tool
Product description
Brush Research Manufacturing rifle chamber Flex-Hone to maintain the integrity of your rifles, properly and safely removing residue from rifle chambers is essential. Using flex hone tools as rifle brushes enables you to remove any imperfections that might impede the performance of your rifle. The end result is a rifle that works efficiently due to a wear-resistant finish created by the flex hone. For durable and reliable rifle and gun brushes, the flex hone tool is a clear choice.
- Rifle and gun brushes allow you to remove any imperfections or machining marks left in your rifle's chamber
- The result achieved with these Flex-Hones is a bright, wear-resistant finish that will improve the quality and feel of your rifle
- 1-5/8-inches abrasive part
- To maintain the integrity of your rifles, properly and safely removing residue from rifle chambers is essential
- For durable and reliable rifle and gun brushes, the flex hone tool is a clear choice
User questions & answers
| Question: | Should I use gun oil on the hone before I use it |
| Answer: | It doesn’t matter how long your barrel is.. this is a chamber hone |
| Question: | what can you attach these to to extend them, say your barrel length is |
| Answer: | Works fine without having to take apart your ar15 upper and no there is no way to add an extension. Just put it in your drill about a 1/2 inch add oil then go at it. |
| Question: | does anyone know where i can get an extension for this? seems too small to use w/o having to take apart my upper |
| Answer: | Get away from the steel casing and leave your chamber alone. You can ruin a barrel right quick if you don't know what your doing. You need a "feel" for honing. If you must, start out light and a tiny amount at a time. Less than .001 total metal removal overall. Measure often! |
| Question: | Can i just use the 800 grit hone or do i have to purchase the 400 grit too? i've got steel cases sticking in a .223 wylde chamber |
| Answer: | John,Yes the 5-1/2" hone is the correct hone choice as this is the closest manufactured size for your bore application as the Flex-hone factory does not manufacture any size between 5" and 5-1/2". The hone tool is very compliant at these large bores and the 5-1/2" will work perfectly for your 5-1/8" bore. |
Osborn - 00077281SP 77281SP NovoFlex Honing Tool, Silicon Carbide, 1200 Max RPM, 3" Hole Diameter, 3.25" Item Diameter, 0.25" Shank Diameter
Osborn
Product description
Osborn 77281SP NovoFlex Honing Tool had round, abrasive beads fastened to the ends of flexible filaments. This self-centering tool will conform to the bore surface providing a consistent, even surface finish over the life of the tool. Works well for a 76 mm - 3 inches Hole Diameter. 76 mm Brush Length. Overall Length is 200 mm 240 Grit Silicon Carbide.
- Honing Tool: NovoFlex Flexible Honing tools have round, abrasive beads fastened to the ends of flexible filaments
- Self-Centering Tool: This self-centering tool will conform to the bore surface providing a consistent, even surface finish over the life of the tool
- Flexible Honing Tool: The actual NovoFlex tool will be approximately 10% larger than the hole size but will easily fit in as it is extremely flexible
- Cylinder Hone Brush: The brush is perfect for honing brake cylinders; the ATB NovoFlex Flexible Honing Tool will even provide an "edge break" which is not possible with conventional honing stones
- Size: 1200 Max RPM, 3" Hole Diameter, 3.25" Item Diameter, 0.25" Shank Diameter
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can this be used on an 81mm bore |
| Answer: | Thank you for contacting Osborn, we would recommend PN 77283. Thank you and let us know if you have any further questions. |
| Question: | Will this work on a 86mm bore |
| Answer: | Unfortunately, we too do not manufacture a hone to that bore size, just 76mm and 83mm. By design, they are very flexible and an 83mm may work. I Have looked at a couple competitors items and also do not see the 81mm offered. |
| Question: | Do you have recommendations on a product you sell for an engine with a 81mm (3.18in) Bore? Most hones do not go to this size, usually over and under |
| Answer: | Thank you for contacting Osborn, yes this is for a 64MM hole (2.5"). |
| Question: | My cylinder bore is 2.5inches is this hone going to work for me |
| Answer: | I used the recommended Flex-hone oil. I wish you were closer and I'd give you what's left in my bottle. I would guess any oil will work, the hone does the work and the oil is to make the honing balls last longer. BTW the hone works great. |
Brush Research Flex-Hone For Rotors, Medium Grit (Pack of 1)
BRUSH RESEARCH MFG CO
Product description
Flex-Hone for Rotors utilizes the Flex-Hone technology to produce the ideal surface finish on automotive and motorcycle disc brakes rotors, automotive fly wheels and clutch plates.
- Lowers Harmonic vibrations
- Produces a non-directional pattern
- Ideal for new and re-turned rotors and flywheels
- Removes the cut, torn and folded metal fragments from the surface
- More rotors per hone than abrasive pads
User questions & answers
| Question: | Do you have to use the oil when using this on the rotors? What is the advantage/disadvantage |
| Answer: | I tried using the flex-hone on my slotted rotors for my BMW but it really just ate up the hone. It works much better for a standard flat rotor. |
| Question: | Will this work on slotted and drilled rotors on a truck to stop wheel shimmy when hitting the brakes |
| Answer: | I bought the medium. The tips of each finger are down to the plastic, but there's still enough grit on the sides of each finger to hone rotors. I've honed about 6 motorcycle rotors with it so far. |
| Question: | Did you buy a fine or medium, Is it still a good tool |
| Answer: | I think These Flex-Hone for Rotors will help you out. Just use the mid and fine grid with a lot of brake cleaner and you will see the result on the brake surface of your rotors. I've refreshed a lot of rotors and even a flywheel between some drift Events. Just bed in your brakes properly afterwarts e.g. the brake in process on the Hawk homepage. |
| Question: | So i have a set of 355mm cross drilled rotors which were not bedded properly. now i get vibration and squealing. would this be a good option |
| Answer: | It is designed to be used in an 83mm hole diameter, and these are oversized 10%to that hole diameter. They are quite flexible but it would be a tight fit. |
Brush Research GB Standard Duty Flex Hone for Block Cylinders, Aluminum Oxide, 3-1/2" Diameter, 240 Grit (Pack of 1)
Brush Research
Product description
The GB Series Flex-Hone tool is designed for bore 3-1/2" diameter and 13-1/2" Overall length. This standard duty Flex-Hone tool is commonly used to finish and deglaze block cylinders or liners and represent a tremendous value on a cost per cylinder basis. 240 Aluminum oxide grit.
- The GB Series Flex-Hone tool is designed for bore 3-1/2" diameter
- This standard duty Flex-Hones tool is commonly used to finish and deglaze block cylinders or liners and represent a tremendous value on a cost per cylinder basis
- For block cylinders
- 240 Aluminum oxide grit
- Measures 3-1/2" diameter by 13-1/2" overall length
User questions & answers
| Question: | Will this hone work for a 3.39" piston bore |
| Answer: | Note that the hones are manufactured oversize, on purpose. The 3-3/4" (3.750") hone, if you physically measured the diameter would be about 3.890". The hone would work in the 3.780" bore but the life of the hone in the 3.78" bore will be diminished because of the larger than expected use bore. The globules (abrasive balls) wear quickly on a new hone due to the tips of the balls (small surface area) wear on the bore walls. As the balls wear there is also less wall force applied to the cylinder wall so the honing action will be reduced. With that said the best choice is the 4" labeled hone. If you are only cleaning up a couple of cylinders then the 3-3/4" hone will work. If you are doing more than 4 cylinder bores then the next size (4") is the best choice. |
| Question: | Will 3.75 hone work on a 5.3 ks. With bore of |
| Answer: | We currently have 10 in stock. Enter this Amazon ASIN # in the search bar: B002T09I6Q Thank you for the inquiry, PMD Products |
| Question: | in , available |
| Answer: | Yes the 83mm hone will work for your 84mm application as the hones are manufactured 0.140" oversize. |
| Question: | Will this work for my 84mm cylinder bore |
| Answer: | Thank you for the inquiry. For ROTOR hones unlike engine hones, there is no hone oil used on rotor refinishing, thus use the tool dry. |
Flexible Cyl Hone, Bore Dia.4in, 240 Grit
Flex-Hone Tool
Product description
Flexible Cylinder Hone, Bore Dia. 4 in, Abrasive Material Silicon Carbide, 240 Grit, Overall Length 13 1/2 in, Hone Length 6 in, Fine Grade
- Bore Dia.: 4 in, Grit: 240, Grade: Fine
Brush Research 00900 Revolver Chamber Flex-Hone, Silicon Carbide, 800 Grit, For 0.357 Magnum Cylinder (Pack of 1)
Brush Research Manufacturing
Product description
Brush Research Manufacturing revolver chamber Flex-Hone. Honing your handgun cylinder will result in a smoother, cleaner surface that is free from machining imperfections and less prone to fouling and corrosion. The surface will be more regular, hold oil and lubricants better and have a beautiful finish.
- Honing your handgun cylinder will result in a smoother, cleaner surface that is free from machining imperfections and less prone to fouling and corrosion
- The surface will be more regular, hold oil and lubricants better and have a beautiful finish
- 1-5/8-inches abrasive surface and a 3-inches overall length
- Silicon carbide abrasive grit material
- 0.357 MAG cylinder type
Brush Research 00054 Chamber Flex-Hone, Aluminum Oxide, 12 Gauge, 800 Grit (Pack of 1)
Brush Research Manufacturing
Product description
Brush Research Manufacturing Flex-Hone tools will improve the look of your shotgun barrel, while making it easier to maintain. The unique fingers gently smooth the metal, creating a more uniform surface that resists wear, corrosion and reduces fouling. The end result is a more polished smoothbore with a beautiful finish. For smoothbores only. The stem wire is covered with a protective shrink tube coating to protect the barrel. All chamber Flex-Hones are fine grit, 800AO for the ultimate finish. 3-inches abrasive part and are 12-inches overall length.
- Flex-Hone tools will improve the look of your shotgun barrel, while making it easier to maintain
- The unique fingers gently smooth the metal, creating a more uniform surface that resists wear, corrosion and reduces fouling
- The end result is a more polished smoothbore with a beautiful finish
- For smoothbores only
- The stem wire is covered with a protective shrink tube coating to protect the barrel
User questions & answers
| Question: | Will this get rid of pitting in the barrel |
| Answer: | Yes the 3-1/2" size hone is the exact diameter hone you will need for the 3.390" bore. |
Brush Research BC Standard Flex Hone for Brake Cylinders, Hydraulics and Valve Guides, Aluminum Oxide, 1-1/2" Diameter, 240 Grit (Pack of 1)
Brush Research
Product description
The BC Series Flex-Hone tool is designed for use on any type or size of cylinder 1-1/2" diameter. This cylinder hone is designed for surface finishing and cross hole deburring in brake cylinders, wheel cylinders, hydraulics, pneumatics and valve guides. Additional abrasive types and grits are available. Typical applications include: automotive - piston pin bore, engine cylinders, block liners, valve guides, cam bearing bore, crank bores, brake cylinders, clutch and brake master cylinders, brake rotors, connecting rods. Marine - main engines, generator engines, hydraulic cylinders, air intake lines. Firearms - barrels, chambers, forcing cones, paintball barrels. Industrial - air compressors, hydraulic ram cylinders, hydraulic motor bodies, pneumatic cylinders, valve housings, pump housings, surface finishing of boiler components, compressed air tool bodies, finishing of stainless steel tubing, mechanical decontamination of nuclear tube sheets, roughening hossel holes in golf clubs for adhesion. 240 Grit. Measures 1-1/2" diameter by 8" overall length.
- The Flex-Hone must be used with a lubricant
- Designed for use on any type or size of cylinder 1-1/2" diameter
- Cylinder hone is an efficient solution to your tough applications
- Aluminum oxide grid material
- Measures 1-1/2" diameter by 8" overall length
User questions & answers
| Question: | With this, would I be able to turn a 7/8" hole into a 1" hole |
| Answer: | George, Yes the 2-3/4" 320 in AO is perfect for your 70mm motorcycle application with Nikasil bores. |
| Question: | Would this be the correct hone for a 70mm bore on a motorcycle cylinder |
| Answer: | The Flex-hone is used by many commercial engine shops for finishing the bronze valve guides for SBC heads. You will need a different stone material to keep the hone tool from galling. We have a hone for this exact application. Enter this ASIN in the Amazon search bar: B007INSAQI |
| Question: | Will this work for criss hatching a brass valve guide for sbc heads made for 11/32 valves without removing metal and messing up the valve being tight |
| Answer: | The answer is a little more involved. We expect your bore walls are Nikasil and not steel lined? Thus you need an AO material hone. It is a high performance application we expect you are utilizing a moly piston ring-set or at least a chrome faced top compression ring. That requires a 320 grit. With your bore size of 82mm, see our Amazon listing ASIN # B002T01ST6 . Just enter this ASIN number in the search bar and this will link you to the correct hone. |
| Question: | Seadoo 82mm. What size |
| Answer: | I purchased this because the 25 new Remington 870 I purchased for work had a very difficult time extracting the shell (all of them). I used this to hone out the chamber and it worked. I also purchased a new Remington 300 win mag that had a bur in the chamber and after shooting a round it would not eject the spent casing, so I honed it and it worked perfectly. As far as your question, I guess it depends on how bad the pitting is. With both my uses I attached the brush to a cordless drill and kept working it until I got the finish I was looking for. I had an old 22 that had some pitting so I wrapped steel wool around a bore brush and attached it to a cleaning rod then to a drill and it worked. |
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