drilling holes on aluminium tubes

[Ken13559]

I'm fabricating the hatch canopy by Sailrite. I like to know, when I drill holes into the 7/8" OD aluminium tubes, how do I remove the blurr from the holes inside the tube?
On the outside, I can use a larger drill bit to ream it but there is no access to inside unless I have a very long round files which I don't have.

 

[justsomeguy]

You could find a chainsaw sharpening file, if the size of the hole will allow.

 

[rgarrison@gmail.com]

the round files are cheap and very useful. I bet you can find one for less than $10

 

[DannyS]

You can buy a de-burring tool from Home Depot for about $7.00. It does a great job with the exterior side and a pretty good job on the inside as well with a bit of twisting. This tool should be in everyone's tool kit. I use mine all the time. It works on metal, and plastic very well.

 

[sailaway78]

If you need more length

You can make your own tool if you need to get deep into the tubing. And cheap too. Just get a piece of all thread rod, 3/8 inch works pretty good, cut a slot in one end with a hacksaw. Wrap some emery paper in the slot, and stick the other end into a drill.

 

[Ken13559]

Thanks for all info. Round files too short, de-burring tool seems the ticket. First time I've heard of it. Will look it up. Improvise using a long threaded rod, very MacGuyver like. I like the idea. Thanks again.