How to choose a deburring tool and remove burrs cleanly
A deburring tool removes the burr left behind when you drill, mill or cut metal and plastic. This guide explains the main blade types, how to use them on inside and outside edges, and the correct technique so the edge stays clean and to size.
View deburring toolsWhat is a burr and why remove it?
A burr is the raised edge of material left at the rim of a workpiece after drilling, milling, turning or cutting. It forms because the tool pushes material aside at the exit instead of cutting it cleanly. A deburring tool shaves this rim off with a swivelling blade in one controlled chip.
A burr is more than a cosmetic issue: it cuts your hands during handling, prevents a flat seating surface and interferes with fits. On electronic and mechanical assemblies a loose burr can act as a conductive chip and cause short circuits or jams.
Which blade types are there?
A hand deburring tool consists of a handle and a rotating replaceable blade. The blade swivels as you pull, so it follows the contour. The blade shape is the key choice, because it defines which materials and geometries you can deburr cleanly.
- Standard blade: all-round choice for straight and slightly curved metal edges.
- Plastic blade: flatter cutting angle so soft materials do not tear out.
- Hook blade: deburrs the hard-to-reach back of a cross-drilled hole.
- HSS for tough steels, carbide for abrasive materials and long life.
How do you deburr metal and plastic cleanly?
Set the tool flat against the edge and pull it with steady pressure, never push it. At roughly 45° to the surface the blade swivels into the burr and lifts it off as a fine chip. One calm, single pass gives a better result than repeated scratching.
- Metal: pull with the burr, apply even pressure, keep the blade from tilting.
- Holes: insert the hook blade and draw the inside rim all the way round.
- Plastic: use less pressure and a flatter angle, or the edge tears.
- Support thin sheet well so it does not spring away as you pull.
- After deburring, check the edge with a finger and clear away chips.
For batch parts a deburring set with several blades plus a separate countersink for defined chamfers pays off. That way the right geometry is on hand for every contour without overloading a single blade.
Frequently asked questions
Which blade for aluminium?
Aluminium is soft and tends to smear. A plastic blade or a sharp standard blade with a flat angle and light pressure gives a clean edge without built-up material.
How do I deburr a cross hole?
For the hard-to-reach back of a hole use a hook blade. It is passed through the bore and draws the inside rim from behind all the way around.
Why does a new burr appear?
That is a secondary burr from too much pressure or a dull blade. Change the blade, set it flatter and work with steady, calm pulls.
Is deburring the same as countersinking?
No. Deburring only removes the edge and leaves the dimension unchanged. Countersinking creates a defined chamfer with a set angle and width and needs a countersink tool.
Looking for the right deburring tool?
We supply hand deburring tools, replaceable blades and deburring sets for metal and plastic - from hole deburrers to surface blades.
For every contour
Blades for straight edges, holes and flat surfaces.
Clean edge
A controlled chip instead of scratching and secondary burr.
Replaceable blades
Spare blades and sets available fast.
Expert advice
Our team helps with blade choice and material.