Best Pipe Reamers for Plumbing Repairs
A pipe reamer removes the burr left inside copper or plastic tubing after a cut, which protects fittings, valves, and flow rates from the damage a sharp inner edge can cause. The right reamer depends on whether you are working with copper, PEX, or PVC, and whether you need a pocket tool, a deburring pen, or an inner-outer reamer for repeated jobs.
Quick answer
The Ridgid 29993 Inner-Outer Reamer is the best overall pick for most plumbing repairs because it handles both the inside and outside edge of copper tubing in one tool.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Cross-checked manufacturer-published specifications before writing any recommendation
- Verified US market availability and configuration for every model discussed
- Owner-feedback themes are summarized as feedback, never presented as our own hands-on testing
- No invented star ratings; see the visible Research Score criteria on this page
- Flagged water-isolation and pressure-safety steps wherever a tool touches pressurized lines
- We compare reamer types by material compatibility, blade or cutter design, handle ergonomics, and whether the tool is rated for copper, plastic, or both, based on manufacturer specifications and owner-feedback themes.
Research updated September 2026.
What Matters Most for This Category
The most important factor is matching the reamer to your pipe material. Copper tubing needs a hardened cutter that can shave the inner burr without deforming the wall, while PEX and PVC are better served by a deburring tool or a reamer designed for plastic. Size range matters too, since a reamer that only covers 1/2 inch tubing will not help on 1 inch or larger lines. For occasional DIY work, a compact pocket reamer is enough, but anyone doing repeated repairs should consider a dedicated inner-outer tool with replaceable blades.
| Model | Best for | Key specs | Research Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgid 29993 Inner-Outer Reamer | Best Overall | Inner-outer reamer, Copper and plastic | 94/100 |
| Superior Tool 37116 Inner-Outer Reamer | Best Value | Inner-outer reamer, Copper and plastic | 91/100 |
| Ridgid 29983 Deburring Tool | Best for Plastic Pipe | Deburring tool, Plastic and copper | 89/100 |
| Reed Tool DEB2 Deburring Tool | Best for Copper | Deburring tool, Copper and plastic | 88/100 |
| Ridgid 29973 Inner-Outer Reamer | Best for Larger Tubing | Inner-outer reamer, Copper and plastic | 87/100 |
| Superior Tool 37118 Deburring Tool | Best Budget | Deburring tool, Copper and plastic | 85/100 |
| Lenox 30801 Reaming Pen | Best for Tight Spaces | Reaming pen, Copper and plastic | 84/100 |
Ridgid 29993 Inner-Outer Reamer
Top PickPros
- Reams inside and outside edges in one pass
- Hardened steel cutters hold up to repeated copper work
- Compact enough for a tool bag or pouch
Cons
- Not ideal for very large diameter pipe
- Blades are not user replaceable on this model
This is the classic inner-outer reamer that many plumbers keep in a pocket or bag. It deburrs copper tubing quickly and also works on plastic, which makes it a versatile first pick for repair work.
Superior Tool 37116 Inner-Outer Reamer
Great ValuePros
- Low cost for a dual-edge reamer
- Pocket clip keeps it handy
- Works on both copper and plastic tubing
Cons
- Smaller maximum size than some competitors
- Cutting edges can dull with heavy use
A budget-friendly inner-outer reamer that covers common residential tubing sizes. It is a sensible choice for a homeowner who wants one tool for occasional copper and plastic repairs.
Ridgid 29983 Deburring Tool
Plastic SpecialistPros
- Rotating blade follows the pipe edge cleanly
- Good for PEX, PVC, and CPVC
- Small and easy to carry
Cons
- Not a full inner-outer reamer
- Blade can be fragile if dropped
This deburring tool uses a rotating blade to shave the inner and outer edge of plastic pipe. It is a strong match for PEX and PVC work where a copper-style reamer is not needed.
Reed Tool DEB2 Deburring Tool
Copper ReadyPros
- Cuts a clean inner and outer edge
- Compact for tight spaces
- Replacement blades available
Cons
- Requires a steady hand on thin-wall tubing
- Not designed for large diameter pipe
A compact deburring tool that handles copper and plastic edges with a replaceable blade. It is useful for repair work where a full reamer would be awkward to fit.
Ridgid 29973 Inner-Outer Reamer
Wide RangePros
- Covers larger tubing sizes than pocket models
- Dual-edge cutting saves time
- Durable metal construction
Cons
- Bulkier to carry
- Higher price than small reamers
This larger inner-outer reamer extends the size range for bigger copper and plastic lines. It suits repair jobs where standard pocket tools are too small.
Superior Tool 37118 Deburring Tool
Budget PickPros
- Very low cost
- Simple to use
- Fits easily in a pocket or pouch
Cons
- Basic build quality
- Blade may need replacing sooner
An inexpensive deburring tool for light repair work. It covers the basics for copper and plastic edges without a large investment.
Lenox 30801 Reaming Pen
CompactPros
- Slim pen shape reaches tight spots
- Good for quick edge cleanup
- Pocket clip for storage
Cons
- Not a heavy-duty reamer
- Limited size range
A pen-style reaming tool that fits into tight areas where a larger reamer will not reach. It is best for quick deburring on common tubing sizes.
Who Should Avoid the Top Pick
Skip a pipe reamer if you only cut plastic pipe with a clean, factory-squared cutter and never see a visible burr, since some plastic cutters leave an acceptable edge. Also avoid heavy-duty copper reamers if your work is limited to PEX push-fit fittings, where a simple deburring tool is usually enough.
Before You Buy
Check the outside diameter of the tubing you work with most, because reamer size ranges are listed in inches and a tool that fits 1/2 inch copper may not fit 3/4 inch or larger. Confirm whether the reamer handles both the inner and outer edge or only one, and whether replacement blades are available if you plan to use it often.
FAQs
What does a pipe reamer do?
It removes the burr or sharp inner and outer edge left after cutting tubing, which helps fittings seal properly and protects flow.
Do I need a reamer for PEX?
PEX is often cut with a dedicated cutter that leaves a clean edge, but a deburring tool can still help if the cut is rough or the fitting requires a smooth end.
Can I use a reamer on PVC?
Yes, many deburring tools and reamers work on PVC and CPVC, though a plastic-specific deburring tool is often the better match.
What size reamer do I need?
Match the reamer size range to your tubing outside diameter, and choose a model that covers the largest size you expect to work with.
Is an inner-outer reamer better than a deburring tool?
An inner-outer reamer handles both edges in one pass and suits copper work, while a deburring tool is lighter and often better for plastic and tight spaces.
How often should I replace reamer blades?
Replace blades when they stop cutting cleanly or start tearing the tubing edge, which depends on how much copper or plastic you cut.
Our verdict
The Ridgid 29993 Inner-Outer Reamer is the strongest all-around choice for copper and plastic repairs because it handles both edges in one tool. For plastic-focused work, the Ridgid 29983 Deburring Tool is a lighter and more targeted option, while the Superior Tool 37116 offers a solid value pick for occasional DIY use.