Bridge pin reamer

A tapered cutting tool used to enlarge or true the holes in a guitar's bridge so that the bridge pins seat correctly.

Bridge pin holes must be tapered to match the pins, and the pin must sit with its ball end below the bridge plate without rattling or protruding. An oval or undersized hole lets the pin creep upwards under tension, which allows the string to slip, while an oversized hole cannot grip at all and may need to be bushed. Reamers are used sparingly and by hand, because the material is thin and a hole cut too large cannot easily be corrected.

Example: Truing the taper of the holes in an acoustic guitar's bridge so new pins seat properly requires a bridge pin reamer.

Bridge pin reamer

See also