A bead reamer is a round file that is used to enlarge, de-burr and round out bead holes. A basic bead reamer has a long, pointy tip that fits inside a bead hole. You twist it back and forth on one end of the bead, and then pass it through the other end and twist it again.

A bead reamer is also helpful for enlarging small holes, which is nearly always necessary when knotting pearls. Since the silk cord must pass twice through the last few pearls on each end of the strand, these pearls must be typically be reamed to allow them to accommodate the extra cord. Special pearl reamers make this an easier task because they have smaller tips.

Abrasive beads are a major factor in jewelry breakage, so taking the time to ream beads can help avoid later frustration. You can use a bead reamer to remove these rough spots. A bead reamer with interchangeable tips makes it possible to ream a variety of different-sized beads.

Gemstone and silver beads often have uneven holes that will cause abrasion on the stringing material. To even-out these holes, use a bead reamer to gently sand the edges of the holes. You can also use a bead reamer to remove white release clay from inside the holes of lampworked beads.

A battery-operated bead reamer is a real time saver and can be used with nearly any type of bead. To use this tool, hold a bead with tweezers or pliers, submerge the bead and the reamer tip into a small bowl of water, and then ream the hole from both sides of the bead. The water keeps the bead cool to prevent cracking.

Links:
Bead reamers
http://www.beadalon.com/Reamers.asp

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