Engines need regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly, and cylinder honing is a crucial part of that. Rebuilding an engine? Or just trying to improve performance? A good cylinder honing tool can make all the difference. These tools help create the proper surface finish for new piston rings to seat correctly. It’s about getting the right cross-hatch pattern for optimal oil retention. I’ve used a few different types over the years, and I’m sharing my thoughts on some of the best ones out there.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- General Tools 803 Cylinder Hone: Best budget-friendly option for small engine work.
- Lisle 15000 Cylinder Hone: Versatile and easy to use for a wide range of cylinder sizes.
- Summit Racing SUM-900200 Cylinder Hone: Great for performance engines and creating a consistent finish.
- Speedway Motors Flex Hone: Ideal for deglazing cylinders without removing material.
- Brush Research Manufacturing Flex-Hone: Top-of-the-line flex hone for precise surface finishing.
Top 5 Best Cylinder Honing Tool Reviews
1. General Tools 803 Cylinder Hone
The General Tools 803 is a basic but effective cylinder hone, perfect for DIYers on a budget. It uses a spring-loaded design with three stones to hone cylinders ranging from 2 to 7 inches. It’s a solid choice for small engine repair and maintenance.
Pros:
- ✅ Very affordable
- ✅ Simple and easy to use
- ✅ Suitable for small engine cylinders
Cons:
- ❌ Not ideal for larger or high-performance engines
- ❌ May not provide the most consistent finish
- ❌ Stone quality is basic
Verdict: A great entry-level hone for those working on small engines and not looking to spend a lot of money.
2. Lisle 15000 Cylinder Hone
The Lisle 15000 is a more versatile cylinder hone that can handle a wider range of cylinder sizes, from 2 to 7 inches. It features a knurled adjustment knob for precise control over honing pressure. This one is a step up in terms of usability and precision.
Pros:
- ✅ Adjustable honing pressure
- ✅ Suitable for various cylinder sizes
- ✅ Durable construction
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit tricky to center perfectly
- ❌ Requires some experience to get the best results
- ❌ More expensive than basic models
Verdict: A good all-around hone for DIYers and home mechanics who work on a variety of engines.
3. Summit Racing SUM-900200 Cylinder Hone
If you’re working on performance engines, the Summit Racing SUM-900200 cylinder hone is worth considering. It’s designed for creating a consistent and accurate finish. It handles cylinder diameters from 3 to 4 inches, commonly found in performance applications.
Pros:
- ✅ Designed for performance engines
- ✅ Creates a consistent finish
- ✅ Durable construction
Cons:
- ❌ Limited cylinder size range
- ❌ More expensive than basic hones
- ❌ May be overkill for simple engine maintenance
Verdict: Best for those building or rebuilding performance engines and needing a precise, consistent finish.
4. Speedway Motors Flex Hone
The Speedway Motors Flex Hone is designed for deglazing cylinders without removing a lot of material. It uses abrasive nylon bristles to create a smooth, plateau finish. This is ideal for freshening up cylinders without a full rebuild. I used one of these on a small block Chevy and it worked great.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent for deglazing cylinders
- ✅ Creates a plateau finish
- ✅ Easy to use
Cons:
- ❌ Not suitable for removing significant material
- ❌ Can be expensive
- ❌ Requires specific honing oil
Verdict: An excellent choice for deglazing cylinders and creating a smooth finish without removing much material.
5. Brush Research Manufacturing Flex-Hone
The Brush Research Manufacturing Flex-Hone is a top-of-the-line flex hone designed for precise surface finishing. It’s available in various sizes and grits to suit different applications. This is what you’d find in many professional shops.
Pros:
- ✅ Provides a very precise surface finish
- ✅ Available in various sizes and grits
- ✅ Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
- ❌ Most expensive option
- ❌ Requires knowledge of honing techniques
- ❌ May be overkill for basic honing needs
Verdict: The best flex hone for those who demand the highest quality finish and have experience with honing techniques.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right cylinder honing tool depends on your specific needs and the type of engine you’re working on. Here are a few things to consider:
- Cylinder Size: Make sure the hone is compatible with the cylinder bore diameter.
- Engine Type: Different engines require different honing techniques and finishes. Performance engines often need a more precise finish than older, less powerful engines.
- Honing Material: Abrasive stones are suitable for removing material and creating a cross-hatch pattern. Flex hones are better for deglazing and creating a smooth, plateau finish.
- Budget: Cylinder hones range in price from affordable DIY options to high-end professional tools.
- Experience Level: Some hones are easier to use than others. If you’re a beginner, start with a simple, adjustable hone.
- Honing Oil: Always use honing oil to lubricate the stones and remove debris. This will help you achieve a better finish and prolong the life of the hone.
When honing, keep these tips in mind:
- Cleanliness: Ensure the cylinder is thoroughly cleaned before and after honing.
- Speed: Use a slow, consistent speed when honing.
- Pressure: Apply even pressure to the hone.
- Pattern: Aim for a consistent cross-hatch pattern at a 45-degree angle.
FAQs
Q: What is cylinder honing?
A: Cylinder honing is the process of creating a specific surface finish inside an engine cylinder. This helps the piston rings seat properly and provides optimal oil retention.
Q: Why is cylinder honing necessary?
A: Honing is necessary to create the proper surface finish for new piston rings to seat correctly. It also helps to remove any glaze or imperfections from the cylinder walls.
Q: Can I hone a cylinder myself?
A: Yes, you can hone a cylinder yourself if you have the right tools and knowledge. However, it’s important to follow the correct procedures to avoid damaging the cylinder.
Q: What is the difference between a stone hone and a flex hone?
A: A stone hone uses abrasive stones to remove material and create a cross-hatch pattern. A flex hone uses abrasive nylon bristles to deglaze and create a smooth, plateau finish.
Q: What kind of oil should I use for honing?
A: Use honing oil specifically designed for cylinder honing. This will help to lubricate the stones and remove debris.
Conclusion
Choosing the best cylinder honing tool depends on your specific needs and budget. A basic hone like the General Tools 803 is fine for small engine work, while the Lisle 15000 offers more versatility. For performance engines, the Summit Racing SUM-900200 is a good choice. If you need to deglaze cylinders, the Speedway Motors Flex Hone is ideal. And for the highest quality finish, the Brush Research Manufacturing Flex-Hone is the way to go. Remember to always use honing oil and follow the correct procedures to achieve the best results. Happy honing!
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