Find HS Code and trade information for hole expander

Hole Expander

A hole expander is a tool used to enlarge existing holes in various materials, typically metals, plastics, or wood. It is employed when a larger hole is required than can be efficiently or accurately created by drilling alone, or when modifying an existing hole's size for a specific application.

Material

Hole expanders are manufactured from a range of materials, selected based on the materials they are intended to work with and the desired durability:

• High-Speed Steel (HSS): Common for general-purpose expansion in metals. Offers a good balance of hardness and toughness.
• Carbon Steel: Used for less demanding applications, often in wood or softer metals.
• Cobalt Steel: Provides increased heat resistance and wear resistance, suitable for harder metals like stainless steel.
• Carbide: Offers the highest hardness and wear resistance, used for expanding very hard materials or for high-volume production.
• Diamond-coated: Used for expanding extremely hard or abrasive materials.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a hole expander is to increase the diameter of a pre-existing hole without the need for complete re-drilling. This is advantageous in several scenarios:

• Maintaining Alignment: Expanding a hole preserves the original hole's location, crucial in assemblies where precise positioning is vital.
• Reducing Damage: Avoids the potential for splintering or delamination in materials like wood or composites that are prone to damage during drilling.
• Faster Operation: Often quicker than drilling a larger hole from scratch, especially when dealing with hard materials.
• Deburring: Some designs simultaneously deburr the edges of the hole during expansion.

Function

Hole expanders function by incrementally increasing the hole's diameter through a controlled deformation of the surrounding material. The tool typically features a tapered or stepped design, which gradually widens the hole as it is inserted and rotated. Force applied during rotation causes the material to yield and expand.

Usage Scenarios

• Automotive Industry: Expanding holes in sheet metal for mounting components.
• Aerospace Industry: Modifying holes in aluminum or composite structures.
• Sheet Metal Fabrication: Increasing hole sizes for rivets, screws, or other fasteners.
• Woodworking: Enlarging holes for dowels, bolts, or decorative purposes.
• Plumbing and Electrical: Adjusting hole sizes for pipes or conduits.
• HVAC: Expanding holes in ductwork for fittings.

Common Types

• Step Expanders: Feature a series of stepped diameters, allowing for incremental expansion in a controlled manner. Suitable for a wide range of materials and hole sizes. Often used in automated machinery.
• Taper Expanders: Have a continuously tapered profile, providing a smooth, gradual expansion. Effective for softer materials and smaller hole sizes.
• Reamers: While primarily used for finishing holes, some reamers can also be used for slight expansion. They remove a small amount of material to achieve the desired diameter.
• Hydraulic Expanders: Utilize hydraulic pressure to achieve a controlled and powerful expansion. Suitable for large holes and hard materials. Often used in heavy-duty applications.
• Mandrel Expanders: Employ a mandrel to support the hole wall during expansion, preventing deformation. Used for thin-walled tubes and other delicate materials.
• Swaging Expanders: Utilize a swaging process to deform the material and increase the hole diameter. Suitable for tubes and other cylindrical parts.

Hole expanders are tools used to enlarge existing holes, typically in metal or other materials. They are utilized in various applications, including metalworking, automotive repair, and construction.

Based on the provided reference material, the following HS codes may be relevant:

• 8203206030: This HS code covers Files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools, and parts thereof; Pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools, and parts thereof; Other; Other (except parts); Pliers. A hole expander could fall under this category if it functions as a type of plier or pincer. The applicable tax rate is a base tariff of 12¢/doz. + 5.5%, with an additional 25.0% duty, increasing to 30% after April 2, 2025. The total tax rate is 12¢/doz. + 5.5% + 55.0%.
• 8203206060: This HS code also covers Files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools, and parts thereof; Pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools, and parts thereof; Other; Other (except parts); Other. If the hole expander doesn't specifically resemble pliers but is still a hand tool for material manipulation, this code might apply. The tax rate structure is identical to 8203206030: a base tariff of 12¢/doz. + 5.5%, with an additional 25.0% duty, increasing to 30% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tax rate of 12¢/doz. + 5.5% + 55.0%.
• 8487900080: This HS code covers Machinery parts, not containing electrical connectors, insulators, coils, contacts or other electrical features, and not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; Other; Other. If the hole expander is a component of a larger machine or is a more complex mechanical device, this code could be applicable. The tax rate is 3.9% base tariff plus a 25.0% additional duty (increasing to 30% after April 2, 2025), totaling 83.9%. Note that for steel or aluminum products, an additional 25% duty applies.
• 8487900040: This HS code covers Machinery parts, not containing electrical connectors, insulators, coils, contacts or other electrical features, and not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; Other; Oil seals, other than those of chapter 40. If the hole expander incorporates oil seals (excluding those classified under Chapter 40), this code may be relevant. The tax rate is 3.9% base tariff plus a 25.0% additional duty (increasing to 30% after April 2, 2025), totaling 58.9%.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'hole expander' are limited, with only the following 4 found.

It is important to determine the precise function and composition of the hole expander to select the most accurate HS code. If the hole expander is made of steel or aluminum, please note the additional 25% duty applicable to HS code 8487900080.