Lisle Cylinder Ridge Reamer 2-11/16 in–5-5/16 in Adjustable — Carbide Cutter & Roller-Guided Stability

The Lisle 36500 cylinder ridge reamer is a spring-loaded, roller-guided tool designed to quickly and cleanly remove piston ridges from cylinder bores in the 2-11/16" to 5-5/16" (68.3–134.9mm) range.

Engine rebuilds and top-end repairs often require a fast, controlled way to eliminate the ring-seating ridge formed at the top of worn cylinders. The Lisle 36500 combines a carbide cutting element, stabilizer spring, and roller-guided offset jaws so technicians can shave a ridge with minimal chatter and consistent contact against the bore contour. It’s built to cover a wide diameter range and to deliver a smooth scraping motion with just a few rotations.

How does this reamer remove a cylinder ridge without damaging the bore?

The tool uses a spring-loaded carbide cutter that follows the cylinder's contour while offset jaw guides keep the unit rigid across its full range. Rollers let the tool rotate easily, while the stabilizer spring lets the operator take incremental cuts rather than removing too much material at once. The combined design reduces vibration and helps maintain a true surface on the bore.

• Spring-loaded carbide cutter contours to the bore for consistent contact.
• Stabilizer spring enables selective, controlled cutting to minimize chatter.
• Roller-bearing support allows smooth rotation and even scraping.
• Offset jaw guides maintain rigidity across the full 68.3–134.9mm range.

What cylinder sizes will this Lisle reamer handle?

This model adjusts to cover diameters from 2-11/16" up to 5-5/16" (68.3–134.9mm), making it suitable for many passenger cars, light trucks, small engines, and some industrial cylinders. The broad range reduces the need for multiple dedicated tools and simplifies workshops that service mixed fleets.

• Adjustable span: 2-11/16" (68.3mm) to 5-5/16" (134.9mm).
• One tool fits many bore sizes, lowering tool inventory.
• Works for common automotive and small-engine cylinder diameters.

How do you use the Lisle 36500 safely and effectively?

Fit the reamer into the cylinder, apply light forward pressure, and rotate using the rollers so the carbide cutter scrapes the ridge. Use short, controlled cuts with the stabilizer spring engaged to avoid removing excess material; inspect frequently until the ridge is cleared. Always follow engine manufacturer tolerances and safety practices when working on bores.

• Position tool squarely in the bore and engage the stabilizer spring for steady contact.
• Rotate smoothly—rollers ensure low-resistance turning for even cutting.
• Take light passes and inspect the bore to avoid overcutting.
• Wear eye protection and clean debris from the cylinder before reassembly.

What features set this Lisle tool apart from simpler scrapers?

The Lisle 36500 integrates a carbide cutter with a spring-loading mechanism and roller support, providing a more refined action than fixed scrapers. The exclusive stabilizer spring reduces chatter and enables selective cutting, while offset jaw guides maintain jaw rigidity over the full adjustment span—helping achieve a cleaner, faster ridge removal.

• Carbide cutter for durable, consistent cutting edges.
• Stabilizer spring allows incremental, controlled material removal.
• Rollers and offset jaws deliver smooth rotation and rigidity.
• Compact footprint and single-package solution for many bore sizes.

Who is this for: Professional mechanics and DIY engine builders who need a reliable, adjustable tool for removing piston-ring ridges quickly and with control. It’s particularly useful for shops that work on a variety of small- to medium-diameter cylinders and want a single, durable reamer to handle multiple bore sizes. The Lisle 36500 is packaged as a single unit and is manufactured to provide a practical balance of range, rigidity, and cutter durability.