Once the tube has been cut, the end should be ________ or ______ to clear away burrs.

• A. Polished or cleaned
• B. Deburred or Reamed
• C. Bent or widened
• D. Sealed or lubricated

Answer: (B)

Burrs at the cut end can interfere with fitting and joint integrity, so the edge must be made clean and smooth before brazing or soldering. Deburring removes those burrs, giving a safe, smooth edge that seats properly in fittings and allows the filler metal to flow evenly. Reaming serves a similar purpose by smoothing and finishing the edge and can also true the edge if the cut left minor irregularities. The other options don’t fit because polishing or cleaning alone won’t remove burrs, bending or widening would damage the tube, and sealing or lubricating doesn’t address the burrs or joint quality.