The Boeing Company
Hole-cleaning method and apparatus

Abstract:

Systems, methods, and a hole-cleaning apparatus for cleaning machined holes before measurement. The apparatus includes a probe that is inserted into a hole, and a spool support configured to support a spool of a cleaning material. During operation, cleaning material is drawn from the spool downward along the outer surface of the probe, and cleans the machined hole. The cleaning material then passes through an opening at the lower end of the probe, moves upward through an internal passage to an opening in the upper end of the probe, and is collected on a powered take-up reel.