Bunmery 1/2" & 3/4" Copper Pipe Cleaner Set for Drill, with 1/4" Hex Shank & 6 Brush Blades & 2 Pipe Cleaning Brush, Plumbing Tools for Removing Rust, Stains & Paint from Copper & Metal Pipes, Red

Why I picked up this kit

Copper joints are only as reliable as the prep behind them. On a recent bathroom update and a couple of HVAC repairs, I wanted something faster and more consistent than abrasive cloth and the usual plastic-bodied brushes. That’s where the Bunmery pipe cleaner kit came in. It’s a compact, drill-driven set built around two aluminum-bodied cleaners sized for 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch pipe, with stainless brush blades, a 1/4-inch hex shank, and a pair of auxiliary pipe brushes. I put it to work on oxidized supply lines, old solder stubs, and a few painted sections to see how it handled real-world grime and tight spaces.

Design and build

The first impression is solidity. The aluminum bodies feel significantly sturdier than the typical plastic options, yet they’re light enough to maneuver one-handed. Each cleaner has a textured grip that actually helps when you use it manually, and a threaded cap on the base that lets you swap the internal brush cartridge without tools. The kit includes four extra stainless blade sets—two spares per size—which is a thoughtful touch.

The 1/4-inch hex shank is standard and locks into drills and drivers without drama. I used both a compact 12V drill and an impact driver (set to drill mode) with no compatibility issues. The overall length balances well; it’s not so long that it wobbles, and not so short that the drill chuck interferes with the work.

Setup and ergonomics

Getting started is as simple as chucking it up and choosing your speed. I found low to medium RPM (think 500–900 RPM) with light pressure gives the best finish. Higher speeds are tempting but aren’t necessary and can heat the pipe more than I like.

Switching between the 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch cleaners is quick, and swapping the brush cartridges is genuinely tool-free—twist the cap, slide out the old brush, pop in the new one. The threads are cleanly cut and didn’t bind even after exposure to flux residue and metal dust. For manual use, the textured grip helps, though the drill is where this kit shines.

Exterior pipe cleaning performance

On 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch copper, the cleaning quality was excellent. The stainless blades cut oxidation and lingering paint flecks quickly and left a uniform, bright-metal surface ideal for soldering. Compared to abrasive cloth, the finish is more consistent, and it takes far less effort—especially on long runs or when you’re cleaning multiple joints in a row.

I prepped about a dozen joints in one session (some with heavy tarnish). The brush didn’t clog and showed minimal wear. If you keep the tool aligned with the pipe and avoid pushing too hard, it doesn’t gouge or over-cut; it’s aggressive enough to be efficient but not so coarse that it chews up soft copper.

Two small but notable benefits:
- Reduced wrist strain compared to manual scrubbing.
- Better results on painted sections where cloth tends to skate until the paint breaks.

Inside fittings and the included pipe brushes

The kit includes two separate pipe brushes intended for internal cleaning. They’re convenient to have in the bag, but they’re not the strongest part of the package.

For typical sweat fittings (cleaning the inside of an elbow or coupling), I found the included brushes a bit too soft and not sized as precisely as dedicated fitting brushes. They’ll loosen light oxidation, but they can struggle to bite into stubborn scale inside 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch copper fittings. In practice, I still reached for my dedicated fitting brush or a wrap of abrasive cloth around a dowel for the inside of fittings when I needed a guaranteed bright finish.

Bottom line: the main aluminum-bodied cleaners are outstanding for the outside of pipe. For the inside of fittings, consider this kit a supplement rather than a replacement for a proper fitting brush.

Versatility beyond copper

The stainless blades work on aluminum and iron as advertised. I used the 3/4-inch cleaner to remove light surface rust from a short iron nipple and to clear oxidation on an aluminum tube. It worked fine with a very gentle touch. A few common-sense tips apply:
- On thin-walled soft copper or aluminum, keep pressure light to avoid thinning.
- If you’re removing old paint, expect a few flakes; eye protection is a must.
- Don’t use around active gas lines or where sparks could be an issue.

The kit is compact enough to carry for HVAC service, general plumbing, or shop cleanup. It’s particularly handy for prep before soldering or brazing, but it also doubles for restoring tarnished tubing ends before compression or push-fit connections.

Durability and maintenance

After multiple sessions, the aluminum bodies show only minor rub marks and no deformation. The stainless brush blades hold their shape better than carbon-steel brushes I’ve used in the past, and they resist corrosion from incidental flux contact. Having spare cartridges in the box means you won’t be scrambling for replacements mid-project.

Maintenance is simple:
- Spin the threaded cap off periodically and tap out debris.
- Wipe the threads before reinstalling to avoid galling.
- If you do a lot of painted pipe, blow out the brush with compressed air.

I’m a fan of the replaceable cartridge design—once the bristles wear, you don’t toss the whole tool. If you work frequently, plan to track down extra cartridges or consider a second kit for redundancy.

Access and control in tight spaces

Like any drill-attached cleaner, clearance is your limiting factor. The cleaner plus a drill head can be a squeeze near walls or inside cabinets. A compact right-angle drill solves most of those situations. The manual grip helps when space is truly tight, though you sacrifice speed. Also note that the tool needs a short run of straight pipe; if the joint is very close to a fitting or wall, you might not seat the cleaner fully around the pipe.

Control-wise, there’s minimal chatter if you align the tool and keep speeds moderate. I didn’t experience any significant wobble or stripping in the hex shank.

Safety and technique tips

• Wear eye protection; copper dust and paint chips are inevitable.
• Keep RPMs modest; let the brush blades do the work.
• Clamp or stabilize the pipe when possible to avoid twisting.
• Clean to bright, continuous metal—dull spots mean more work.
• Don’t over-polish; you want fresh metal for flux, not a gouged surface.

Value

At around the mid-$20s, this kit delivers strong value. The aluminum bodies and stainless brush cartridges are a clear step up from disposable plastic tools, and the time savings are real. For occasional DIYers, it turns a tedious step into a quick one. For pros, it’s a durable, drill-ready solution with replaceable wear parts. If you already own dedicated fitting brushes, this slots in nicely as your primary exterior prep tool.

What I’d change

• Stronger, properly sized internal fitting brushes would make this a more complete solution.
• A compact storage case or sleeve would help keep the extra cartridges clean and organized.
• Clear guidance on optimal drill speeds in the packaging would benefit less experienced users.

Recommendation

I recommend the Bunmery pipe cleaner kit for anyone who regularly preps 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch copper pipe, from DIYers tackling a bathroom update to pros looking to speed up repetitive cleaning. Its aluminum construction, drill-friendly design, and replaceable stainless brush cartridges produce a consistent, bright finish on pipe exteriors with minimal effort. Just plan to keep a dedicated fitting brush on hand for the inside of fittings. Taken together, the speed, durability, and fair price make it an easy addition to a plumbing or HVAC kit.