As the name implies, the padded reamer differs from a fluted reamer in that the padded reamer has a cutting surface and guide pads that ride on the diameter of the hole to put pressure on the cutting surface which generates the hole size and geometry. The guide pads also act as a burnishing tool to help provide a smooth surface finish. Since the pad forces are “riding” on the inside surface of the hole, significant lubrication is necessary in padded reamer operations to eliminate scratches on the hole surface and maintain the required surface finish.