Broaches are devices for cut-sizing in which a broaching tool is forced through the material for precision sizing or surface finishing. Broaches are used in a variety of manufacturing and industrial applications to create holes or cut surfaces. Broaches are also used to cut square keyways or splines on mechanical devices such as gears, drive shafts, and pulleys. A keyway broach is used to cut a keyway, a slender slot formed within the interior of a hub. A spline broach is used to cut a spline, a shaft with a series of longitudinal, straight protections that fit into the slots of a mating part. Each type of broach can cut a different amount of material. For example, a steel-cutting broach can remove 0.05 mm of material whereas a brass-cutting broach can remove 0.10 mm of material. Broaches can be pushed through an existing hole or positioned within a horizontal or vertical broaching machine.

In addition to the keyway broach and spline broach, basic broach types include the rotary broach and the wobble broach. Rotary broaches are used during broach stamping and general-purpose broaching to size or finish rotating component or part. A rotary broach can be used for many different tool broaching operations. Wobble broaches differ from keyway broaches and spline broaches in terms of design and use. Typically, broaches such as the wobble broach are used with rotating lathes and other broaching tools. These broaches are used to achieve an irregularly-shaped hole that is often the same shape as the broach.

Broaches are used in mechanical and manufacturing applications in which precision cutting or finishing work is required. They are also used in machines such as drills, lathes, milling machines, and shapers. It is also common for companies to request a design using broach stamping. Broach manufacturers are located across the United States and around the world. Broach distributors and sellers of broaching machines serve a variety of markets.