Hand-Held Pin Bone Removers

There are 3 ways to remove pin-bones from fish fillets:

• manually with tweezers or pliers
• by automatic machine (see our automatic pin bone remover machines)
• or by a hand-held pin-bone remover machine.

We carry the EXOS hand-held electric pin-bone removers which have been produced for decades. There have been continual improvements. The current models are the fastest, most reliable and easiest to use pin-bone removers available.

Our pin-bone removers use electric motors in the handle resulting in very little maintenance and fast, efficient operation. The machines have warm handles, allowing operators to work without becoming fatigued. 

Competitors use compressed air to power their machines resulting in more maintenance, more down time, heavier hand pieces and cold handles.

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2 Pin Bone Removers for different species

AutoFishScalers carries 2 hand-held pin bone removers, each one specializing in certain species of fish. 

The EXOS 130 can be used on Salmon and Trout, but in our opinion it is best for small Trout.  We have developed a separate nylon guide for the smaller bones which makes this a light and agile tool.

The EXOS 221 is best for larger fish with firm flesh, like Salmon.  It has 2 wheels, so it is faster than a one wheel model.  It does not work well on smaller fish due to the size of the area that contacts the fish.  

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The EXOS 221 Series

The 221 has 2 deboning wheels for larger fish. It was designed for Salmon.  It is used in fish processing operations, either alone or at the end of an automated line. These are capable of continual operation all day. 

Two (2) wheels pick up more bones in one pass than single wheel models. The relatively large, flat base makes it easier to keep the machine in proper alignment with the pin bones on the fish. 

It is available in right or left hand.

Click here for details on the 221.

Picture of the EXOS 221 in the shipping carton.

Note that the 221 has a speed control. The 130 does not.

The EXOS 130 Series

The 130 has one deboning wheel. We recommend it for smaller fish including small Trout fillets as small as 4 to 6 oz. using the optional nylon guide for Trout.  

It has the same technology as the 2 wheel 221 model, and is available for right or left hand operation.
 

Click HERE for details on the EXOS 130.

The EXOS Electric Pin-Bone Remover has been tested on many species

The 130 will work on all listed species, but is best for smaller fish. We highly recommend the 2 wheel EXOS 221 for larger fish.  95% of our customers working on Salmon use the 221.

The EXOS 221 works best on larger fish

Char

Chinook

Coho

Great Silver Smelt

Herring

Haddock

Hake

Large Perch

Pike Perch

Rainbow Trout

Saithe

Salmon

Sea Trout

Sockeye 

Salmon

EXOS 130 works best on smaller fish like

Small Perch

Small Trout

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The EXOS does NOT work on these species:

Carp (or related)

Mackerel

Sea Bass

Sea Bream 

Steelhead (See the EM-10)

Tilapia

Whitefish (too soft.  See the EM-10)

What is Right Hand or Left Hand?

Right Hand: head of fish to left of operator on a table, right hand goes from head to tail. 

Left hand: head of fish to right of operator on a table, left hand goes from head to tail.

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Water Cleansing

Both EXOS models come standard with water cleansing. This is a highly desirable feature. It allows you to push a button to clean out the accumulated pin-bones instead of running it under a tap.

The water feature allows you to not have to have your pin boning station next to a faucet for periodic rinsing. You can rinse the bones off, but cannot submerge the unit in water, so you cannot dip it into a pail. It will rust and void the warranty.

Installation of Water Line

When you purchase an EXOS with water, we include the 6mm plastic water line. It is attached to the EXOS by pushing it into the fitting as shown, and then pulling the collar on the fitting up. To release it, you push the collar down and pull the tube out.

You will need to install a water line to an area close to the control box. Most people would use a 1/4" line and use a fitting like the one shown below to attach it to the tubing supplied. Then, using plastic ties, attach the water line to the electric power wire going to the EXOS. Then it will not be in the way. You can order this fitting for your water connection.