In external broaching the profile predetermined in the tools is predominantly created by a straight relative motion of the tools in relation to the work pieces, which have to be fixed in suitable and mostly complex equipment. Due to their complicated shape, external broaching tools consist predominantly of several components which are screwed or clamped onto broaching tool supports. In external broaching also closed outer surfaces, e.g. spur gears, are broached. This is called tubular broaching or pot broaching.
The two images show an example of the production of toothed bars.