How to choose the best file for wood or metal: their types and purpose, basic and most important rules for choosing a tool, rating of the best and review of the most popular models, their pros and cons

Working with metal and wood workpieces is not complete without the use of specialized tools. These include files designed for grinding the surface of materials in order to remove a layer of metal or wood. This is a hand tool that has found its application in various fields and industries, including in the household. Many craftsmen have these devices in their arsenal, but do not know that they are produced in a wide variety. What types of files for metal and wood are there, and how to use them correctly, you will find all this in the form of a detailed analysis in the article.

File - what kind of tool is it and its structural components

Different tools are used to process metal and wood workpieces. The main purpose of files is to grind off the top layer from metal and wooden workpieces. Even children are familiar with the design of this device, since the tool is a metal multi-bladed bar of different shapes with a handle. For the manufacture of the bar, special grades of steel are used - ШХ15 and У10А. These are steels consisting of 1.1-1.25% carbon, that is, with a low carbon content. The outer surface of the metal part has notches through which the surface is ground.

The main structural elements of the device are:

Steel beam - can have a rectangular, round, triangular shape, on the outer surface of which notches are applied. These notches are cutting edges that are used to grind off the metal layer. The notches form a corrugated surface (multi-blade part), which allows for high precision when processing parts.
Handle - used to control the tool. Wood or plastic is used for its production (metal handles are very rare). Modern files are equipped with fiberglass handles. The handle is attached to a metal bar through a cone-shaped shank. If the handle fails, it can be replaced, which is one of the most important advantages of files

If you look at the photo of the tool, in addition to the main structural parts, it consists of many auxiliary elements:

Edges are notches on the working base of the tool. They are the ones who make a file from a piece of metal, which is used to perform a number of different functions.
Ribs are the sides of the metal base, which also have notches. Using these notches you can saw off workpieces
The toe is the end or front part of the device. It has a blunt, tapered shape
The heel is the back part on which there are no notches. The heel connects the blade to the shank
Shank - a narrowed cone-shaped part through which the handle is attached to the metal part

The simplest design of the tool allows it to be used to solve the following problems:

Reducing the edges of various parts and workpieces, which is carried out in order to adjust them to the required dimensions
Removing dirt and rust from the surface of parts and workpieces
Sharpening of various tools and equipment
Grinding parts to appropriate roughness levels
Cutting off workpieces - can be used as a cutting tool
Making chamfers, splines, radii and grooves

There is one secret that will help every craftsman when it is necessary to obtain a hole of the required diameter. If you don’t have a drill of the required diameter at hand, a round file will help you get the appropriate hole size. To do this, you need to pre-drill a hole of the same diameter as the drill available. After this, using a file, the diameter is increased to the desired size.

The production of files is carried out in compliance with the relevant requirements. These requirements are provided for by GOST 1465-80. The main requirement stipulated by GOST is to ensure high hardness of the metal base of the tool. To achieve high strength parameters, the metal base is subjected to heat treatment without tempering. In this case, a tool hardness corresponding to values of at least 54-58 HRC is achieved.

This is interesting!
A nail file is the closest relative of a carpenter's file. Tools are designed to perform similar actions, but they process different types of materials.

What is a file and what is it for?

This is one of the most popular types of metalworking tools for manual processing of a wide variety of materials: metal, wood, plastic, bones, glass and others.

Each application has its own type of tool, with the appropriate file elements for the task at hand.

As general functions, it is designed to perform the following operations:

sharpening cutting edges;
grinding and deburring;
cleaning the surface to a certain level of roughness;
layer-by-layer filing of the surface;
cutting blanks;
size adjustment;
making grooves, chamfers, radiuses, splines, grooves, etc.;
giving structural elements the desired shape.

The corrugated surface is capable of providing a high level of accuracy and cleanliness of the processed elements at low physical costs.

A nail file can rightfully be classified as one of the varieties of this tool.

What types of file shapes are there?

The first thing you should pay attention to when considering files is the variety of their shapes. According to the shape of the working parts, files are of the following types:

Flat or rectangular
Round
Semicircular
Oval
Diamond-shaped
Triangular or trihedral
Square

Depending on the shape of the tool, it is used to perform the corresponding functions:

A round file is best suited for finishing holes and also increasing their diameter.
Triangular devices are used primarily for processing the corners of parts, as well as for sharpening teeth on hacksaws.
Flat - they are considered the most popular and are used to work with the surfaces of various workpieces
Semicircular - they are used for boring holes
Diamond-shaped - used when it is necessary to process teeth, gears and other types of parts
Square - used for boring holes of complex shapes. With their help you can make a square hole out of a round hole.

The length of the instruments in question varies from 50 to 500 mm. It is necessary to select files by length based on the size of the parts being processed. The larger the surface of the workpiece, the longer the file should be.

Classification of files by section shape

The parts processed with it can have different shapes. These can be sheets, profiles, etc. That is why, for productive work, manufacturers produce products of different shapes and geometric sizes. One of the classification options is by section shape. Manufacturers market products of the following types:

flat;
square;
round;
triangular;
special;
oval and some others.

Triangular file

Square metal file

Round file

In addition to the fact that products are distinguished by cross-sectional shape, they have different lengths and shapes. The minimum length is 50, maximum 500 mm. By the way, only the part on which the working teeth are applied is measured.

There is some relationship between the length of the working part and the size of the teeth. The longer the tool, the larger the size of the cutting tooth. Large is used when there is a need to remove a large amount of metal. But, after processing the material with a tool with large teeth, the surface turns out to be rough and scratched, and there is no need to talk about the accuracy of the processing. In cases where it is necessary to obtain a higher quality surface, products with fine teeth, for example velvet, are used.

Round velvet file

That is, processing is carried out in at least two stages using different types of files. At the first stage, rough processing is performed, and the finishing of the surface of the part is carried out by bringing the workpiece to the required parameters.

What types of files are classified into according to their purpose?

Depending on the scope of application, files are divided into 5 main groups:

Locksmith
Machine or belt type
Special
Files
Rasps

Each type of tool has its own characteristics, which are important to take into account in order to ensure high-quality processing of certain workpieces and parts.

A metalworker's or hand file is the most popular type of working tool used in metalworking work. The notch on the devices has a double appearance, and the size of the teeth must be selected depending on the required quality of processing
Tools for special purposes are used by craftsmen at enterprises and factories when performing metalworking work. Such instruments differ not only in size, but also in workmanship. With their help, craftsmen eliminate defects remaining after machining. The main requirement for special-purpose files is to withstand prolonged load during their operation.
Needle files are a smaller type of file, which includes 11 varieties of shape. The notches on smaller models of tools are fine-grained, which allows them to be used for precision or finishing machining of parts.
Read also: Features of the selection and operation of thread-cutting tools
Rasps are an enlarged type of file, equipped with large teeth. Such devices are designed to perform rough metal processing
Machine or belt - a separate group of tools for processing metal and wood, which differs not only in the method of application, but also in design. A band file is sandpaper in the form of a round strip. Such a tape is attached to an electrical device, while performing the corresponding work. Tape devices are an alternative to hand tools, but a number of disadvantages do not allow them to fully replace plumbing tools

It is necessary to choose files based not only on the shape, but also depending on the work being performed. Locksmith tools are universal and are suitable for performing various actions with metal and wooden workpieces.

Types of notches on tools and what they mean

The size of the notches on files is interconnected with such an important parameter as the length of the working part. Devices with large teeth are used when it is necessary to remove a large layer of metal. After this treatment, the surface becomes rough and therefore requires additional treatment before painting. To remove small amounts of metal, devices with fine notches are used. After carrying out the work with finely cut files, a better surface is obtained.

The notches or blades on the surface of the metal part of the tool come in different types. The most common classification of notches is by appearance. They come in double and single.

Single - differ in that the lines on the surface of the metal workpiece are applied only in one direction. Tools with single or simple notches are used to work with soft metals, as well as wood, plastic, etc. The effectiveness of the use of devices is observed when sharpening hacksaws for wood
Double or cross - as the name suggests, the notches on the device are applied in two directions, thereby forming a diamond-shaped figure between the lines. Double notching is highly efficient and also speeds up the work. The presence of two notches helps not only to remove the metal layer, but also to grind the chips into metal dust. Devices with this working profile are used for processing hard metals - cast iron, bronze and steel

In addition to single and double types of notches on files, there are other varieties. Few people know about this and what they are intended for, so let’s pay attention to this issue.

Cross notches are the same as double notches. Some sources call it double or cross, while others use the name "cross". Many people know that a double notch consists of two crossed lines, but few know what angle they are at. The main notch is applied at an angle of 70-80 degrees, and the additional one has an angle of 55 degrees.
Pointed - differ in that the notch has the shape of small burrs. This shape of the cutting parts is ideal when processing soft materials, more precisely wood, leather, rubber, etc.
Arc milling is a special form of notching, through which high productivity is achieved with high-quality processing of materials. Files with this shape of the cutting part are used for working with non-ferrous metals and wood

In addition to the types of files based on the shape of the cutting part, they are also classified according to such criteria as the size of the notches or teeth. Tools are produced with different tooth sizes, but with mandatory compliance with the relevant standards.

This is interesting!
Did you know that you can make a knife from an old and unnecessary file? Instructions for making a knife from a file are described in detail in this material.

Types of notches

There is a classification option based on the type of notch applied. A little has already been said about single and double execution.

Meanwhile, there are two types of double notching. The first is called crossover. This is, in fact, a combination of a single and a second, small (auxiliary) one, it is performed at an angle to the base one. At the intersection points of the grooves, the resulting chips are broken. This type is most often used in the production of bench files.

The second version of the double notch is called Oberg. Auxiliary grooves are less frequent. In fact, this option can be called intermediate between single and double notches in terms of the quality of part processing.

Numbering of notches

The application is determined by taking into account the type, size and configuration of the applied teeth. To obtain a working surface, various technologies are used:

roll;
milling;
slicing and many others.

Many manufacturers, in order to increase labor productivity, use specialized equipment that allows them not only to speed up the production of these products and expand the number of their types, but also to maintain their quality at the appropriate level.

The size of the tooth directly depends on the size and type of notch applied per unit length, usually 1 cm. That is, the fewer grooves per centimeter of length, the larger the size of the cutting tooth. In practice, files with cuts from 0 to 5 are used.

Notch No. 2

The largest types include teeth with No. 0 and No. 1. They are used when it is necessary to remove a layer of metal from 0.05 to 0.1 mm in one pass. Such a tool has the following disadvantage - low accuracy, it ranges from 0.1 to 0.2 mm.

Files with tooth sizes No. 2 and No. 3 are used in cases where it is necessary to remove a layer of metal from 0.02 to 0.06 mm. The accuracy of such a tool is from 0.02 to 0.05 mm.

For surface finishing, a product is used that allows you to remove a layer of metal from 0.01 to 0.005 mm. An instrument of this type is sometimes called a velvet instrument.

Geometric parameters of the notch

In accordance with the requirements of GOST 1465-80, set out in clause 2.1. On the surface of the tool, the notch is applied at an angle of 65 degrees relative to the axis.

In addition, it is also specified what technology it should be used to carry out. For example, round files can be made either by knurling or threading. All other types must be made using a notch.

File tooth sizes

Bench files are manufactured in compliance with the GOST 1465-59 standard. The standard provides for the division of files into types according to their cut. First, let's look at the issue of differences between files based on the size of the teeth. There are a total of 5 notch sizes:

0 and 1 are the tools that have the largest teeth, allowing them to be used for rough surface finishing. The large size of the teeth makes it possible to quickly remove a layer of metal in a short time interval. Among the disadvantages, it should be noted not only the low processing accuracy, but also the inability to use the device for working with hard metals. The main distinctive feature of such devices is that there are from 4 to 12 teeth per 10 mm distance
2 and 3 - a group of files with medium-sized teeth. Such tools are used if it is necessary to remove a layer of metal up to 0.06 mm. You can determine whether a file belongs to types 2 and 3 by the number of teeth per 10 mm (from 13 to 24 teeth)
4 and 5 are the smallest teeth, through which the finishing of parts is carried out. With their help, a small layer of metal is removed, allowing the workpiece to be brought to the required size. The number of teeth per 10 mm is from 24 pieces and above

Table of file classes
Craftsmen have in their arsenal a full set of files with different numbers, which allows them to perform workpiece processing manipulations not only with high accuracy, but also with maximum efficiency. That is why it must be said that if you plan to process metal or wooden workpieces, then you need to buy a set of files with different tooth sizes. Only with a full set of tools can we talk about the quality of the work performed.

To indicate the size of the teeth, not only numbers are used, but also names. The sizes of teeth on files vary according to the following names:

Brushed ones - correspond to numbers 0 and 1. In one pass, a large layer of soft metal is removed with a blade, and their main task is rough processing
Personal files - have up to 24 teeth, and correspond to numbers 2 and 3. Personal files are the most popular ones used in practice. Personal devices have a significant drawback - clogging of the grooves with metal dust. To increase the effectiveness of the tool, the working part of the metal base must be regularly cleaned with a metal brush
Velvet - have the smallest teeth, the number of which is over 25 per 10 mm. The maximum number of grooves per 10 mm is 80, which allows for finishing processing

One of the equally important questions is about what types of files are shaped and for what purposes they are used. It is this issue that we will look into in more detail.

Types of needle files by number of notches per 10 mm working surface

In total, GOST 1513–77 identifies five types of files . The first and second numbers contain 28–56 notches for every ten millimeters of working length. The third, fourth and fifth numbers already have from 40 to 112 notches for every 10 mm of the working profile.

Determine the number of notches by looking at the file handle , where the manufacturer must indicate the number of notches per 10 mm of length. The higher the value, the larger the size of the teeth on the cut and, therefore, the rougher the processing that is done with the file. Using tools of the first and second numbers, they perform the work of turning reliefs and notches; with a sample of the third number, they perform final grinding of surfaces. Samples with notches 4 and 5 are suitable for the most delicate work: they are used to remove small marks and process precious stone settings .

Read also: Chain for longitudinal cutting

Purpose of tools by form

The arsenal of a good craftsman should consist not only of a set of files of different roughness, but also of a variety of them in shape. What types of files there are in shape have already been mentioned above, so next we will consider in detail their purpose and application.

Flat with blunt toe - used for processing flat and convex surfaces. The notch on the working part can be single, double, point or milling-arc (in the form of arcs). A single notch is applied to the side parts, which allows the tool to be used for processing soft materials
Flat with pointed toe. The presence of a narrowed part allows it to be used for processing the external and internal surfaces of parts and workpieces. If it is necessary to increase the size of the groove or cut a slot, then flat sharp-nosed files are the optimal solution
Square - they are designed not only for cutting square or rectangular holes, but also for processing right corners of parts
Triangular - most often they are used for sharpening the teeth of hand saws. However, not all hacksaws can be sharpened, which can be found out in detail here. In addition, triangular files allow you to cut materials, as well as process internal corners with different shapes
Round - have several purposes. They are often used to clean the internal surfaces of holes, as well as to increase their diameter. Round devices are used for sharpening chainsaw chains, but velvet devices of small diameter are used for this.
Semicircular tools are a universal device that combines the capabilities of flat and round tools. With their help, surfaces of spherical or flat type are processed.
Diamond-shaped ones are the best solution for working with gears, sprockets, discs, etc.

The more types of files a master has in his arsenal, the wider the possibilities, as well as the quality of performance of the corresponding work. The most common ways to use files on the farm is to remove burrs that form on a part after sawing it.

This is interesting!
Although files are highly hard, such tools are fragile. That is why it is not recommended to allow the device to fall onto concrete surfaces from a great height, as this will lead to damage.

How to work with a file correctly

Knowing what types of files there are and how they differ from each other, it will not be superfluous to understand the issue of their correct use. Many craftsmen use devices for a long time, and do not even realize that such use is incorrect. If you work with a file incorrectly, then in addition to reducing the efficiency of using the tool, it will quickly wear out. That is why it is very important (especially for beginners) to understand the issue of proper use of files.

Although this device is not complex in design, and besides, it is not dangerous, it is important to learn how to operate it. To do this, it is recommended to perform the following steps:

First you need to fix the workpiece. For this, a vice or clamp is used, which depends on the dimensions of the workpiece. The part must be securely fixed, since the possibility of its processing as a whole depends on this
Next, you need to provide the workplace with high-quality lighting. If the lighting is insufficient or completely absent, then there is a risk of damage to the workpiece
Select the appropriate file option. It is at this stage that beginners go astray and choose devices based on the type of roughness incorrectly. To choose the right file for the appropriate work, you should first assess the condition of the workpiece. To remove a large layer of metal, bruiser-type tools are used. Removing a small layer of metal or cleaning the surface from corrosion is carried out with personal or velvet files. In each case, an individual approach to choosing the appropriate device is required.
Preparing the file for work. If the tool is not new, it is recommended to first clean the working part. To do this you need to use a metal brush.
Let's move on to performing the work, for which you need to act as follows - take the tool with one hand by the handle, and the other by the heel. When the tool moves forward, removing the surface layer of metal, it is necessary to press it against the workpiece
The movement continues until the end of the notches near the heel. After this, movements are carried out in the opposite direction. To do this, the force of the hand that fixes the sock is gradually reduced.
In a similar order, carrying out reciprocating movements forward and backward, processing manipulations are performed

Not only the speed of work, but also the quality depends on the correctness of the selected file. After performing the appropriate manipulations, it is necessary to evaluate the condition of the workpiece. Usually, after using garnish and personal files, it is necessary to perform treatment with velvet tools, but it all depends on specific cases.

Purpose and description of the tool

The main area of application for such tools is the processing of metal and other workpieces . The list of works for them includes several operations:

Cleaning various surfaces from stubborn dirt and rust.
Rough and final polishing.
Refining the product to final dimensions.
Grinding of impact areas, cuts, burrs, welds.
Cleaning oxidized contacts.
Sharpening teeth of saws and hacksaws.

Such work is carried out by contacting the edges of the device with applied notches and the surface of the material being processed. By increasing the pressing force, the number of movements and the speed of movement of the file, the depth of processing can be increased.

There are many varieties of such tools and each is used for specific needs. Using a file for other purposes impairs the quality of processing and reduces its service life.

Everyone knows what files there are. Over many years of use, the appearance of the device and its area of use have not changed dramatically. Even in modern high-tech enterprises, a lot of work on the final finishing of products is carried out with files.

In our country, tools for working with various types of surfaces according to GOST are made of high quality steel. These are the following varieties: with alloying and chromium content ШХ15 and 13Х or without alloying with improved characteristics У10А - У13А.

At its core, a file is a cutting tool that looks like a steel billet with notches and a mounted handle or a pointed end for it. It can be made of wood or plastic and is included in the design to ensure a convenient and safe working process.

The bulk of such instruments have a rectangular, triangular or round shape, but other types are not excluded.

How to sharpen garden tools with a file

Many people use emery stones to sharpen knives, axes, shovels, hoes and other tools, and do not even realize that they can restore the sharpness of the above devices using a file. The above describes instructions on how to work with a file, removing a layer of metal. However, this tool can be used for sharpening garden tools and other devices, for which it is important to use velvet-type files.

To sharpen a shovel, knife or ax with a file, follow these steps:

Secure the equipment being sharpened. Moreover, it must be secured in such a way as to ensure the convenience of sharpening work.
Use a file of appropriate roughness. The choice of roughness depends on the degree of bluntness of the tool. Usually, to ensure high-quality sharpening of equipment, at least two types of files are used
Sharpening is carried out using flat or triangular devices. Initially, it is necessary to remove the metal layer by sharpening the cutting part.
The second file is used to bring the cutting edge to the required requirements, thereby bringing it into working condition.

For finishing, devices with fine notches are used, through which burrs are removed and the cutting edge is sharpened. Many people prefer sharpening garden tools on sharpening machines, but the manual method is effective. Using a file to restore the cutting edge of the equipment eliminates overheating of the metal, and as a result, increases the service life. Before handing over your equipment for sharpening, you need to weigh all the pros and cons.

Classification of devices

Like any other tool, this class of metalworking tools is represented by several types of files. Their purpose depends on the characteristics. A detailed description of each of them helps to understand whether they belong to a particular species.

Notch size

The type of material processing depends on the dimensions of the profile cutting of the tool surface. This characteristic means the number of teeth distributed per linear centimeter of the product:

If there are from 5 to 13 teeth applied to a segment, then such a tool is called a drachyov and bears the first number.
With a number of cuts from 13 to 25, the file will be personal with the second number.
Devices with the smallest notches (25-80 teeth) are numbered from 3 to 6 and are called velvet.

Choosing a file with a notch size - what is important to consider

To choose a tool, you must first decide what work you plan to perform with its help. Removing a layer of material is the main purpose of files. Based on the purpose of the tool, devices with the appropriate notch are selected.

To remove a layer of metal from 0.1 mm, tools with notches numbered 0 and 1 are used
Fine work with removal of a metal layer up to 0.06 mm is carried out with devices number 2 and 3
The most precise actions to remove the minimum layer are carried out using velvet-type files (4 and 5)

Table of file shapes and sizes
To eliminate the possibility of making a mistake in choosing the appropriate tool, you need to know the following information:

The grade of steel from which the tool is made. Counterfeits can be easily identified by their poor build quality and low cost. If the device has diamond coating, this indicates the possibility of its use for grinding hard steels, as well as ceramic products - tiles and tiles
The length and width of the device - it all depends on what kind of workpieces you plan to process (their size)
Type of cut and tooth size
Handle type - the best options for handles on devices are fiberglass. It is distinguished by increased performance indicators, but at the same time it is more expensive than wooden
The shape of the metal base, which depends on the implementation of the planned work

Today files are produced by different manufacturers - domestic and foreign. Which is better to choose? It all depends on the amount of money you are willing to spend to purchase tools. Foreign files are more expensive than domestic ones, but the quality of these tools is almost the same. Whether it is worth overpaying for the purchase of a file from a foreign brand is a matter for everyone to decide for themselves.

This is interesting!
How long do files last? This question is of interest to many, and few people know that the notches wear out over time. If the tool is used correctly, it will last a very long time, but if cast iron or bronze is processed with a bastard tool, the teeth will wear out quickly.

Which notch to choose

When choosing any tool, first of all you need to understand what goals should be achieved when processing the part. Files are most often used to remove layers of material. Undoubtedly, if we are talking about removing material within 0.1 mm, then it makes sense to use files with a notch of No. 0 or No. 1.

File with cut No. 3 for metal

To perform more delicate work, for example, preparing the surface for coating, you can use a tool with a notch No. 2 - No. 4.

To perform work related to threading the cutting edge, grinding the surface and other particularly precise work, so-called velvet tools are used.

DIY tool handle

Often the wooden handle on files fails. The reasons for this are exposure to unfavorable conditions - ultraviolet radiation and water. If, after purchasing a tool, you do not cover the wooden handle with a protective layer of paint or varnish, the handle will not last long. It all depends on the frequency of use of the tool, as well as its storage.

If you need to make a new handle for a file, then you do not need to seek help from a lathe or milling machine. You can make it yourself without special equipment:

Take a round piece of wood. You can use a garden tool holder as a blank.
Mark a length of 10-15 cm, which depends on the size of your hand. After marking, you need to saw off the segment
Start processing the resulting workpiece. What you need sandpaper and files for. Process the workpiece yourself so that you get a product similar to a handle
It’s quite possible to do this, but if possible, it’s easier and faster to make a handle on a woodworking machine
Make a metal ring that acts as a limiter that prevents the destruction of the wooden handle when the file shank is driven into it. You can make a metal ring from a tube of suitable diameter
Before continuing to assemble the tool, the resulting blanks must be treated with stain and then varnished
Install the ring on the end of the handle. In order for the ring to become tight and not slip off during use of the tool, it is necessary to pre-treat the joint with glue (it is recommended to use epoxy glue)
To install the file inside the handle, you must first drill a hole. The length of the hole should be equal to the distance of the tail section. The diameter of the drill used to drill the hole should be equal to the size of the middle part of the shank. If you take a drill with a smaller diameter than the middle part, then when driving the shank, the wooden handle may crack
You can install the file shank into the resulting hole, having previously filled it with epoxy glue
Now you need to use a hammer to seat the file tightly until the shank is completely inserted into the hole. Moreover, blows with a hammer should not be applied forcefully, since there is a high probability that the blade may be damaged.

Now you need to leave the tool for a day until the glue hardens. After this, you can begin to operate the already functioning, full-fledged tool. The video below shows a detailed process of how to make a wooden handle for a file.

How to restore an old file - combating corrosion

If you managed to find an old file from the times of the USSR, then there are probably traces of corrosion on the surface of the tool. The operation of such a tool will not be effective, since the size of the teeth decreases due to corrosion formations.

This tool does not need to be disposed of if its working parts (notches) do not show signs of complete wear. To remove traces of corrosion on a file, you must do the following:

Pour water into the container (it is recommended to use warm water)
Pour citric acid into the water, and the amount of it should be at least 50 grams to have a positive effect
To stir thoroughly
Dip the file to be restored into the resulting solution
Wait at least 24 hours, then remove the tool, which has already been cleaned of corrosion.

As you can see, any good tool can be restored and continued to be used. A detailed description of file restoration is described in the video material.

A needle file and how it differs from a file

Smaller tools for removing a layer of metal are called needle files. They differ from a file not only in their reduced size, but also in the absence of a handle. Its role is played by a continuation of the metal sheet, which has a round shape. A removable plastic handle can be attached to the round part.

There is a fine notch on the working part, through which precise actions are carried out. The number of teeth on a file ranges from 20 to 112 pieces, which is provided for by GOST 1513-67.

The length of needle files ranges from 80 to 160 mm. The shape of the working part of needle files is completely similar to files. Below is a picture showing all the different types of needle file shapes.

Having a set of needle files is useful in cases where high-precision work is performed with small workpieces. Notches on needle files can only be double or single, and only a single notch is applied on the side surface.

File Features

Handmade products of this type can be divided into the following categories:

Locksmith - we can say that this is a multi-purpose tool. It can be found in almost any enterprise, workshop, or household.
Needle files are small-sized products designed for processing small parts. They are widely used by engravers, jewelers, and pattern makers. In addition, needle files are indispensable when processing in hard-to-reach places.
Sharpeners - they are used for sharpening saw chains, hacksaws, etc.
Rasps are products with the largest teeth and are used to work with non-metallic materials, that is, in cases where the usual one is not suitable for solving the assigned production or household tasks.

Bench square file

As already noted, working teeth are applied to the working surface. It can be single or double. For processing soft materials, a tool with an arc cut is used.

Point teeth are made on the surface of the rasp.

Rasp and its difference from a file

Despite its rough appearance, the rasp is intended exclusively for working on soft metals, as well as wood, plastic, rubber and leather. A rasp differs from a file not only in its larger size, but also in the type of notch - point. It is through the use of a pinpoint cut with high roughness that it is possible to achieve high efficiency in processing materials.

These tools come in different shapes (flat, round and semicircular) and sizes, and they are often used not for grinding, but for roughing materials. For their manufacture, steel grades U8, U10 and U7 are used. Despite the great similarity with a file, a rasp differs from it not only in external features, but also in purpose.

Automated files and their advantages

Hand tools are low cost and therefore accessible. Their main advantage is that every craftsman can buy himself a set of files and use them if necessary. However, hand-held devices have a drawback - the need to apply physical effort to perform the appropriate actions. It is in order to simplify the work of grinding and removing the metal layer that manufacturers produce automated files. They come in different types according to the type of drive devices:

Network - operate from a 220V network, which ensures high performance. Corded files are also called belt sanders. They differ from sanders in that an abrasive belt of small width is installed on the working part, repeating the dimensions of a hand file. The disadvantage of the tool is that it can only replace a flat file
Rechargeable - they differ from a network device in that they do not require power from an outlet. The electric motor is powered by power supplied from an autonomous battery. The device resembles an angle grinder, only a belt attachment is used as the working tool.
Pneumatic - they operate on the energy of compressed air. The advantage of these devices is the fact that they are cheaper than their electrical and network counterparts. The use of compressed air helps ensure high productivity. The disadvantage is that during operation it requires connection to the compressor via a high pressure hose

Having understood the types of files, their use and purpose, you can resort to choosing suitable options. Hand-held devices are produced by different manufacturers, and you can buy them either in a set or in single quantities. When choosing a file, consider its cost, and never give preference to cheap options. After all, if a file breaks in half during work, the master can receive serious injuries.