Comments on: Why You Should Have A Good Set of Files http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/16/why-you-should-have-a-good-set-of-files/ All tools. All the time. Your source for news, information, and reviews of hand tools, power tools, and tools of all kinds. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:41:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: Toolmonger » Blog Archive » Tool Tech: Square Drill Bits? http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/16/why-you-should-have-a-good-set-of-files/#comment-5402 Toolmonger » Blog Archive » Tool Tech: Square Drill Bits? Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:07:41 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/16/why-you-should-have-a-good-set-of-files/#comment-5402 [...] One of Nick’s methods involves filing, and this (among other reasons) is why you should have a good set of files. [...] [...] One of Nick’s methods involves filing, and this (among other reasons) is why you should have a good set of files. [...]

]]> By: Nigel http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/16/why-you-should-have-a-good-set-of-files/#comment-1561 Nigel Sun, 01 Oct 2006 22:23:58 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/16/why-you-should-have-a-good-set-of-files/#comment-1561 As a locksmith, files are about the most important tool I own, aside from picks (which I can make from spring steel with a bench grinder, a pair of pliers and a set of files!) Most jobs require a file, I find. As a locksmith, files are about the most important tool I own, aside from picks (which I can make from spring steel with a bench grinder, a pair of pliers and a set of files!)

Most jobs require a file, I find.

]]> By: Rob http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/16/why-you-should-have-a-good-set-of-files/#comment-1245 Rob Mon, 18 Sep 2006 23:16:49 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/16/why-you-should-have-a-good-set-of-files/#comment-1245 The last time I went to buy file cards, I asked where they were and the guy sent me to the office supply section (I was standing right by the files too, turns out they were out which is why I couldn't find them). The last time I went to buy file cards, I asked where they were and the guy sent me to the office supply section (I was standing right by the files too, turns out they were out which is why I couldn’t find them).

]]> By: Nick Carter http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/16/why-you-should-have-a-good-set-of-files/#comment-1236 Nick Carter Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:26:49 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/16/why-you-should-have-a-good-set-of-files/#comment-1236 A good set? I think it's probably best to buy individual files as need dictates. You probably do want to buy a set of jewelers files as it seems easier than buying individual ones. But basically Nicholson is pretty darn good, available everywhere, so buy whatever set they offer that strikes your fancy. This set has a file card included which is a good idea: http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/CF_Files/model_detail.cfm?upc=037103220257 Ultimately you will end up with dozens of files of different cuts, shapes, etc... A good set? I think it’s probably best to buy individual files as need dictates. You probably do want to buy a set of jewelers files as it seems easier than buying individual ones. But basically Nicholson is pretty darn good, available everywhere, so buy whatever set they offer that strikes your fancy.
This set has a file card included which is a good idea:
http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/CF_Files/model_detail.cfm?upc=037103220257

Ultimately you will end up with dozens of files of different cuts, shapes, etc…

]]> By: Nick Carter http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/16/why-you-should-have-a-good-set-of-files/#comment-1216 Nick Carter Sun, 17 Sep 2006 17:50:31 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/16/why-you-should-have-a-good-set-of-files/#comment-1216 1) avoid cheap import files from China or India. 2) Boggs Tool Processing Co. sharpens old files (and may do a couple to test for free still) http://www.boggstool.com/ I had them do a couple of big old files and they came back dead sharp 3) Always use a handle! (except on tiny files) You can buy a variety of handles, permanent or ones that have a chuck. You can use a (non liquid filled) golf ball as a handle. You can make them on your lathe (a fun project) 4) Nicholson File Co. used to put out a booklet called "File Filosophy" which is a great introduction to the world of files. 5) learn about scrapers and cold chisels as well...a file is nothing but a bunch of chisels. Learn about the rasp and the vixen file... 6) keep the files clean with a file card/brush and a piece of brass to get out the embedded chips. You can lightly oil a file, or chalk a file to make it cut freer. 7) you can never have enough files of different shapes, cuts, etc. 1) avoid cheap import files from China or India.
2) Boggs Tool Processing Co. sharpens old files (and may do a couple to test for free still) http://www.boggstool.com/
I had them do a couple of big old files and they came back dead sharp
3) Always use a handle! (except on tiny files) You can buy a variety of handles, permanent or ones that have a chuck. You can use a (non liquid filled) golf ball as a handle. You can make them on your lathe (a fun project)
4) Nicholson File Co. used to put out a booklet called “File Filosophy” which is a great introduction to the world of files.
5) learn about scrapers and cold chisels as well…a file is nothing but a bunch of chisels. Learn about the rasp and the vixen file…
6) keep the files clean with a file card/brush and a piece of brass to get out the embedded chips. You can lightly oil a file, or chalk a file to make it cut freer.
7) you can never have enough files of different shapes, cuts, etc.

]]> By: Kai http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/16/why-you-should-have-a-good-set-of-files/#comment-1210 Kai Sun, 17 Sep 2006 07:23:33 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/16/why-you-should-have-a-good-set-of-files/#comment-1210 My wife is going to ban me from reading this site - I've just discovered something else that I just have to get next time I'm at the hardware store. Does anyone have any recommendations on handles for them - leave the tang bare, or heat it with a torch and jam it into a wooden handle? My wife is going to ban me from reading this site - I’ve just discovered something else that I just have to get next time I’m at the hardware store.

Does anyone have any recommendations on handles for them - leave the tang bare, or heat it with a torch and jam it into a wooden handle?

]]> By: Myself http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/16/why-you-should-have-a-good-set-of-files/#comment-1205 Myself Sun, 17 Sep 2006 05:43:00 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/16/why-you-should-have-a-good-set-of-files/#comment-1205 Keep them clean and with a slight oil haze to prevent rusting. Lining the drawer with newspaper with a few squirts of 3-in-1 on it is probably enough, unless you live in a very humid climate. The other important thing about files is you have to LIFT them on the backstroke. Dragging them back will "lay down" the cutting edges on the teeth. This is less of an issue with modern hardened metals than it was with grandpa's wood-handled heirloom, but it'll still make a big difference in the lifespan of your files. Keep them clean and with a slight oil haze to prevent rusting. Lining the drawer with newspaper with a few squirts of 3-in-1 on it is probably enough, unless you live in a very humid climate.

The other important thing about files is you have to LIFT them on the backstroke. Dragging them back will “lay down” the cutting edges on the teeth. This is less of an issue with modern hardened metals than it was with grandpa’s wood-handled heirloom, but it’ll still make a big difference in the lifespan of your files.

]]> By: james b http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/16/why-you-should-have-a-good-set-of-files/#comment-1199 james b Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:26:38 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/16/why-you-should-have-a-good-set-of-files/#comment-1199 I really liked my files lots more after I put a couple of (steel and brass) wire brushes in the tool drawer with them. Keeping files clean really helps them cut well. I really liked my files lots more after I put a couple of (steel and brass) wire brushes in the tool drawer with them. Keeping files clean really helps them cut well.

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