Hand Files

[artbuc]

I like to sharpen mower blades by hand using a file (no Slingblade jokes). For many years I would simply go to Sears and exchange old for new. That gravy train is over so I now want to buy a couple high quality files which will last a while. Who makes the best ones these days? Thanks.

 

[Wamsutta]

Simonds is the best in my opinion. I like to use them on the forward push stroke; they cut better for me that way.

 

[bob15]

For new manufacturer, I like Pferd & Vallorbe files. I will also look for older US, Swiss & German made files.

 

[seber]

I believe Nicholson is the only US manufacturer that uses through hardened steel. That is the only one that can be resharpened. I've bought and sharpened several dozen used Nicholson files over the years.

 

[pepi]

I like to sharpen mower blades by hand using a file (no Slingblade jokes). For many years I would simply go to Sears and exchange old for new. That gravy train is over so I now want to buy a couple high quality files which will last a while. Who makes the best ones these days? Thanks.

Belt sander .......

not belt grinder....not worth the cost for mower blades

 

[Millwrong]

Of course you don't want a cheap file, but I think looking after them is more important that having the absolute top of the line. Never let them rust, touch anything steel other than the workpiece, and clean them often.

 

[pendragon1998]

I believe Nicholson is the only US manufacturer that uses through hardened steel. That is the only one that can be resharpened. I've bought and sharpened several dozen used Nicholson files over the years.

Nicholson is no longer made in the US.

I'd go with Bahco, myself.

 

[Gogo300]

Simonds is the best in my opinion. I like to use them on the forward push stroke; they cut better for me that way.

We use these at work. Great file. The black coating helps the file from clogging. Easy to clean with a file card.

 

[Monte]

Bahco

 

[four.cycle]

Pferd

https://www.pferdusa.com/

 

[Wamsutta]

Some people think a hand file is the same as a sanding block with sandpaper. Pure torture for me to have to watch that on YouTube.

 

[lis2323]

Some people think a hand file is the same as a sanding block with sandpaper. Pure torture for me to have to watch that on YouTube.

Same for me. And hacksaw blades! Don't get me started......

 

[CR888]

For new manufacturer, I like Pferd & Vallorbe files. I will also look for older US, Swiss & German made files.

This...just don't skimp on files. You can buy good brands fairly cheap if you look carefully. How well you use them will dictate how much work you'll get done per file.

 

[metaldad]

Simonds is the best in my opinion. I like to use them on the forward push stroke; they cut better for me that way.

generally they are to cut forward.
pulling usually dulls them

 

[matt_i]

For sharpening a lawnmower blade I'd go with a big 14" or larger Nicholson, single cut mill file. McMaster Carr has them.

I do like Simonds black oxide and Swiss files, but I would save those fine creatures for detail work and not for hogging material off a rotary lawnmower blade.

One other thing is to leave a blunt flat on the blade about 1/32" to 1/64" rather than making it suitable for a shave. These blades cut by impact and the edge will actually last longer with a small flat on it.

Another trick to keep your file from "pinning" with swarf is to liberally coat it in chalk...there are still big sticks around 1" in diameter made (railroad chalk?) and while it gets a lot of harmless white dust around it actually is beneficial for the file.

 

[crguy]

For many years I would simply go to Sears and exchange old for new. That gravy train is over so I now want to buy a couple high quality files which will last a while.

IMO - it's because of things like this where people totally abuse a return policy they have come to an end.

Return a used (not defective) file - REALLY?

 

[artbuc]

IMO - it's because of things like this where people totally abuse a return policy they have come to an end.

Return a used (not defective) file - REALLY?

I think I gave you the wrong impression. Over many decades I only returned files a few times when they simply would not remove metal without heavy exertion. I never abused any Sears return policy. I remember one time a person ahead of me dumped a bag of sockets on the counter. He had hit them all with a hammer and Sears replaced every single one. I never forgot that and would never do anything like that.

When I exchanged files, Sears considered a worn file defective. I did not abuse their policy, I just followed it.

 

[artbuc]

For sharpening a lawnmower blade I'd go with a big 14" or larger Nicholson, single cut mill file. McMaster Carr has them.

I do like Simonds black oxide and Swiss files, but I would save those fine creatures for detail work and not for hogging material off a rotary lawnmower blade.

One other thing is to leave a blunt flat on the blade about 1/32" to 1/64" rather than making it suitable for a shave. These blades cut by impact and the edge will actually last longer with a small flat on it.

Another trick to keep your file from "pinning" with swarf is to liberally coat it in chalk...there are still big sticks around 1" in diameter made (railroad chalk?) and while it gets a lot of harmless white dust around it actually is beneficial for the file.

Never heard of chalk but I found it and will get some:

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...-gunsmith-tools/files/file-chalk-prod785.aspx

 

[Floridaboy]

I keep all my files wrapped in newspaper and I don’t let them bang against each other


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[vssjim]

I believe Nicholson is the only US manufacturer that uses through hardened steel. That is the only one that can be resharpened. I've bought and sharpened several dozen used Nicholson files over the years.

All the files they sell now are imports I have seen for a along time

 

[Bryan Burns]

Of course you don't want a cheap file, but I think looking after them is more important that having the absolute top of the line. Never let them rust, touch anything steel other than the workpiece, and clean them often.

I've never understood why, if files are hard enough to file many steels, why it's important to keep them from touching anything steel. I understand that you don't want a bunch of files banging around against each other, in a tool box for example. So what 's wrong with one file banging around other tools?

 

[R.Anderson]

Never heard of chalk but I found it and will get some:

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...-gunsmith-tools/files/file-chalk-prod785.aspx

Never heard of chalk being used ether but I have used soap stone for the same purpose.

 

[d.mcfarland]

How are you killing your current files just sharpening a mower blade once a year?

I use files that are 70 years old and work fine.

 

[Fbmoose48]

Pferd and Grobet are nice. Made in Germany and Switzerland. But if you were unwilling to pay for a new Craftsman file after using the old one I doubt you'll like the price of European craftsmanship. Also, good luck finding a "lifetime" warranty on high quality European tools.

 

[Wamsutta]

generally they are to cut forward.
pulling usually dulls them

I know that and I wish the whole world knew that, but they don't. Meanwhile, I have to watch skilled mechanics on YouTube that don't know how to use a file correctly.

 

[dr_clyde]

I use a lot of files at work. I just get Nicholson because that's what the welding supply carries. Sad that they're imported now, but they work and are cheap. A 14" ******* cut should tune up a mower blade fairly quick. Although I just use an angle grinder...

Grobet and Bahco make a nice file if you're doing fine work.

Files are a consumable, like grinding discs and twist drills. Use them till they don't work, then toss them and get new.

 

[jumbojak]

I'll put another vote in for Nicholson. They do work and at a reasonable price. They're pretty universally available too. Just about every hardware store carries them.

 

[Wamsutta]

Files can be a very effective tool if people just knew how to use them.

 

[four.cycle]

Files are a consumable, like grinding discs and twist drills. Use them till they don't work, then toss them and get new.

get good ones and use and take care of them properly and they'll last longer.

 

[anndel]

I bought some NOS American-made Nicholson from HJE last year. Believe the newer Nicholsons are made in Mexico.

 

[Indexmill]

Use a small angle grinder with a fine disk on it for mower blades. Much, much faster and just as effective as a file with respect to the result. Save the files for closer work.

 

[Firebrick43]

Chalk is only needed with fine file for fine work. Such as draw filing octagon gun barrels. For larger coarser work tapping the end on a wood block and an occasional brushing is sufficient. I prefer Simonds for some reason but the new nicholsons are fine. Grobets are exceptional, both in use and in their ability to drain your wallet.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Another easy and almost free way of cleaning out the teeth of a file is to flatten a BRASS bullet casing and lock it into pair of vise grips. Use the flattened edge of the casing to push the gunk out of the files teeth.

 

[Floridaboy]

I've never understood why, if files are hard enough to file many steels, why it's important to keep them from touching anything steel. I understand that you don't want a bunch of files banging around against each other, in a tool box for example. So what 's wrong with one file banging around other tools?

You end up bending and crushing the teeth. Also I try not to drop my files have broke them like that before


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[BDT/NWMN]

Files are some of My most protected tools. They are cleaned frequently with a file card or wire brush when in use, and are not stored dirty. A spray of WD40 or penetrating oil is often applied for rust prevention.. Files have a cloth to be would up in, or some type of sleeve to avoid contact with other tools. I use a firm, steady motion when using a file, lift on the return stroke, and do not back drag. I never "speed file".

I keep a junker-loaner available for the file-less souls who lack a file or the knowledge to use one properly. The people in this group are the majority..

 

[6PTsocket]

IMO - it's because of things like this where people totally abuse a return policy they have come to an end.

Return a used (not defective) file - REALLY?

Thank you. I'm glad somebody said it.

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[Floridaboy]

I keep a junker-loaner available for the file-less souls who lack a file or the knowledge to use one properly. The people in this group are the majority..

I feel you I was a weld/ machinist in the Army and I have watched some people strait mess up some files


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[artbuc]

Thank you. I'm glad somebody said it.

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Did you not see my response to this charge? I can see how you could get that impression from my poor choice of words but I assure you it is total BS. Back in the day Sears had a lifetime warranty on files, including normal wear. I exchanged files 2 or 3 times in 40 years. Take me out back and shoot me.

 

[Floridaboy]

I keep a junker-loaner available for the file-less souls who lack a file or the knowledge to use one properly. The people in this group are the majority..

I feel you I was a weld/ machinist in the Army and I have watched some people strait mess up some files


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bob15]

I like to sharpen mower blades by hand using a file (no Slingblade jokes). For many years I would simply go to Sears and exchange old for new. That gravy train is over so I now want to buy a couple high quality files which will last a while. Who makes the best ones these days? Thanks.

Did you not see my response to this charge? I can see how you could get that impression from my poor choice of words but I assure you it is total BS. Back in the day Sears had a lifetime warranty on files, including normal wear. I exchanged files 2 or 3 times in 40 years. Take me out back and shoot me.

I think you were called out and are now back peddling. Your first post has "for many years" and now it is or "2 or 3 times". Those two statements aren't the same, and I doubt the "2 or 3 times in 40 years" is very accurate. People like yourself is the reason places like REI & LL Bean have changed their generous return policy due to abuse.

Good luck in exchanging files in the future