Ideas for storing metal files

[txlonghorn1989]

I've accumulated a number of files over the years and had read on multiple occasions that just piling them all together in a drawer wasn't good way to store them. Last year during the pandemic having lots of free time stuck at home, I came up with a couple of ideas, though I highly doubt they're original, for storing all the small and medium sized files I had for metal removal. Mine don't get used often enough to justify much space though. So how to accommodate the need for space efficiency with the need to keep the files from rubbing against each other and dulling their working faces?

My largest files and most often used files got their own space in one of my vintage Craftsman gray & red rolling tool cabinet drawers. For the rest of my files here's what I came up with. Two storage methods, one method uses cardboard and glue to make "file cards"; the other uses plain old brown packaging paper to store duplicate files. At the time we had a number of cardboard boxes from Amazon laying around the garage. I tried to keep at least one of each type and size out and available what didn't go on the "file cards" I ended up rolling together in packaging paper for storage and the faces don't wear against each other. But pictures can probably tell the whole story better than I can write it. Let me know if you have any questions. Here are the pics ...



Those are my "file cards". Now I can store them in a minimal amount of space and the working faces are protected from each other.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

For my duplicate files...

I cut some lengths off a roll of packaging paper. Cut them to cover most of the length of the different file sizes I wanted to store together. Fold the first one in the paper until all sides are protected, add the next file and fold again, repeat until you've got the files you want together and covered. Seal them together with some package tape and label so I know what I've got. Again, minimal space used but all faces protected.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Would enjoy reading other's thoughts and ideas on file storage. If anyone has any questions let me know.

And here's my file storage space in total...

 

[nadogail]

I too have been guilty of just putting my files in a drawer and allowing them to rub against each other.

Files are not rabbits and will not reproduce if left unattended.

 

[PoorUB]

I see some of you also need to attend a class for your file addiction!

I might have 3 or 4 files!

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I see some of you also need to attend a class for your file addiction!

I might have 3 or 4 files!

I’m with you. I don’t THINK I’ve ever bought a file. All mine were my dad’s that I inherited when he passed away in 1990. I probably have 5, maybe 6 and I rarely use them

 

[PoorUB]

I’m with you. I don’t THINK I’ve ever bought a file. All mine were my dad’s that I inherited when he passed away in 1990. I probably have 5, maybe 6 and I rarely use them

I use mine, but the 3 or 4 I have do what I need.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

All I own have been found in toolboxes I bought or a very few were explicitly bought at a garage or estate sale because there were NOS (new old stock).

 

[cmandp]

I like the idea you had txlonghorn. I might steal your idea once I get to organzing my tools better.

One way the guys in the shop at work did it for larger 10", 12", etc files was use the foam pipe insulation you can buy most anywhere. Slip the file in the slit and they could roll around the drawer they were just dropped into with no worry of damage.

 

[Nutria]

I have a good number of files, and I use most of them frequently. Differences in size, shape, aggressiveness, and material-appropriateness make for a pretty full drawer.

I think that the cardboard and/or paper approach works well, at least in a low-humidity place like my current location. But I've lived in humid/salty areas that would have made me worry about rust using that approach. You can also treat the paper with something appropriate.

 

[zmotorsports]

Dayuuum! You've got a few files there. Nice idea using corrugated cardboard as file cards.

I keep my files on a small L-shaped bracket hanging on the wall next to my lathe to keep them from contacting each other and dinging them up.

 

[FredWanaker]

For my duplicate files...

I cut some lengths off a roll of packaging paper. Cut them to cover most of the length of the different file sizes I wanted to store together. Fold the first one in the paper until all sides are protected, add the next file and fold again, repeat until you've got the files you want together and covered. Seal them together with some package tape and label so I know what I've got. Again, minimal space used but all faces protected.

this what I did but used thin cardboard from pepsi boxes. It 100% guarantees files can't bang into each other. I have seen some people use blocks of wood they drill holes in to hold the files apart but that doesn't work well in a drawer.

 

[FMB4]

Vinyl tool rolls are what I use.

 

[alinc100]

Very nicely done. I have lots of cardboard at work. When can I expect a visit? I'm sure just as the snowbirds head south some of you Texans long for snow and cold right?

 

[txlonghorn1989]

this what I did but used thin cardboard from pepsi boxes. It 100% guarantees files can't bang into each other. I have seen some people use blocks of wood they drill holes in to hold the files apart but that doesn't work well in a drawer.

I considered wood bases with drilled holes but those just take up too much space for no more than I use files. If I was using them everyday I'd be all over that.

 

[PoorUB]

this what I did but used thin cardboard from pepsi boxes. It 100% guarantees files can't bang into each other. I have seen some people use blocks of wood they drill holes in to hold the files apart but that doesn't work well in a drawer.

Pretty much what I do too. A strip of cardboard form a cereal box and cut it a bit longer than the file and a bit wider then 2 times the width, fold on half and tape the side up. Just a simple sleeve.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Yoga mat in the tool drawer, files placed straight ahead, slightly spaced so they dont roll when drawer is opened closed.

 

[Jayman17]

TX, have you thought of putting those file cards upright in a file cabinet, (if you have one) that way might be easier to flip through and pick out what you want. Just a thought, I like the file card idea.

Jay

 

[Alchase]

I use mounted magnetic strips for all my files, screw drivers, open end wrenches and Chisels.

 

[mcj115]

Isn't this why filing cabinets are made? Sorry just had to chime in with the bad pun.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

TX, have you thought of putting those file cards upright in a file cabinet, (if you have one) that way might be easier to flip through and pick out what you want. Just a thought, I like the file card idea.

Jay

Good idea Jay but I don't use them enough to be concerned about that. Also, don't have a filing cabinet or cabinet with that type of vertical space. I'll just hope though that if the need ever arises that I'll be able to recall your suggestion.

 

[Tools4Me]

Nice idea OP. If someone wants to duplicate it for use in a high humidity area, a very light misting of oil on the cardboard cards should help prevent the cardboard from absorbing moisture from the air and causing rust over time.

If anyone is thinking of making the same sort of setup for storing files that are used regularly, it would probably work better to make the file cards out of corrugated plastic sheeting instead of cardboard. It would handle a lot more wear and tear. The type that is often use for temporary yard signs. It comes in lots of different cell sizes, so you can get it to fit any sized files. It's also a great way to repurpose old election or advertising signs you might already have stored away somewhere.

 

[mogandave]

If you store your files with handle on, not much contact between the ends that would cause damage. That said, files are something of a consumable.

 

[cvairwerks]

Only suggestion I would make for the cardboard holders, is to glue a small block between each file to minimize the potential of banging the loose ends together.

 

[csp]

I'd have to open my file drawers about 10,000x more frequent than I do to actually worry in the slightest about dulling them from rubbing together.

 

[A&P mechanic]

That is a unique idea about storing files in cardboard and/or a similar style corrugated plastic. I keep mine on a magnet in a drawer.

 

[PZ 1]

I used these. They are not perfect, but were used to get the maximum of files into a minimum of space.

 

[flyingblind]

I rearranged my file drawer and added wrench racks. I plan on using the cardboard trick for all the smaller files. This isn’t all the files but the ones I use regularly. The wrench rack I used.

 

[MongoTA]

I've accumulated a number of files over the years...Here are the pics ...Those are my "file cards". Now I can store them in a minimal amount of space and the working faces are protected from each other.

I like this idea a lot.
I have two dump drawers and one semi-dump drawer of files. Been thinking of doing something to them, at least segregating them into group.
Thanks for posting that!

 

[jfleisher]

Mine are just hanging around...

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I use mounted magnetic strips for all my files, screw drivers, open end wrenches and Chisels.

Nice organization idea but then the metal filings will want to stay attached to the files - no bueno.

 

[southalabama]

Mine are just hanging around...

Good man. Buffer tube wrench, brass hammers and Rem Oil.

 

[nadogail]

Any way that keeps the files from banging into something that will dull them or allow moisture and rust to ess them up works for me, Oiled canvas rolls would be my preference, but i have no canvas or a sewing machine.

Where I grew up, a file card is a very stiff wire brush used to Card the files and clean debris from their teeth.

 

[mogandave]

Any way that keeps the files from banging into something that will dull them or allow moisture and rust to ess them up works for me, Oiled canvas rolls would be my preference, but i have no canvas or a sewing machine.

They are consumables...

Where I grew up, a file card is a very stiff wire brush used to Card the files and clean debris from their teeth.

Indeed, but don't leave them out...

 

[SteadyC]

I remember visiting an older machinist's shop and he had chalk on some of his files. First time I had seen that (probably 30 years ago).

 

[toolmiser]

They do seem to multiply. It's hard to pass an odd shaped one at a garage sale..

 

[bugnut]

I measured mine quickly and did a 3d printed holder I have a one size handle I use if needed.

 

[RaisedByWolves]

If you store your files with handle on, not much contact between the ends that would cause damage. That said, files are something of a consumable.

This.

Unless your carting them around in a tool box in the bed of your truck, how much contact is there really between them sitting in a drawer?

The ones I use most at work (Toolmaker) sit out on the bench and get worn from regular use and replaced regularly, probably every few months.

The rest just ride the drawer until needed and never complain.

Ill add this is one of the most over thought topics in shops and discussions, as most file wear/damage occurs with the user back dragging it while in use.

 

[Pexto]

... most file wear/damage occurs with the user back dragging it while in use.

I've heard this a lot over the years, in anecdote after anecdote. But I have never heard of any credible reason why this would be the case, nor have I ever seen any controlled experiments or any other real evidence. I'd love to learn more, if anyone on GJ has some insight into this claim.

 

[yhprum]

Fireball Tools has this on thier tube channel