Decent hand files

[EdT]

I do a lot of light fabrication work and frequently use files. For years i used ordinary Nicholson files and they were OK. I recently got a few Nicholson "Black Diamond" files in with some other tools and they are very good; markedly better than the regular Nicholson files. So, it's time to get some new files and, AFA I can tell, the Nicholson "Black Diamond files are NLA except spottily on E-bay. With the acquisition of Nicholson by APEX and the transfer of production off shore, I understand that they have forgotten how to make files. I've been looking around and found Pferd files and they look good. Got one of their specialty body files and it appears to be excellent although I have not used it much yet. Any comments on Pferd files or suggestions for some other brand?

 

[Stuart in MN]

Simonds is another quality brand, and they're made in the US. http://www.simondsint.com/handfiles/Pages/default.aspx

 

[Bobhdus]

I like the US files but the Swiss made files are nice too. I use those for smaller things...

 

[four.cycle]

another member asked about files in November.
I stumbled upon some NOS Pferd stuff at a local tool liquidator.
see list HERE:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5248832#post
5248832

no idea what he has left now. the contact information is in a post just up-thread from that one. talk to Steve. he CAN ship them to you. I got mine for about $8 - $10 a pop from him - so he's willing to deal on price. way less money than buying them on Ebay.

Nicholson is all made in Mexico now.
Go with Pferd or the Swiss-made ones if you want something decent.

 

[Wamsutta]

+1 on the Simonds. I use them in the forward direction.

 

[pendragon1998]

The woodworkers I bump elbows with over at Sawmill Creek all say that Black Diamond is the same as regular Nicholson, just a sub brand they acquired (originally an independent brand years back) and marketed in the south. You can find NOS Nicholsons on ebay, or go with modern Bahco files, maybe. Bahco is what the saw filers are reluctantly moving towards. It's a damn travesty that nobody makes quality files in the USA any more.

 

[plinker]

The Pferd chainsaw files I had used were very nice, better the most I've used. The carbide burrs are good too.

As mentiond NOS Nicholson and others are on ebay.

 

[Macrosloth]

Just found these guys: http://www.severancecanada.com/index.cfm/hand-file-applications.cfm

They are canadian eh!

Does anyone have experence with them?

 

[Cap'nJake]

Supertanium files are really good but cost an arm and a leg

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