You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Files for General Household Use
- Thread starter The Critic
- Start date
I am a fan of old USA-made Nicholson files. They can usually be had for cheap at garage sales or on Marketplace. I have no idea what the quality is of current production, but a quick search on the internet had the name tied to Crescent, so I imagine it is now import and not stellar, but I don't know that to be the case.
RTM
Well-known member
Nicholson quality has gone in the toilet since they started off shoring production,per friends who used to use them daily. For household use they may be OK. So might anything bought at your local Ace HD, Lowes etc. I don't know that HF would be any worse
What are you using them for? Sharpening shovels, opening up door strike plates, deburring a cut? All those should be fine, IMO
I am also in the buy old stuff, and get it resharpened at Boggs tool, but again, may be overkill for household.
What are you using them for? Sharpening shovels, opening up door strike plates, deburring a cut? All those should be fine, IMO
I am also in the buy old stuff, and get it resharpened at Boggs tool, but again, may be overkill for household.
Last edited:
OP
The Critic
Well-known member
Oddly enough, I could have used one for a door strike plate yesterday.Nicholson quality has gone in the toilet since they started off shoring production,per friends who used to use them daily. For household use they may be OK. So might anything bought at your local Ace HD, Lowes etc. I don't know that HF would be any worse
What are you using them for? Sharpening shovels, opening up door strike plates, deburring a cut? All those should be fine, IMO
I am also in the buy old stuff, and get it resharpened at Boggs tool, but again, may be overkill for household.
OccupantRJ
Well-known member
I have a set of those next to my lathe and don’t even remember where or how I got them. They do fine, and I likely have 60-70 Nicholson files hanging and in drawers around the shop.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
There's no sense in getting any files if you don't know the proper way to use them.
I'm the only guy in the world who knows how to use a file correctly.
I'm the only guy in the world who knows how to use a file correctly.
CGT80
Well-known member
Wow! We got that out of the way in less than 10 posts....There's no sense in getting any files if you don't know the proper way to use them.
I'm the only guy in the world who knows how to use a file correctly.
Impressive!
I need a half round ******* for work. Just the one file.
The rest of my files, and that is a lot… are for home. I would second any advice to look for lightly used USA files at garage and estate sales. They are very common and often cheap.
I also look for extra half round files to give to apprentices.
The rest of my files, and that is a lot… are for home. I would second any advice to look for lightly used USA files at garage and estate sales. They are very common and often cheap.
I also look for extra half round files to give to apprentices.
I've had this set from Pferd since before Fireball carried them but i always notice them on their site:
10" File Set (5 Machinist files in pouch) 16080 / 16081 https://share.google/MuJbDT1G3UBx4MZ2T
I believe I have them in second cut. They've been great. All my other files are either Swiss pattern files or old Nicholson files I've accumulated.
Worth a mention that files can be sharpened. A trip to Boggs or somewhere that does it can be fun.
Edit: I lied. I also have quite a few of the Japanese Tsubosan Die Sinker's files in a couple different sizes. https://share.google/S9dAPBajhvjiiad3P
10" File Set (5 Machinist files in pouch) 16080 / 16081 https://share.google/MuJbDT1G3UBx4MZ2T
I believe I have them in second cut. They've been great. All my other files are either Swiss pattern files or old Nicholson files I've accumulated.
Worth a mention that files can be sharpened. A trip to Boggs or somewhere that does it can be fun.
Edit: I lied. I also have quite a few of the Japanese Tsubosan Die Sinker's files in a couple different sizes. https://share.google/S9dAPBajhvjiiad3P
Last edited:
OccupantRJ
Well-known member
If you really want to do yourself a favor get a decent set of jeweler files. Thank me later.