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Files... I need some files...

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eschoendorff

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Michigan
My files are really old and crappy. I need to get a new general purpose set. I looked at the 5 piece Craftsman set, but I'm not sold on it. I like the Nicholson files, but wish I could find a set of them. Any recommendations?
 
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kartracer55

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Nicholson has a a few different sets you can get from MSC. I use mostly nicholson files myself, Although I have some older swiss made files that are incredible.
 
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REFLEXX

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Aug 14, 2005
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Riverside, CA
Also look at www.USE-ENCO.com they have a downloadable PDFs of thier monthly fliers with some great prices on US made files.

China files stink, I use USA or SWISS made. There's also an acid you can buy that restores files! I don't remember where to get it or what it's called.
 
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Elroy

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What is it about sets? Set of this, sets of that. So you want a "general purpose" file. Go to Walmart. They have Nicholson files and they are just fine and USA made. The problem is their selection is going to be limited. But all you wanted was "general purpose"

I have files that are 10 and 15 years old and they are still sharp. The reason is because Elroy takes care of them. Store them individually in a wood box and don't let them bang again each other. Also keep them claen and oiled during staorage. And use chalk on them. Yep kids play chalk in your choice of color.

And when your done using it take a scratch brush or file card and clean out the teeth. Then take some 3 in 1 oil and coat the face. 3 in 1 tends to dry out and leave a gummy coating. In this situation it is ideal. Keeps the rust off.

When your ready to work, hit the face with some good spray carb cleaner, a wire brush, some more carb cleaner and a little air. Load the face with chalk and have at it. On aluminum the chalk is almost required, that is unless you like pin build up.

Before putting them away clean and oil. A file will wear out but it will wear out a lot faster if you don't take care of it. As a matter of fact, Elroy would venture to say that files take more maintenance than most other tools.
 
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Elroy

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nope that old and I mean old trick works good on brass and copper as well. Even mild steel and cast iron. Most guys who look in my box think I use a lot of chalk for timing marks. True but most get the file treatment
 
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krooser

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Jun 3, 2005
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Location
Waupaca, Wisconsin
eschoendorff said:
My files are really old and crappy. I need to get a new general purpose set. I looked at the 5 piece Craftsman set, but I'm not sold on it. I like the Nicholson files, but wish I could find a set of them. Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
Tell me what you want...send me $20.00 and I'll send you six brand new USA made files from my vast over-supply of auction files...no kidding!
 
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eschoendorff

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krooser said:
Tell me what you want...send me $20.00 and I'll send you six brand new USA made files from my vast over-supply of auction files...no kidding!
Click to expand...


Over-supply of auction files? Well, basically I inherited a few files, but they are large wood files and rasps. I don't really have any decent general-purpose files for touching up blades, working off burrs, light shaping, etc. I like the Craftsman set because it has nice big handles and is lifetime warranted. But it is also like $35 for 4 lousy files.

I don't use files very often, but when I need them (and that has been more often lately) it would be really nice to have them. In all honesty, I'm not really sure what I need, but I think it would be nice to have a round (rat tail?), a couple sing/double cut flats and maybe a decent triangular. You can see, here, that the terminology is lost on me :lol: I'd like them to be general enough that I could use them on wood and metals.
 
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kartracer55

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IF you dont plan on doing anything extensive, Id consider nicholson "handy files" which are double cut on oneside and single cut on the other side. I have one of these, and its a great general purpose file, although a fairly mild cut.

Halfround files are my most used, I have them in a ******* and second cut, so they are flat on one side and round on the other. Rat tail files are nice, but They are difficult to use in a rougher cut(just my opinion) Instad of a finishing cut file I can use the single cut file and "draw file" which gives an awesome finish when done correctly.

Needle files are also pretty handy to have. They are the little ones... Ive got a swiss made set of them, and they are VERY handy to have when ya need them.

Jim
 
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krooser

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eschoendorff said:
Over-supply of auction files? Well, basically I inherited a few files, but they are large wood files and rasps. I don't really have any decent general-purpose files for touching up blades, working off burrs, light shaping, etc. I like the Craftsman set because it has nice big handles and is lifetime warranted. But it is also like $35 for 4 lousy files.

I don't use files very often, but when I need them (and that has been more often lately) it would be really nice to have them. In all honesty, I'm not really sure what I need, but I think it would be nice to have a round (rat tail?), a couple sing/double cut flats and maybe a decent triangular. You can see, here, that the terminology is lost on me :lol: I'd like them to be general enough that I could use them on wood and metals.
Click to expand...
PM me with your address and I'll ship 'em out...
 
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krooser

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REFLEXX said:
Krooser!

Want to extend that offer??? I'm interested.
Click to expand...
I should have enough to do that...PM me with your address...I'll ship 'em when i get home next week. $20.00 plus I'll need $5.00 for USPS...You won't be disappointed...
 
T

TL1

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Dec 29, 2005
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MN
Personally I Would Not Oil Your Files But If You Do Make Sure Degrease/clean Them Well Before You Use Them As Elroy Said Or They Will Load Up. I Buy Only Nicholson Files And Use Them Everyday At Work. The Best File Handles I Have Found Are From Snap-on They Arn't That Expensive And They Thread On To The Tang So They Never Loosen Up Like The Wood Handles. You Can Also Have Files Resharped But Unless You Have Enough Of Them I Dont Think It Would Be Real Cost Effective.
 
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Uncle Buck

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eschoendorff: Are you sure that CM files carry the lifetime warranty? I would think that they would be viewed like a drill bit, saw blade, tap/die or the like? ie consumable. :headscrat
 
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eschoendorff

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Michigan
hholmberg said:
eschoendorff: Are you sure that CM files carry the lifetime warranty? I would think that they would be viewed like a drill bit, saw blade, tap/die or the like? ie consumable. :headscrat
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Yeah, that's what I thought too, but it has that "Guaranteed Forever" logo on the back of the package. I'm sure I saw it... but now I'm gonna double check the next time I am at Sears just to make sure because it does seem odd that they would lifetime warranty a consumable. BTW... I saw the lifetime guarantee on the back of the 5 pc. file set (the ones with the black handles).
 
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Uncle Buck

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Cool Beans, I have that set, and a set of Snappys with red screwdriver type handles. I like both sets. if I had no files and needed an economical set I would definitely choose the Cmans first simply because the actual files for both sets are nicholsons if memory serves correctly. Ya can't go wrong with either set though. :thumbup:
 
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eschoendorff

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Michigan
hholmberg said:
Cool Beans, I have that set, and a set of Snappys with red screwdriver type handles. I like both sets. if I had no files and needed an economical set I would definitely choose the Cmans first simply because the actual files for both sets are nicholsons if memory serves correctly. Ya can't go wrong with either set though. :thumbup:
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Cool. :thumbup: Krooser has offered to sell some good USA files, and I'd rather give my $$$ to a forum member than Sears... but that is good to know. Maybe I'll try the Craftsman set if they ever go on sale through the Craftsman Club.

:beer:
 
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Uncle Buck

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I noticed the offer, and would be screamin me too! me too! if I did'nt already fave several fist fulls in all kinds of sizes and shapes. :bounce:
 
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Elroy

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Elroy would also recommed that if you want USA made Nicholson files you hurry. Their stock is quickly being consumed and it's going to be "Hecho En Mexico" very shortly.


Picture039.jpg
 
O

old salvage

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Dec 16, 2007
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Rhode Island
Elroy said:
Elroy would also recommed that if you want USA made Nicholson files you hurry. Their stock is quickly being consumed and it's going to be "Hecho En Mexico" very shortly.
Click to expand...

I took these pics a couple of weeks ago and Elroy bumping this thread yesterday is the perfect excuse to post these.
They are pics of the old Nicholson File building in Providence R.I. .
I believe they made files here until the mid 50's. Fortunately the building hasn't been demolished and is still in use by small businesses, though who knows for how long.
Enjoy.....
nicholson1.jpg

nicholson2.jpg

nicholson3.jpg

nicholson4.jpg
 
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Senorpablo

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Jun 21, 2006
Messages
411
Location
SoCal
Costco used to carry a nice file set. Don't recall the brand but they're nice enough, and it was inexpensive for about an 8 piece set.
 
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ossaguy

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Jun 7, 2008
Messages
258
The Craftsman files are guaranteed.It seems like I always have one of the mini swiss files they sell broken,( work great,but really fragile) They don't sell them separate,so they will change out the whole set.That's why I save the pouch the set comes in.
I believe the larger ones are sold separately.I like those,I've never had to exchange one.I know they have the guarantee on the back of the pouch,also.
My favorite set are the mid-sized SO set,part #HBF100.These have the nice plastic handles on them,not so fragile as the Craftsman ones.
I'll be trying the chalk trick.This forum is great,I like picking up hot tips like that,Thanks!
 
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Crasen

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Nov 9, 2007
Messages
157
I picked up the 5 piece craftsman file set a few months ago during Craftsman Club for $19.99. the do lifetime warranty listed on the back. They are made in Honduras.
 
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elect

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Stuey

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JayL said:
How's the performance of the Honduran made Craftsman Files? I bought a three piece set myself but have not received these yet. I presume these are also Made in Honduras.


http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00931321000P

tks
Click to expand...
To be honest, I haven't used it yet. I bought it during the $5 off $5 coupon days. It's a general purpose files with somewhat of an oval handle. It definitely cannot be seated in a regular handle, so I might just wrap it with paracord for a better grip.
 
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