Help with old files/rasps

[Randall3rd]

Been needing some extra files and came across this lot. Probably about 75+ of all sizes in the pile. Issue is they are all pretty rusty but seem to be lightly used. Is there a relatively easy way to restore them? Do I just use them as is? Throw them all in a bucket of Evaporust?

Any suggestions? Or start buying new ones as needed. What would you do?

<a href="http://s134.photobucket.com/user/Car_Parts/media/20190127_171557.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q120/Car_Parts/20190127_171557.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20190127_171557.jpg"/></a>

 

[ransil]

Those are pretty clean compared to my stash, i use mine as is.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[JiminAZ]

Get a file card and clean 'em up. All you really need to do is clean all the gunk out of the teeth.

 

[WhoWhatNow]

Clean with a card file to remove the debris. If they are oily degrease them with your favorite cleaner then soak them in acid (vinegar works) to etch the edges. Rinse and coat with a light oil to prevent rust and you should be good to go.

 

[nelstomlinson]

Really sharp new files are really nice, and that jumbled, rusty pile isn't going to be sharp. Buy a few new files for soft metals, and clean these up for misuse. If they cut, they're good. If they don't cut, make them into knives.

Don't let files jostle together in the drawer, they'll dull one another. Too late for these.

 

[DTE]

I soak mine in vinegar , you would be surprised how well it works.

 

[IdahoMan]

Anybody used these guy's services?

https://boggstool.com/

I've heard they sharpen old files/drills.

 

[woody 73]

This is what they should like:

 

[Richard Cranium]

Woody, thank you for that picture.

 

[Randall3rd]

Alright thanks for the info! I’ve got some work to do!

 

[metaldad]

mine are stored, horizontally on a shelf, none 'touching' the other.
files thrown together, will dull them
some USA NOS files are still available, look at cripe, epsteins, ebay
i may be wrong, but, i do not believe that files are still in production here

 

[toplessHO]

dont worry about the co-mingling unless theyev been in a drawer thats been bounced around.
Im a fan of the vinegar trick. they call it pickling

 

[aarcuda]

Anybody used these guy's services?

https://boggstool.com/

I've heard they sharpen old files/drills.

My machinist friend swears by this guy!

 

[Pontiac787]

In regard to vinegar, get the “cleaning” grade. It’s more potent that the salad dressing variety. Also, you should neutralize with water/baking soda when done.

 

[freudianfloyd]

My machinist friend swears by this guy!

Any guess what it costs to get a file or rasp sharpened? I have probably 100 old files that I would love to get in good working condition.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Any guess what it costs to get a file or rasp sharpened? I have probably 100 old files that I would love to get in good working condition.

https://boggstool.com/file-division

Scroll to the bottom.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Could smash a brass bullet casing and clamp in in some vise grips and clean the grooves out. You'd be surprised how much junk builds up. Others will say use a file card, but in my experience they don't work that great.

 

[FTG-05]

This is what they should like:

Where do you find something like that? My search on "file holder" yielded all kinds of results - for paper file holders.

Currently, I have most of my general files in a steel coffee can - don't taze me Bro!!!

 

[aarcuda]

Any guess what it costs to get a file or rasp sharpened? I have probably 100 old files that I would love to get in good working condition.

me too. i havent sent any off yet but maybe if i get the itch this weekend I'll sort out my infamous file drawer and see what i have and what needs sharpening. I must have 30 or more files!