How do you store files?

[malibu101]

I have many metal files. I'm sure they should not be rubbing each other. I now have them wrapped in rags, sorted by type cut of cut. There is "rag roll" of ******* cut, double cut, single cut, etc, etc. Mainly they're a pain to keep from falling out and, once unrolled, to put them back one by one and roll them up so as not to toucvh each other.
Anyway, simple question -- How do you store your files so they don't dull each other?

 

[kbs2244]

A seprate rag wrap for each one.
I use hunks of old jeans leg.
You are right about not letting them rub each other.

 

[bomber]

I have a length of 4X4 (just about a foot long) with various holes bored partway through, in a staggered manner -- one hole, one file -- doesnn't take up a lot of room, and has room for a chuck of 30-30 brass (for cleaning teeth, files, not mine) and a little box of chalk.

It's mounted to the wall, just above the main vice in teh Entropy Lab --

 

[cdent]

I'm up for ideas. So far, individual wrapped in rags. I'd like to set them up like bomber, but surface rust is a problem for me.

 

[72chevy]

I would think the wrench racks / rails would work to keep them separated. The individual rails lined up parallel and the saw-tooth design should do the trick. The foam core wrench rails from Sears come to mind.
I don't know about the rust problem aside from a shot of wd40 or something similar.

 

[1320stang]

Board with holes drilled in it.

 

[Torque1st]

Cardboard tubes from paper towels with one end crimped and stapled shut. Mark the outside with contents. The tubes can be flattened and some tubes can be flattened and stapled down the middle to hold two round flies.

 

[Stuey]

Wow, these are some pretty good techniques!

I store mine in the vinyl puches that they came with. Eventually, I'll donate some worn out pants to the cause.

 

[thdewey]

I bought a new set this year. They were pretty cheap, HF I think? But they came with a roll-up case (ie wrench roll) , it has a clear front when it is rolled out on the workbench. Each file has it own slot in the case. I love it! I did add a longer tie sting because it wasn't long enough to tie an overhand knot in. Useful thread!

 

[MXtras]

According to pretty much every machinist, the only acceptable way to store files is to hang them.

Scott

 

[Torque1st]

According to pretty much every machinist, the only acceptable way to store files is to hang them.

Scott

Very few of mine will hang.

 

[Vicegrip]

Most of mine hang. Plastic file handles are cheap and you can also make them from closet rod wood cut into 4 inch lengths. Drill a cross side hole in one end to make a hanger hole and hammer the file tang into the other end.

 

[Torque1st]

..you can also make them from closet rod wood cut into 4 inch lengths. Drill a cross side hole in one end to make a hanger hole and hammer the file tang into the other end.

Good idea!

 

[Firefyter-Emt]

Well, I am a bad file owner and I know it... I have about 25-30 of them all on top of one and another in a drawer in my tool box.

To be fair though, I stop at a local used tool guy and pick them up at two for a quarter used.

I have a good file kept at my metal lathe. This one is in a length of PVC pipe that is caped at the bottom and filled with mineral oil. The handle holds it in the pipe and acts like a dip-stick.

One day I may filter out the junk files and store the properly, but my "file investment" is pretty small, yet very well stocked.

 

[buening]

Assuming the files aren't way too long for the rolls, couldn't you have your wife sew the pockets smaller so that they hold your files better?

Mine are sitting in my toolbox drawer next to each other, not touching. Easy access and they are on anti-slip liners so they don't move around (box is never moved anyways)

 

[terabyte]

i was going to suggest peg board

 

[Torque1st]

The cardboard tubes are free, there are always one or two siting in the recycle bin around my house. Staples are real cheap. A stapler is also known as the "bachelor's sewing machine". When the tubes get shopworn or filthy, -toss them.

 

[Steve in Mi]

This is not a picture of my file storage. I found it posted on another Forum and think it is one of the best examples of how to store files I have seen. Some aluminum angle iron with slots cut to accept individual files - not too different from some of the wrench racks of yesterday.

http://img4.pictiger.com/311/14437268.jpg?u=1204865058

 

[Stuey]

I forgot to add - sometimes I keep my files on the computer, other times in my pocket. If I want to ensure that I don't lose them, I put them on CD/DVD as well.

 

[buening]

http://img4.pictiger.com/311/14437268.jpg

I fixed your link Steve

 

[Stuey]

http://img4.pictiger.com/311/14437268.jpg

I fixed your link Steve

No you didn't - they have hotlink protection, so you must open the link manually.

 

[malibu101]

Many great ideas. I would like to be able to keep them in a drawer in the roll chest. I don't want to take up the drawer space to lay each one out individually in a drawer. Wall space is a bit of a premium for me too.
I don't know why I never thought of a "wrench roll" (with pockets) type of roll.
I am going to do one of 2 things. See what is comercially available or simply take some cloth material, fold it in half, and ask the mom in-law to simply sew a few lines up it- making pockets. I like the second idea the best as it can be customized to my needs.
I still can't belive I never thought of simply improving what I already use but that's why it's nice to have a place like this .

Thanks!

 

[buening]

No you didn't - they have hotlink protection, so you must open the link manually.

It hotlinks just fine by clicking on the link I provided, whereas you have to delete the second half of his link. Not a biggie either way

 

[goodfellow]

Here is the pic ---

 

[Stuey]

It hotlinks just fine by clicking on the link I provided, whereas you have to delete the second half of his link. Not a biggie either way

Clicking on both results in the same "pictiger" default image. Reloading both pages makes the images appear. I don't know what's going on, or why a public image host would do such a thing.

 

[rsanter]

I have seen wood with some dowels in it so the files will stand on edge next to one another and I have seen wood with grooves cut in them so the files will stand on edge (like a wrench holder)
I too kep them in a drawer on a no slip mat sitting next to one another

bob

 

[malibu101]

Here is the pic ---

I take back what I said above about not wanting to use a drawer. That picture is a real nice way of dedicating a drawer to files.
Again, I never thought of storing them vertically in the drawer
Keep any ideas coming.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

How do you store files?

In a file drawer, of course!

I know, just felt like being a smart a$$ tonite!

Charles

 

[goodfellow]

How do you store files?

In a file drawer, of course!

I know, just felt like being a smart a$$ tonite!

Charles

Oh boy!! It was bound to happen -- Sometimes you can't resist.


Back to the OP question. I also bought surplus wrench roll-ups at the local outlet -- They were for larger wrench sets and all my files fit into three rolls.

 

[twarren]

Hi Guys, first post though I have been lurking here for a while. If I knew how to post a picture I would show how I store my files. In a wooden drawer, files on edge, seperated from each other with wood screws driven through 1/2" sections of 3/16" clear fuel line.The files touch only wood and the plastic hose. If the screws are close it provides some friction to keep the file in place. I remove the handles after each use and store them in a seperate section of the same drawer.

My drawer is 12"x24'x2', with about 20 files.

Warren...............