How do you store youe files...

[Noworries]

Rather than risk being told how foolish I am for keeping my files kinda bunched together in a drawer, I chose not to include a pic. Thoughts on "proper" file storage??

 

[Bogie1632]

I clean mine after use and the small "set" I have I made a small spacer rack to keep them organized in the drawer. I do have a few larger files hanging above my box. It try not to oil them but have never really had a rusting issue either.

Made a much larger rack for a friend (newby blacksmith). That one was for 30 files. My small set gets me by. Clean and easy to get to is all I need.

V/R
Bogie

 

[didit]

I am just as foolish. In a perfect world files would be isolated from each other but I have never done so. I have a few kept in plastic sleeves. Most are kept in tool box drawers, reserved specifically for files. They are mostly jammed in there in a heap.
I never seem to throw away even severely worn files, thinking they will have a purpose in the future. Most of my files are old and abused, passed down and neglected. I am looking forward to some ideas as well.
I'm not proud, here's a few shameful pics.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I don't feel so bad.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

I have handles on a couple of files i use frequently. Using a heat gun and pvc pipe i have made covers.
Don’t use the covers when the files are hanging on pegboard, or in tool holder. But in a bucket of tools or during transport it is nice to have.

 

[JR 42]

Cardboard tubes from paper towel rolls and other kitchen sundries (foil, cling wrap), used tyvek envelopes, paper towels in a pinch... then stored in a pile.

 

[ZRX61]

I am just as foolish. In a perfect world files would be isolated from each other but I have never done so. I have a few kept in plastic sleeves. Most are kept in tool box drawers, reserved specifically for files. They are mostly jammed in there in a heap.
I never seem to throw away even severely worn files, thinking they will have a purpose in the future. Most of my files are old and abused, passed down and neglected. I am looking forward to some ideas as well.
I'm not proud, here's a few shameful pics.

They do...
https://www.eastwood.com/slapping-file-medium-cut.html

 

[alfazer]

I hang mine on a magnet strip on the wall at my bench. Instant ID.

 

[ddawg16]

Files?

Ok....I totally was out to lunch on that one.....I'm thinking we were going to be talking about servers, dir names, etc.

 

[ecotec]

Here is my file drawer.

I have been making an effort, over time, to put a handle on every file. I am also getting rid of tools without COO or with emerging market COO’s on them. The vast majority is USA, and says such.

Once you have way more than you need, it is easy to continue to perfect it. I, recently, found enough Swiss made needle files for a couple lifetimes. I will re-home the last of my Chinese made needle files soon. After that, I will update the picture of my drawer.

 

[4 FN 27]

Files?

Ok....I totally was out to lunch on that one.....I'm thinking we were going to be talking about servers, dir names, etc.

Ummmm...me too!

 

[Ainsley]

Alu Flatbar and threaded rod

 

[SeisMec]

Alu Flatbar and threaded rod

Genius!

 

[Jim C.]

I cut some grooves into a piece of scrap wood.

Jim C.

 

[PFSard]

I like the ideas in the postings above.

I have the most used files hanging from their handles on hooks. Bunches of others stored in discarded bicycle inner tubes in a drawer. Others in pouches that I acquired here and there. A few wrapped in rags (these have chalk on them).

 

[seber]

I keep mine super organized. OK maybe I just treat them gently when I throw them back in the drawer.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Files should be bought by the box and tossed when they get dull. No different than sandpaper or hacksaw blades. They are consumables .Mind you, with many of the files you can get now, you have to keep a box on hand. I just wish I had that kind of money.

You guys have shamed me enough I might even think about organizing one of my 3 file drawers.

 

[cchandler068]

Well, I can see I need to up my game considerably.

Mine are all thrown in a single drawer without really being organized... nor do I have the vast quantities that are being shown in some of these pictures. I think I might have a dozen or so (not counting needle files).

 

[Davefr]

I hang 'em. Toolbox drawer space is too precious for these bastards.

 

[64merc]

I'm with the throw them in a drawer, neatly stacked, crowd. I would LOVE to get organized like some of you guys one day.

I know they should ideally be protected, but for home use, the drawer doesn't get thrown open and thrown shut very often. I'm sure they are fine.

 

[zktk01]

I toss them in a drawer so they can be sharpened rubbing against each other.
I really did like that idea of cutting slot into wood for storage may try that one day.

 

[Boilerhouse]

I also use a wooden divider. Most of the handles I made myself. The ferrules are cut from copper pipe.

 

[davewo]

I have half a dozen large ones hanging on a rack, mostly because they won't fit in my tool box. All the others are stuffed in a drawer.

At work we have boxes of new Nicholson files that were shipped touching eachother, wrapped in a single piece of rust paper.

 

[Fatboy148]

Files should be bought by the box and tossed when they get dull. No different than sandpaper or hacksaw blades. They are consumables .Mind you, with many of the files you can get now, you have to keep a box on hand. I just wish I had that kind of money.

They are consumables BUT Once upon a time..... I read a thread here about sending files out to be resharpened. IIRC, (depending on size) it was less than $3.00 to get them redone.

 

[Old Man Roger]

They are consumables BUT Once upon a time..... I read a thread here about sending files out to be resharpened. IIRC, (depending on size) it was less than $3.00 to get them redone.

I don't know if this works or not, but your post sent me googling..lol

 

[nutjob]

Here is a place that will do file sharpening. Also saw blades.

https://boggstool.com/file-division

Kevin

 

[2oolhound]

I was going to point to a previous post for my photos but they were all photobucket images so here they are again:

I have the drawer on top of this one filled with round and half round files now as well.

Here is the link to the previous thread:

Previous Thread

 

[HeadsUp]

Duh... in a filing cabinet.

I'm here all night.

 

[ssdave]

2oolhound, I like the idea of putting them on edge to gain number in a drawer. I'll check to see if mine is deep enough to do that. Nice idea.

 

[dr_clyde]

I just put them in the drawer in the toolbox. Done that for as long as I've been using files.

They are a consumable. Toss them when they get dull.

I buy them by the box and they come shipped just with anti-rust paper interleaved, so they don't need a full blown scabbard. Just don't throw them around haphazardly and they'll last a decent while.

Files are not heirloom tools. They have a fairly limited lifespan even if used correctly.

You COULD sharpen them chemically, but they're cheap enough that it's not really worth it.

 

[darkzero]

Been following this thread for ideas. I too would like to find a better solution for storing my files. I don't have the real estate for a dedicated file drawer. I have most of mine tossed in a drawer with their original paper sleeves still on them.

Problem with that is I have to go digging for which one I want to use. Often it makes me not want want to bother & they don't get used as often as I need.

I should really just make a rack to hang somewhere but I keep forgetting or often don't feel like doing it. Haha

 

[CGT80]

I hang 'em. Toolbox drawer space is too precious for these bastards.

Are they really all bastards or are they just bastards? No coarse or fine?

I'm with the throw them in a drawer, neatly stacked, crowd. I would LOVE to get organized like some of you guys one day.

I know they should ideally be protected, but for home use, the drawer doesn't get thrown open and thrown shut very often. I'm sure they are fine.

I hope that doesn't apply to the coarse files.


Files require slower manual work and I reserve those for when a power tool just won't get the job done. If the angle grinders, right angle die grinder, straight die grinder with burrs, or deburring tool won't do, then a file is used. Heck, even media blasting can clean up edges if there is a lot to be done.


A couple large flat bastards, small flat *******, round and set of needle files takes care of my needs. They stay on the pegboard above my bench as often times I use the bench vice to hold parts while shaping and welding. It is easy to grab them for a quick cleanup and they don't rub against each other. While they aren't used much, they are a necessary evil. The die grinder wrenches and akro bin of partially used 2" and 3" flap/surface conditioning disks are also on the pegboard, as they are my go-to. The big files have the rubber Nicholson handles and the files are made in the USA. The needle files are Cman and are made in china as far as I know.

 

[oldwino]

Guess I’m sorta in between you guys. My precision files and a couple of round and triangle files are stored somewhat properly in my main box. All the flat bastards are stored in a couple of boxes in a repurposed kitchen base cabinet in my metal abusing area. Draw seldom opened so not much rattling around.

Between files I have purchased and a boat load I have inherited I’ve got a ten lifetime supply. Can’t seem to be able to toss any though

 

[DFB]

Multiple files for me 8" 10" flat, round rattail, triangular, at ready use are just stored in a tall tin can right on the work bench

A couple of big 12" mill and a ******* always stay right by the vise and bench grinder they share the same table.

No time to go looking in drawers for files

New ones are still in their bulk purchase boxes and stay in a tool drawer until needed

The mini's though those have those little plastic pouches they also stay in the machine tool drawer of my lower cabinet, along with emery cloths, tap handles, easy outs, reamers, countersinks pin punches.

 

[RTM]

I really like a few ideas shown. I have some plastic angles that may be repurposed by cutting slots in them, and the foam idea with slots cut in is very nice too. I tried a wood rack with glued in small dowels for dividers, but the glue caused the files to rust right around the dowels. I tried cutting slots in wood, but it was a bit too flimsy for my liking.

I have my Boggs resharpened files wrapped tightly in paper (as they shipped them) stacked in a drawer, and have a dedicated drawer for the in-use ones. I need to reorganize the in-use drawer, and will steal some of the ideas shown.
I am afraid to leave anything hanging out, as I live too close to the great Pacific rust generator.
Thanks

 

[jeffmoss26]

My good files that I use daily at work (locksmith) are in a canvas tool roll from HJE. Extras at home are just piled in a drawer.

 

[Jagmandave]

I admit that mine just lie in the "file" drawer all loosey goosey, getting them re-sharpened is not real expensive so I might go that route......having good sharp files again would be nice.

 

[seber]

I just put them in the drawer in the toolbox. Done that for as long as I've been using files.

They are a consumable. Toss them when they get dull.

You COULD sharpen them chemically, but they're cheap enough that it's not really worth it.

Good Nicholson files run around $12 each. A gallon of acid will keep them sharp forever. Replacing them if you use them a lot gets damned expensive. So does buying cheap ones since you then do a lot of replacing.

 

[Sweetcorn]

Good Nicholson files run around $12 each. A gallon of acid will keep them sharp forever. Replacing them if you use them a lot gets damned expensive. So does buying cheap ones since you then do a lot of replacing.

I'm with the "pitch them when they're dull" crowd.

I've tried chemically sharpened files at various times throughout the years and they just don't cut as well.

Time is money and everyone just has to figure out where that tipping point is for themselves.

I buy them on sale, in bulk, and look at them no differently than sandpaper. I fought looking at it that way for many years, but once I accepted them as a consumable, it became a lot easier to toss them as needed.

 

[toplessHO]

I save files that are dull and lifeless
I dont let them get rusty tho.
Im always finding a use for a dull file in some other capacity.