Lets talk files.

[59flatbedford]

So im in need of some good files. im finally getting a work room set up in my college house so that i can work on building muzzleloaders, knives, bow building other small projects as well as small wood projects. My need will tend toward the smaller side of things 8 inch files will probably as big as i need. Looking for suggestions on brands, i know nicholson was good and probably still is but most of there stuff seems to be made in Mexico now which is a big turn off. Looking for brands made in either the US or eourope. Im a die hard American but those German,Swiss, and English build some nice hand tools. will be looking for mostly finer cut stuff with a couple of coarser ones for heavy stock removal and needle files with a wood rasp thrown in too. Open to suggestions.

 

[0.511MeV]

Heavy removal, I'd say Nicholson is great.

Finishing or detail, Grobet is amazing. My Grobet files cut nicely, last longer, and provide a better finish than any other files I've used.

You can get Grobet at MSC.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Simonds is a good brand, they're made in Massachusetts. You can get them from Amazon.com among other places.

 

[Machobuck]

Heller

 

[american lockpicker]

I have a US made set thats new for sale. $20 shipped.

 

[Monte]

Bahco

 

[Stephenw]

Nicholson have always worked well for me. Just go to your local hardware store and hand pick them. Then you can be sure you are getting the USA made versions.

 

[RobertMo1988]

i think i have a couple nicholson, stiletto, and maybe simonds id get rid of

 

[59flatbedford]

Lots of good input i got a lot of looking and research to do. I looked at simonds they look good but i have a lot of research to do.

 

[ND400]

Bahco x2

 

[larry_g]

The posters above have all posted good file brands. Any one will do the job and any one can be dulled in an instant if improperly used. Learn the proper use of a file, how to care for it, and always fit a proper handle to it.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Monte]

Bahco
Snap-On sells Bahco files too !

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1079&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

http://www.snaponindustrialbrands.com/Cat-19-1-294/Files.htm

 

[lauver]

Just a heads up-- The current Craftsman 5-piece file sets are made by Simonds (USA). They come with handles. When on sale, they are a bargain. At full price they are still reasonable.

 

[30-30remchester]

Since we are talking files, let me share some advice given to me years ago. Files are tough and easily damaged by misuse and poor storage. Most files are directional and only work in one direction. Useing it wrong can rapidly dull the file. Keep the teeth clean. Most percision gunsmiths and percise users make a single stoke then clean the teeth. Lastly improper storage has ruined many good files. I use clear lightweight rubber hose, available from the local hardware store, and store each file in its own protective sheath. Rattling around in a drawer with other tools can damage a file.

 

[mtkst19]

i wanna know how you are going to work on **** in college housing? i almost got expelled from college housing for rebuilding an engine in the kitchen, lol. either way, i like your style!

 

[59flatbedford]

well im renting a house off campus so its not as strict as on campus. I have a 10.5x11 ft bedroom that is not used so its my work room now.