Metal files

[pepi]

I am looking for information as to who sells quality metal files, mine are many years old, time for replacement. Not interested in show tools I am after good long lasting, stay sharp files. So let me hear your thoughts and why you think they fit the bill. Also current production files, not a collector, am a user.

Thanks in advance

 

[signcrafter]

I just picked up a handful of Nicholson files from lowes on clearance. They were almost all made in the US and around 1-2 bucks a piece. There was a thread about them in the hot deals forum. Might want to check out lowes.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

I use Nicholson pretty much exclusively at work (tool and die) and have been happy with them.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

Also, who the hell collects files or has files as show pieces. That's a weird *** collectors item.

 

[ken w.]

I tend to pick up most of my files at estate / garage sales. Usually a buck each. I've noticed that in the past ten years that the file selection is kinda limited in most hardware stores. Maybe 2 sizes of each.

 

[devoncoolman]

Who collects tools its honestly a weird collectors item. But we do i use Nicholson pretty much exclusively because of cost and have always had good luck with them.

 

[jakemac]

I buy all my files at yard sales or flea markets. I pick through and find the sharp ones, and buy them cheap. I've had a few fine tooth files wear out on me, but the majority of the old files I have last longer than the new stuff. Even Nicholson's. I just found 2 large ones (18" & 20") today. I paid 50¢ each for them.

(everyone here probably already knows this, but ) The key to keeping your files sharp is to only use them in one direction. Don't drag them back and forth like a dog rubbing his **** on a carpet. It rounds down the teeth. A file is designed to cut in only one direction. Away from you. Lift up on the backstroke.

 

[larry_g]

Simonds is also a great brand.
http://bandsawblade.com/SimondsFiles/americanpattern.htm

lg
no neat sig line

 

[TwoInch]

i buy old USA nicholson and USA simmonds files from pawn shops. they are everywhere, and there are tons of them that are in great condition. generally pay 10 cents to one dollar max each. just picked up two 12" nicholsons yesterday. no one is out looking for files, so the shops are practically giving them away.

 

[sparky7]

i got some nicholson sets on amazon for 30 bucks a pop about 2 years ago

 

[spotco2]

Nicholson from Lowes or Home Depot

 

[Tucko]

Also, who the hell collects files or has files as show pieces. That's a weird *** collectors item.

Well, not really. I once knew a guy that collected lint balls that he found in his belly button. He had half a pickle jar full of them. Believe me, files are pretty 'normal'.

 

[Outlawmws]

Man, polishing a file would be a *****!

 

[ChevyEFI]

I can't speak for longevity.

But I'm glad I hit Lowes recently and picked up a Nicholson. Needed it a couple days later to clean up a machined groove.

 

[CWP1616L]

My personal preference is Simonds.

Just a reminder: Always push a file. Never pull it.

 

[Trucky]

Only one for me: Grobet. Top tier stuff.. well, their "Swiss precision" files are. The rest is OK and on-par with Nicholson, Simonds, etc. But be warned: They are expensive

 

[0.511MeV]

Only one for me: Grobet. Top tier stuff.. well, their "Swiss precision" files are. The rest is OK and on-par with Nicholson, Simonds, etc. But be warned: They are expensive

Agreed, Grobet is excellent. For large ******* cut files to remove metal quickly, I stick with Nicholson. But finer cut files, Grobet is the way to go.

 

[Just_George]

OP, another option to consider is getting your existing files sharpened. A guy in our woodworking club sent several to the folks listed in the link below - he brought them to our meeting and I was very impressed with the results. They claim the files are often better than new...

http://www.boggstool.com/page1.html

 

[pepi]

Thanks I keep hearing Nicholson, saw Simmons web page not a lot of info but, to be honest I skimmed the page will revisit. What is the deal with Swiss cut, more aggressive and a quick description on the two types American/Swiss cut?

Was not aware a file could be resharpened, not sure the quality is their cause I was young and dumb when I purchased them, now just older.. lol

Thanks to all for your assistance, jokes I like em. Good advice I now have some facts to follow up on..

Greg

 

[TwoInch]

My personal preference is Simonds.

Just a reminder: Always push a file. Never pull it.

how do i go back for another pass? im getting dizzy walking in circles all day....

 

[jjjrmx5]

Man, polishing a file would be a *****!

Not only is it a ***** Outlaw, but you can only polish it in one direction.
Takes more time than you would ever guess.

Wait...what did I just type?

LOLOLOLOLOLZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ



I did a file kamakazee run at my local flea market today.

Mainly Nicholson, some Canadian made files and a couple of C'man. Half a dozen precion triangle files.
Big to small and all new or gently used for 50 cents and no more than $1 a piece. $8 for around 12 files. Was a older machinist's home shop clean out.

And I got jeffmoss26 two Nicholson wood file handles for 74 cents a pop at Lowes btw.


The Lowes closeout is still the best thing going for Nicholson's and they are moving fast.

 

[shieldcracker]

Swiss files (Swiss pattern/cut) are fine cut files used to do precision work and where originally manufactured by the Swiss. Its more of an instrument than it is a tool.

 

[shieldcracker]

I have never seen a file sharpening service. However I read an article in popular mechanics mid 90's that featured a liquid formula in which you dipped the files to "resharpen" (restore) them. According to the article it did improve the cutting on old files.

 

[pepi]

My personal preference is Simonds.

Just a reminder: Always push a file. Never pull it.

Then what is the purpose of the double cut file? Pretty sure I know how to use a file, thanks anyway.

Not to sure that a sharping service would be worth anything, maybe if they are for files use for wood work. I did check the site and comparing the Nicholson on sale @ 2.5 a pop, the sharpening service gets 2-3 plus shipping it was an easy decision.

Could not find a local dealer that carried the Simonds line, type of filing I do the Nicholson will do the job just fine.

 

[Outlawmws]

Then what is the purpose of the double cut file? Pretty sure I know how to use a file, thanks anyway.

Not to sure that a sharping service would be worth anything, maybe if they are for files use for wood work. I did check the site and comparing the Nicholson on sale @ 2.5 a pop, the sharpening service gets 2-3 plus shipping it was an easy decision.

Could not find a local dealer that carried the Simonds line, type of filing I do the Nicholson will do the job just fine.

A double cut file is simply a more aggressive cut of file, it still only cuts on the forward stroke...

If you don't believe that, run your fingertip in each directions. one way cuts the other may have a ripely feeling, but won't do any real cutting.

 

[d.mcfarland]

^^ Ditto. Glad I learned the proper way when I was young.

 

[Outlawmws]

I have never seen a file sharpening service. However I read an article in popular mechanics mid 90's that featured a liquid formula in which you dipped the files to "resharpen" (restore) them. According to the article it did improve the cutting on old files.

That liquid is simply an acid. (Sulfuric?) and may work, but IMO is usually not worth the investment for the life increase.