Need Metal File Recommendations

[BigMike75]

I’m tired of buying crappy metal files. I’m looking for recommendations for the best bang for the buck on metal files. Looking for uses such as farm/ranch work, fab work prep, motor work, to some gun smithing.

Are Nicholson Files the way to go?

 

[FJ4FUN]

No expert here but from what I understand Nicholson files aren't what they used to be since they moved manufacturing out of the US. I picked up a set of Pferd files and have no complaints. I still keep an eye out for older "Made in the U.S.A" Nicholson files at garage sales and flea markets though...

 

[lis2323]

I haven't ever used any other but you can't go wrong with Nicholson.
Not certain if I would ever buy a used one though. You never know if it was abused or stored improperly.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[royesses]

Try Hary J's for usa made Nicholson new old stock:
http://www.harryepstein.com/
https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/catalogsearch/result/?q=nicholson+usa

 

[Wamsutta]

I prefer Simonds. By the way, files are supposed to be pushed and never pulled. I'll keep saying that until the whole world get educated on files.

 

[dr_clyde]

I prefer Simonds. By the way, files are supposed to be pushed and never pulled. I'll keep saying that until the whole world get educated on files.

Good luck, haha.

OP,

I use whatever my company provided, which was usually Nicholson. They're no longer USA, but they're still a useable file.

If I'm footing the bill, I buy Simonds, Grobet, and PFERD. Avoid files from the tool trucks. They are absurdly overpriced.

 

[reptilezs]

i get mine from yard sales etc. i don't do anything precision so they are usable enough for me. nicholson or simonds usually. yes i use them like sandpaper at times and i know i'm doing it wrong. no guilt thought beccause they cheap

 

[Ign]

I'm fine w Nicholson. And while purists would roll in their graves, I like the black rubber handles. Never was a fan of wooden handles.

 

[Ign]

Also I recently got a Pferd wire wheel from my LWS. It vibrated my grinder so badly I couldn't use it but for a few seconds. Now I'm no stranger to angle grinders, metal fab or or using wire cup brushes. Or vibration in angle grinders.

I contacted Pferd and they simply never responded. Horrible customer service. I won't buy anything Pferd now; it's not difficult to respond to an email.

 

[Ign]

Here's a 10pc Simonds set on AWD for $45, allegedly $123ish regular price:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0050EBP0A/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all

 

[PFSard]

I’m tired of buying crappy metal files.

- What brands are the crappy ones?
- Most of mine are Simonds, Nicholson. Bought new decades ago.
- I pick up extras at yard sales, estate sales, etc.

 

[rtz]

Good prices and selection: http://www.boggstool.com/page74.html

 

[jjkrjh]

We just received some new nickolson files at work. They cut very well, but all of them leave multiple heavy line scratches. Like there are heavy burrs on the teeth.

 

[dnschmidt]

Pferd (German for Horse - pronounced FERT)

 

[L.Cheapo]

I prefer Simonds. By the way, files are supposed to be pushed and never pulled. I'll keep saying that until the whole world get educated on files.

It is perfectly acceptable to pull files when drawfiling.

For the OP, HJE had a great deal on a 6 pack of USA Nicholson files for their 4th of July sale. They may still have some.

 

[Wamsutta]

It is perfectly acceptable to pull files when drawfiling.

Is the rat tail pointed away from you when you're draw filing? If it is, you're still pushing the file even though you're pulling it towards you. You thought you had me didn't you?

 

[kythri]

You thought you had me didn't you?

He does.

 

[PT Doc]

I have a set of Nicholson from MSC from probably 7 years back. Some are made in Brazil. I used a brand ne one a few weeks ago to enlarge a crowfoot wrench from 7/8”to 23mm. Cut super easy. A good handle is key. I have the Nicholson black and grey rubberized handles. Nicholson also made some red round handle that would take the file tang by screwing it into the handle.

 

[KDoug]

What are some quality file brands still out there that aren't made in India or South America? Someone mentioned Pferd, I think I recall seeing some Polish made files on Epstein's website also.

 

[mbshop]

Yup, no pulling back on the teeth. Just curls them over and ya got a dull file. Also files need to be protected, not just tossed together on top of each other. When I heard about Nicholson going to Mexico I went to different places and bought a bunch of USA files if they still had them. I'm good for the rest of my life.