Needle files - source for a good set ?

[WR250F]

I'm needing a basic set of needle files.

I've owned a cheap set or two in the past, and it seems they are always too brittle and shatter or snap easily or don't stay sharp too long.

I know, they're small, and not designed to take a lot of force, but one of my long time friends has a set (no brand/mfr name we can determine) that seem to hold up just fine with regular use. He's had this same set since the late 70's.

I'm hoping a decent quality set won't break the bank, but this is one item where buying the cheapest is a waste of time and money

Can someone suggest a good brand/set ?

I'm pretty much file stupid, so if someone might enlighten me as to what to look for when buying a file (needle or otherwise) it would be a tremendous help

 

[qdvuu]

Check out Grainger.com

 

[Steve from Socal]

These are very good quality, http://www.grobetusa.com/files/swiss_precision_files/grobet_swiss_needle_files/index.html

Steve

 

[machine_punk]

I have had great luck with the Nicholson set from Home Depot...I think they are around $16 for five files of different shapes.

 

[hcopter3]

Not Sears!

 

[Roots]

Snap On Swiss Needle File Set. Stock # HBFN120A Certainly expensive. I have no idea who the OEM is. Quality is unquestioned.

 

[woody 73]

These are very good quality, http://www.grobetusa.com/files/swiss_precision_files/grobet_swiss_needle_files/index.html

Steve

Top of the line a fantastic set!

The snap on set is also very good and I would bet they use the above files if I was a guessing man.

 

[Vinny]

Not Sears!

I beg to differ. I've had a set for about half a year now and have put them through HELL. It's the one that comes with six different shapes and sizes. I've used them all, mostly abusing the triangle shaped one because I'm trying to make new splines fit with old splines. I also used the flat ******* type to cut a half inch slot into a busted bolt. Did it with ease.
Only thing I have trouble with them and, actually, all files is that I have no idea how to clean them. Mine are so gunked up with paint, metal, wood, and grease. They still some how work, but they look awful.

 

[machine_punk]

Only thing I have trouble with them and, actually, all files is that I have no idea how to clean them. Mine are so gunked up with paint, metal, wood, and grease. They still some how work, but they look awful.

Have you tried a 'file card?'
View media item 11742
This is the tool built specifically to clean the teeth of a file. I was introduced to it in Junior High shop class, just a few seconds BEFORE I was shown what a file was. I have them in my workshop and frequently stop during heavy filing sessions to clean the file with the file card. Try wiping in several different directions, until you get the hang of which direction works (a motion which is perpendicular to the cutting direction works best for me). Some file cards also have a brush on the reverse side. You won't believe how much quicker your files will cut, and how much nicer the filed surface looks, if you keep your files clean with a file card.

You can find a basic file card at Home Depot, right next to the files.

Kev

 

[rlitman]

Have you tried a 'file card?'

NOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Never use a file card on a good file.
(Ok, fine use it on a crappy Asian file, or a Nicholson that you used on aluminum that day you were filing drunk, but NEVER on a quality Swiss file).
It dulls the file.

Just clamp a piece of brass in the vice, and run the file over it at an angle that gets the teeth to clean out.

Oh, and Grobet is a first class file. Good choice, I've got a bunch of theirs.
I also like my files by "Favorite". They're another fantastic Swiss watchmakers file, but I don't see any for sale, so I'm not sure if they're still made.

 

[TozziWelding]

I was gonna tell of the brass trick, but you beat me to it.

 

[AL`]

NOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Never use a file card on a good file.
(Ok, fine use it on a crappy Asian file, or a Nicholson that you used on aluminum that day you were filing drunk, but NEVER on a quality Swiss file).
It dulls the file.

Just clamp a piece of brass in the vice, and run the file over it at an angle that gets the teeth to clean out.

Learn something new everyday. I wouldn't have thought a card file would dull a file since the steel in the file should be much harder than the wire bristles. Interesting. But the brass method is one I hadn't heard of. Thanks.

 

[5lima30]

Brownells (gunsmithing supplies) has a lot of good choices.

 

[Davefr]

http://www.ottofrei.com/store/home.php?cat=265