The Vixen File.

woody 73 · Feb 5, 2017

This story has some twists and turns but after much research, I think (key word) that I can maybe fill in some of the missing parts to the story.

From what I learned in 1900 Alexis Vernaz of Verdon Switzerland came up with a new file design the "Vixen", he went on to receive the Elliott Cresson Medal awarded by the the Franklin Institute in 1909 for making the first radical improvement in generations.

After much searching from some wrong information that led me on the wrong tracks, I was able to come up with his application being filled on Aug. 13th 1910 and with a final date in the patent office of Oct. 29th 1912. Patent # 1,042,728.

The next part gets a little fuzzy but the Heller Brothers bought out the Vixen tool Co. in 1917, in Phil. Pa.; (I could not find any information about that Company), but I did find them being made by the National File & tool co also in Phil. Pa. (maybe it was one in the same company??

If anyone has ever done car body work you might know this file as a "bodifile", You can still buy this file today. This file is used to file aluminium as well as other soft metals like lead, brass, bronze and other soft materials.

A "bodifile" is a curved vixen file used specifically for car bodies still in use today. I have some very nice links and a vintage Heller Brothers File (note the lack of the Horse Logo), for you to enjoy.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzJxodHACRRuZmZ1WkotazhyMWs/view

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzJxodHACRRuZTZwaHhzaHRCWkk/view

http://bandsawblade.com/SimondsFiles/autobody.htm

https://www.wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk/files/what-is-a-vixen-file

http://www.tinmantech.com/html/files_carbody.php

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general-archive/what-file-used-how-89823/

http://www.simondsint.com/handfiles/HAND FILES PUBLICATIONS/File Facts.pdf

http://www.worldcat.org/title/vixen-patent-hand-milling-tools/oclc/84560135

https://www.netris.org/RIToolmakers/FILEMAKING/File-making-H-M.html

http://www.stockmarketsreview.com/s...tock-Certificate-the-Vixen-_112279170489.html

http://americanmadefiles.blogspot.com/2014/03/heller-brothers-and-heller-tool-co-files.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elliott_Cresson_Medal

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/1042728.pdf

Strouty · Feb 5, 2017

Is this the cousin of those flat bastards?

four.cycle · Feb 5, 2017

thanks woody! :thumbup:

Sam'sAutoParts · Feb 5, 2017

Very interesting, Thanks woody!

Cope · Feb 5, 2017

Woody, Thanks for sharing. I have a few Regular Heller files, but I had all but forgotten that I have 8", 10" and 14" Vixen files also

3baygarage · Feb 5, 2017

Good stuff. Lots of info packed in there.

tool_scrounge · Feb 5, 2017

Interesting. I have a couple of those files but was never sure of the intended use. Thanks for the information.

Provincial · Feb 6, 2017

I have had Vixen files for years. I bought them to use on aluminum, but also have used them for steel body repairs. They are a wonderful file.

My latest Vixen is a Proto body file, with a "pebble" aluminum handle. Here it is at the top of the picture:

neophyte · Feb 6, 2017

Vixen files weren't just made to file soft metals. The files were available in a number of different sizes and tooth counts, with the finer files made for filing hard and tough metals like steel and cast iron.

Also, as listed in the Vixen catalogue you linked to, the files were designed not to chatter while cutting, and the tooth geometry was self cleaning.

I'm not sure, but different manufactures used to produce the Vixen file design in different countries, so msybe Alexis Vernaz filed patents in a number of different countries and licensed the design to different manufacturers in the different regions.

I once went looking for the milled tooth files Logier supposedly manufactured, before they listed the files on their website, and I came across another French manufacturer that seemed to still manufacture close to a full variety of Vixen style files in different tooth counts. I have no clue were to purchase the french version, but the compsny does list a wider variety than may be available nowadays thru Nicholson. The french company is called "PASCAL LA LIME FRAISEUSE".

http://www.amenagement-vehicule-utilitaire.com/limesfraiseuses/catalogue-en.html

Bobf · Feb 6, 2017

I have a "Vixen" style file with a metal holder with the turn buckle to allow bending the file. I bought both at Sears back in the mid 70's to do some body solder work on my model A Ford

Jon_E · Feb 7, 2017

I have a bunch of Vixen files, some are marked Heller, some Vixen, some both. I sent them all to Boggs Tool in California for sharpening. I use them for woodworking, not autobody. They make a very quick, clean cut in hardwood and they are great for final shaping of curved surfaces and knocking off sharp edges.

d42jeep · Jun 8, 2025

I recently picked up a batch of old files in a homemade roll. There were a couple of Vixen files in the roll and I finished cleaning one up yesterday. That got me started on a Vixen file search and I discovered this old thread that Woody started a while back.