Regarding the Pferd.
I think ward/key in this instance mean the same thing as wards are parts inside locks.
Looks like Pferd make 100mm 'Machinist' files that are 2.5mm thick. The key files are 1.4mm thick. I was assuming that key/ward/needle were all just general terms for small files. Live and learn.
Yes, same thing I think. Warding file is a British term, not sure about “Key File”. Not a term I’ve seen that often historically. Yes, the “wards” are the internal parts of a “warded lock” that are matched to the individual key.
Needle files are the small files with the integral round handle. Normally the smallest size used in general engineering. There are smaller files (escapement files) but they are a bit specialist.
Warding files are a little larger, but not much thicker. These are usually the smallest files with a tang and separate handle. Many cheap files are styled “warding files” but the only reason they are thin is because they are cheap! The Habilis files with the integral handle are much nicer to use, much thicker, and of course cut much better!
After that you’re into “precision files” or “engineers files” which are basically regular files with a tang and separate handle, usually in sizes from 4 inch up!
There are all sorts of specialist files too, such as “rifflers”.
I have examples of all, having spent a large chunk of my life filing things, fitting things, and probably making things that should have been made with a milling machine...
