Why are some files sold without handles?

[katiexoxo]

What's the deal here? Are they supposed to be used with something else than hands?

 

[ChaseDE]

um, do they hurt your hands? they don't hurt my hands and my hands aren't even particularly tough.

unless im completely clueless and these types of file, in fact, are supposed to be used with some sort of handle. this is possible...

 

[joseph.a.owens.9]

Get ya pice of field corn.




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[justanengineer]

Most files are sold w/out handles bc they are a matter of comfort preference. You can buy single use file handles cheap, you can also buy reusable ones and all manner of sizes and shapes. For needle files I typically dont use a handle, for larger files I always use one.

 

[MShaw]

Or buy an adjustable file handle. This one is on Amazon for less than $8.00.

It will clamp to a wide range of file tangs.

 

[lazer50]

Some files come with handles.you can buy handles from Nicholson and other makers for different type files.i find handles cumbersome when working with metal in tight areas or on a lathe.i think they were originally intended for black smith/metal work.some may find handles more comfortable and they are available for most any type.

 

[BD1]

Golf balls make fine handles

 

[LB-1911]

What's the deal here? Are they supposed to be used with something else than hands?

Available from the same source as the photo above.

Self-Threading File Handles

These hardwood handles have a heavy steel ferrule holding a tapered diameter hardened nut that threads onto a tapered file tang to solidly hold it.

Handles can be easily removed for use on other files.

http://www.leevalley.com/us/hardware/page.aspx?p=20136&cat=1,42524,50738&ap=1

 

[ken w.]

I have always found that file handles to be a pain. The seem to loosen up and in the way. I did find a Mac red handled flat file at a sale that I really like. Just like their screwdriver handle.

 

[Ign]

Because you furnish your preferred style, like a clipless pedal system on a bike or wire for a MIG.

As a machinist who uses files on 3ph rotating machinery, every file in my shop has handle, I find I prefer that to every file in my shop being lodged in my body. I'm weird that way. And yes, I use needle files on the lathe a lot.

 

[Boilerhouse]

I made a bunch of file handles last winter. Cut to rough shape on the table saw. Pilot hole pre drilled in one end. Made some ferrules from copper pipe. Turned the handle on the lathe. Pressed the ferrule on with an arbor press and finished drilling for the file tang. Tapped handle onto file. There are several You Tube videos which demonstrate different methods.

 

[JimDon]

For those who don't know what to do with the free screwdriver sets from Horrible Fright. Put screwdriver in vice, remove handle, throw screwdriver part away, put handle on end of file. Epoxy in place if tang too small. Cheers,
Jim

 

[d.mcfarland]

I would say the handles would raise the price and make packaging harder. Maximizing profit is one reason businesses succeed.

 

[ganymede]

Houston, we have a thesaurus bot.

 

[anndel]

I like the field corn handle, it looks cool.

 

[joseph.a.owens.9]

I like the field corn handle, it looks cool.

My father in-law has several files like this. He farms so he has plenty of em. The pic I posted was just a Google search tho.

I must add the last longer then one would think.

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[davethorik]

Saw a coworker take an unhandled file thru his hand filing parts on a lathe. That's enough of a reason for me

 

[pendragon1998]

Files should have handles so you don't inadvertently drive the tang through your hand.

I like these antique handles.

 

[Ditchdigger]

Saw a coworker take an unhandled file thru his hand filing parts on a lathe. That's enough of a reason for me

Yep. First day in the fab shop at a new job many years ago. The "expert" who was training me jammed a mill ******* tang about 3 inches into his palm and wrist as he was filing a piece of stock on the lathe.

All my files have had handles since then.

 

[ilovevocs]

Another in the camp of all my files having handles. I don't think they are necessary for general mechanics use but for machine shop work I feel its a must.

 

[Ign]

Handles for my needle files were one of the best things I ever made for myself in school. Still use them in my work frequently.

 

[ecotec]

Files should have handles so you don't inadvertently drive the tang through your hand.

I like these antique handles.

I need to look out for those at estate sales. So cool. You almost can't help learning something new every time you come on this site. There is an amazing wealth of knowledge between this group of people.

 

[ecotec]

Handles for my needle files were one of the best things I ever made for myself in school. Still use them in my work frequently.

Those look wonderful, Ign. They were totally worth the effort. I made my needle file handles out of a piece of dowel. They work, but they could be a lot more ergonomic.