Parts, cuts, grades and shapes of files, and how to choose the right file.
A file is a hardened high-carbon steel cutting tool with many small teeth, used to remove metal and to finish surfaces to size.
Parts of a file
Tip (point), face, edge, heel, shoulder, tang and handle. Length of a file is measured from the tip to the heel (tang not included) – common lengths 150, 200, 250, 300 mm.
Cut of a file
- Single cut – one set of parallel teeth; for soft metals and sharpening.
- Double cut – two sets crossing; fast removal on steel and cast iron.
- Rasp cut – separate pointed teeth; for wood, leather, plastics.
- Curved cut – for soft metals like aluminium and lead.
Grade (coarseness)
Rough → Bastard → Second cut → Smooth → Dead smooth. Rough and bastard files remove more metal; smooth and dead smooth give a fine finish.
Shapes
| Shape | Use |
|---|---|
| Flat | General flat surfaces |
| Hand | Like flat, but one safe edge (no teeth) – filing a step without touching the side |
| Square | Square holes and slots |
| Round | Enlarging round holes, inside curves |
| Half-round | Concave curves and flat surfaces |
| Triangular | Corners less than 90°, sharpening |
| Knife-edge | Narrow slots, acute corners |
Good filing practice Push the file forward with pressure, lift slightly on the return stroke. Clean the teeth with a file card; rub chalk on a new file for soft metals to stop pinning. Never use a file without a handle.
Quick Revision
- File length: tip to heel.
- Single, double, rasp, curved cut.
- Grades: rough, bastard, second cut, smooth, dead smooth.
- Hand file has one safe edge.
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