CHT06-11103/MW ??????/10M/PRINTED 11/06 USA Cooper No. 550587 © 2006, Cooper Industries, LLCSpecifications subject to change without notice.

P.O. Box 728 Apex, NC 27502www.cooperhandtools.com

THE GUIDE TOFILES AND FILING

How a file is madeToday various kinds of material,product finish and working con-dition make file development anindustrial science. File manufac-ture involves the study of filesteels, file design and file per-formance for all file applications.

1. File Steel: Is cut to properlength from various width thick-ness and cross sections suchas rectangular, square, triangu-lar, round and half round.

2. Rough shaping: The blank ispunched to shape or is heatedand forged with drop hammersand rollers to shape the tangand point.

3. Annealing: The forged blankis heated to an elevated temper-ature and then cooled slowlyunder controlled conditions tosoften the steel for tooth cuttingand to make internal steel struc-ture uniform.

4. Final Shaping: The annealedblanks are ground or milled toproduce a surface necessary forthe uniform formation of theteeth. This is followed by drawfil-ing that produces the perfectlytrue flat or curved surface nec-essary for the uniform formationof the teeth.

5. Forming teeth: The teeth areformed by a rapidly reciprocat-ing chisel that strikes succes-sive blows on the file. The hard-ened chisel cuts into the softblank displacing and raising thesteel into the desired toothstructure.

6. Hardening: The file is thenhardened by heating it in amolten bath to a predeterminedtemperature. This is followed byimmersing the file in a quench-ing solution. This combination ofheating and cooling under care-fully controlled conditions bringsthe file to the maximum hard-ness to the very top of the cut-ting edges.

IntroductionChoosing the right file can be confusing, with somany sizes, shapes and cuts available it is difficultto decide the right one for the job.The range of Nicholson® files available from CooperHand Tools covers every job task requirement.This booklet has been specially produced to simpli-fy file selection and application for any file user.

History

The file has been with man now formany years and one of the firstrecordings is in the Bible during thereign of King Saul.This would be approximately 1090BC and at that time files would havebeen used for sharpening varioustypes of primitive tools. From the firstfiles the development and evolutioncan be traced from stone implementsto files with teeth running at rightangles across the file blank to pres-ent day quality machine producedfiles.

The first attempt to cut files bymachine was approximately 1490 ADand resulted from an invention byLeonardo da Vinci. However the firstmachine which actually cut files wasthat made by the Frenchman,Chopitel in 1750.

At this time files were made frommild material and did not requireannealing. To produce a hardenedsurface various preparations wereused to carburize the file teeth. But itwas the inventions of such men asBernot, Nicholson, Whipple andWeed that provided machines capa-ble of producing better files thanthose produced by hand.

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7. Finishing: The file iscleaned and sharpened bybead blasting. The tang isreheated to give strengthwithout brittleness. It is thengiven a series of tests bytrained inspectors, and oiledto prevent rust.

File TerminologyEach part of the file has aname and there are many dif-ferent shapes and sizes offiles. Furthermore, there arevarying types of file cuts

Type: The cross-sectionalshape or style of the file i. e.quadrangular, circular, triangu-lar or irregular. These sectionsare further classified accordingto their contours i. e. blunt,taper etc.

Blunt: A file whose edges areparallel from end to end and ofconstant width.

Taper: The reduction in crosssection of the file from its heelto the point. A file may taperwith width, in thickness or inboth.

Coarseness: The number ofteeth per inch length of the file.

Cut: The character of the fileteeth with respect to thecoarseness (bastard, second-cut and smooth.)

A single-cut file has a singleset of parallel, diagonal rowsof teeth. Single-cut files areoften used with light pressureto produce a smooth surfacefinish or to put a keen edge onknives, shears or saws.

A double-cut file has two setsof diagonal rows of teeth. Thesecond set of teeth is cut inthe opposite diagonal direc-tion, and on top of the first set.The first set of teeth is knownas the overcut while the sec-ond is called the upcut. Theupcut is finer than the overcut.The double-cut file is used withheavier pressure than the sin-gle-cut and removes materialfaster from the workpiece.

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available, all with their own names.This section of the booklet will helpyou understand the file and theterms used:

Length

Point Belly Heel Tang

File TerminologyA rasp-cut has a series ofindividual teeth that areformed by a single-pointedtool. This produces a rough-cut and is used primarily onwood, hooves, aluminum andlead.

A curved-cut / mill tooth filehas its teeth arranged incurved contours across the fileface and is normally used inautomotive body shops forsmoothing body panels.

Plater's Rasp: A rasp filecombination that is used pri-marily by farriers in the trim-ming of horses' hooves.

Woodchuck: A multi-purposeWood chisel / rasp combina-tion tool used by cabinetmak-ers, homebuilders, and con-struction workers.

Bastard: File coarsenessbetween "Coarse and SecondCut."

Back: The convex side of ahalf-round or other similarlyshaped file.

Edge: The intersection of twoadjacent faces of the file.

Safe Edge: A smooth or uncutedge of the file.

Pinning: Filings wedgedbetween the file teeth.

Shelling: The breaking of fileteeth, usually caused by usingtoo much pressure reverse fil-ing, filing sharp corners, oredges.

Handle: A holder into whichthe tang of the file fits. If thefile has an integral holder thisis known as a solid handle file.

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To achieve the desired results it isessential that the right file be usedfor the job. In selecting the rightfile the user should consider theshape, size and coarseness of thefile.

The size and the coarseness ofthe file are directly related, so thelarger the file the more stock it willremove and the smaller the file thefiner the finish it will achieve.

Most files also have three gradesof cut: bastard-cut, second-cut andsmooth-cut. The coarser the cut ofthe file, the rougher the finish ofthe work. Therefore, the size of thefile and the grade of its cut mustbe taken into account against theamount of stock to be removedand the fineness of fi nish that isrequired.

Generally speaking bastard andsecond-cut grades of double-cutfiles would be chosen for the fastremoval of stock while single-cutfiles and smooth double-cut fileswould be chosen for finishing. It ishowever almost impossible to laydown exact guidelines for the rightfile for the job, but using the basicfacts given here the user shouldhave a reasonably clear picture inmind, the nature, size of the work,the kind of finish required, theworking tolerance allowed and therisks (if any) of spoiling the work.

Choosing the right fileIn addition to the amount of stockto be removed, the contour of itsremoval is equally important and isdetermined by the shape of the file.For example, a triangular fileshould be used on acute internalangles, to clear out square cornersand in sharpening saw teeth.

A flat file should be used for gener-al-purpose work, a square file forenlarging rectangular holes and around file for enlarging round holes.A half-round file can be used fordual purposes, the flat face for filingflat surfaces and the curved facefor grooves.

Filing is an industrial art - grip,stroke and pressure may vary, tofit the job. There are three elemen-tal ways a file can be put to workThey are:

Straight filing: This consists ofpushing the file lengthwise-straightahead or slightly diagonally-acrossthe workpiece.

Drawfiling: This consists of grasp-ing the file at each end, pushingand drawing it across the work-piece.

Lathefiling: This consists ofstroking the file against workrevolving in a lathe.

For normal filing, the vice shouldbe about elbow height. Whenthere is a great deal of heavy filingit is better to have the work slightlylower. If the work is of fine anddelicate nature, the work can beraised to eye level.

For work that could become dam-aged in the vice through pressure,a pair of protectors made of zinc,copper or aluminum sheet shouldbe used between the workpieceand vise jaws.

The GripFor files needing two-handedoperation, the handle should begrasped in one hand and the pointof the file in the other hand.

The file handle should be rested inthe palm with the thumb pointingalong the top of the handle andthe fingers gripping the underside.

The point of the file should begrasped between the thumb andthe first two fingers with the thumbbeing on the top of the file.

When heavy filing strokes arerequired, the thumb on the point isnormally in line with the

How to use a file correctly

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file; the tip of the thumb pointedforward. For lighter strokes howev-er, the thumb can be turned to asmuch as right angles to the direc-tion of the stroke

If the file is being used one-hand-ed for filing pins, dies or edgedtools not being held in a vise, theforefinger, and not the thumb isplaced on top of the handle in linewith the file.

Carrying the fileFor normal flat filing, the operatorshould aim to carry the file forwardon an almost straight line in thesame plane, changing its courseenough to prevent grooving. Toomuch pressure often results in arocking motion causing a roundedsurface.

Keep the file cuttingOne of the quickest ways to ruin agood file is to apply too muchpressure, or too little, on the for-ward stroke. Different materials ofcourse require different touches;however, in general, just enoughpressure should be applied tokeep the file cutting. If allowed toslide over the harder metals theteeth of the file rapidly becomedull, and if they are overloaded bytoo much pressure, they are likelyto chip or clog.

On the reverse stroke, it is best tolift the file clear of the workpiece,except on very soft metals. Eventhen pressure should be very light,never more than the weight of thefile itself.

Drawfiling consists of grasping thefile firmly at each end and alterna-tively pushing and pulling the filesideways across the work. Sincefiles are made primarily to cut on alongitudinal forward stroke, a filewith a short-angle cut shouldnever be used, as it will score andscratch instead of shaving andShearing. When accomplishedproperly, drawfiling produces afiner finish than straight filing.

Normally, a standard Mill Bastardfile is used for drawfiling, butwhere a considerable amount ofstock has to be removed, a Flat orHand file (Double Cut) will workfaster. However, this roughingdown leaves small ridges that willhave to be smoothed by finishingwith a Single Cut Mill file.

Lathe filingWhen filing work revolving in alathe, the file should not be heldrigid or stationary, but stroked con-stantly. A slight gliding or lateralmotion assists the file to clearitself and eliminate ridges andgrooves.

While a Mill file is capable of goodlathe filing, there is a special LongAngle Lathe file with teeth cut at amuch larger angle. This provides acleaner shearing, self-clearing file,eliminates drag or tear, overcomeschatter and reduces clogging.Uncut edges on this file protectany shoulders on the work, whichare not filed, and the dog, whichholds the workpiece.

Lathe filing is usually employed forfitting shafts. Where stock is to beremoved, a 12"/300mm or14"/350mm Long Angle Lathe fileis preferable. This file will providethe finish suitable for a drive fit.For a running fit a Mill file will pro-vide a smooth finish. Where

Drawfiling

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a fine finish is required a SwissPattern and or Pillar file in No. 4should be used.

Recommended Surface Feet perMinute for Lathe Filing:

Many lathe filers make a practiceof not using a new file for workrequiring an extremely fine finish.

In using the Long Angle Lathe file,care should be taken at shaft endsas this fast cutting file may cut toodeeply.

Do not run a hand over lathe work,as oil and moisture can coat thesurface and make it difficult for thefile to take hold. For lathe workthat has oval, ecliptical or irregu-larly round form, the finer SwissPattern files are most satisfactory.

Filing different metalsDifferent metals vary greatly incharacter and properties, someare softer than others are, andsome are more ductile and so on.The nature of the metal has to betaken carefully into account whenchoosing the right file and apply-ing it to the job. For instance, asoft ductile metal requires a keenfile and only light pressure mustbe applied during filing if the workis not to be deformed. Conversely,a hard and less ductile metal mayrequire a file with duller teeth toavoid them biting too deep andbreaking off when pressure isapplied.

When filing a material the usercan normally feel whether or nothe is using the right file,

Cast Iron Approximately 150

Annealed Tool Steel Approximately 175

Machinery Steel Approximately 350

Soft Yellow Brass Approximately 500

and filing in the correct manner. Allthings being correct, a smooth cut-ting action and a good clean finishon the work is achieved. If there isstubborn resistance, chances arethe wrong file is being used, thefile is damaged or the wrongmethod is being used.

Filing rough castingsSnagging castings, removing fins,spurs and other projections, ishard on normal files. Their teethare for fast cutting and do not pos-sess the ruggedness for drivingagainst hard projections andedges. This filing engages only afew teeth, thus putting a strain oneach. For such work, it is better touse a Foundry file with sturdierteeth and heavy-set edges toresist shelling or breaking out.

Filing die castingsLike foundry castings, die castingsusually have sharp corners, webs,fins or flashing which are liable todamage a normal file. In addition,die castings consist of magne-sium, zinc, aluminum, alloy or sim-ilar combinations of metal whichhave the tendency to clog regularfiles.

Depending on the shape, CooperHand Tools has a variety of filesthat will meet the required applica-tion. Suggested files are found inthe "job by job" file selector of thisbook, or you may contact yourCooper Hand Tools CustomerService Representative.

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The use of stainless steel andalloy steels has created other filingtechniques. These steels with hardchromium and nickel content aretough and dense. This causesthem to be abrasive, which short-ens the life of the normal file.

To overcome these problems, fileshave been developed with goodwearing qualities. These files,when used with a light pressureand a slow, steadyStroke, will remove metal and pro-vide a good finish.

Filing aluminumAluminum is soft and is difficult tofile, file teeth clog even undermoderate pressure. Filing alu-minum is divided into:1) Filing roughness from aluminumcastings, 2) Filing sheet and bar aluminum,3) Filing aluminum alloys.

To produce a good finish, theAluminum Type A file has beendeveloped. The file upcut is deepwith an open throat, the overcutfine which produces small scallopson the upcut. This breaks up thefilings and allows the file to clear.This also overcomes chatter andprevents too large a bite. By usinga shearing stroke toward the left, agood finish can be obtained.

Filing brassBrass is difficult to file because itis softer than steel, but tough. Thisdemands teeth that are sharp,sturdy and cut to prevent groovingand running the file off the work.

The Brass file has a short upcutangle and a fine long angle over-cut which produces small scallopsto break up filings and enable thefile to clear. With pressure, thesharp high-cut teeth bite deep,with less pressure, the short upcutangle smoothes.

Filing stainless steelBronze is similar in nature to brassin some aspects, but variesaccording to the percentages ofalloying elements.

Average sharpness of the file issatisfactory for some bronzes,while for others, a file that canmaintain its sharpness for longerperiods is required. Thus, for theharder bronzes, a file with a moreacute angle at the top of the toothis desirable. This is known as athin topped tooth.

The direction of stroke of the fileshould be crossed frequently toavoid grooving with bronze andbrass.

Filing Wrought IronWrought iron is relatively simple tofile. It is soft but only moderatelyductile so it is not necessary for afile to be very sharp to obtaingood results.

Filing plasticsHard plastics are dense and brit-tle, and material is removed aslight powder. The abrasiveness ofhard plastics requires files withhigh sharp teeth. Soft plastics arefiled in shreds so Shear Tooth filesshould be used for thisapplication.

Depending on the density of thematerial, Cooper Hand Tools hasthe file that will meet the requiredapplication. Suggested files arefound in the "job by job" file selec-tor of this book, or you may con-tact your Cooper Hand ToolsCustomer Service Representative.

Filing Bronze (Copper, tin or other alloying elements}

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Soft materials such as Aluminum,Brass, Copper, Plastics hard rub-ber and Wood, a Shear Tooth fileprovides fast material removal withgood smoothing qualities. Thecombination of the Single Cut andthe Long Angle helps the ShearTooth file to clear. Because of theLong Angle the file has a tendencyto run to the left on narrow sur-faces. This can be overcome by fil-ing with a diagonal stroke to theright.

Precision filingFor filing such as that employed bythe instrument industry, there is arange of Swiss Pattern files. Thedelicate precision work calls forthese files be made to exactingmeasurements and finer cuts.

The flat Precision file should beused with a slow smooth strokemoving the file laterally along thework on the forward stroke. Inusing Round or Half Round types,the filing should be clockwise toensure a deeper cut and asmoother finish.

Saw FilingEfficient saw filing demands, firstof all, a steady hand and a goodfile. Also, the file must be correctin design, cut and size for the typeof saw and the type of teeth to befiled.

The stroke must be absolutelylevel, as the slightest rocking willaffect the cutting edge of the saw-tooth. The file must be lifted off thework when drawing back for thenext stroke.

The teeth have to be set at thecorrect angle in relation to eachother. This is best done with a"Saw Set" usually before filing.However, some filers prefer to dothis after the saw has been filed.To file saw teeth, provisions mustbe made to hold the saw. A sawvise should be

Filing soft materialsused, to be sure there is no chat-ter or vibration in the saw. This willshorten the life of the file.

Handsaws of two types, theCrosscut and the Rip must bereset, normally every fourth or fifthfiling. Check that teeth are ofequal height. This can be accom-plished by passing the file lightlylengthwise along the tops of theteeth. Some may be flattened, oth-ers are hardly touched. The flat-tened teeth will require more filingto put them in shape.

These files should be used:

Sharpening hand saws

Five 7"/175mm Regular Taper or 6"/150mm Heavy Taper

Five and a half 7" /175mm Regular Taper or 6" /150mm Heavy Taper

Six 7" /175mm or 8" /200mm Slim Taper

Seven 6" /150mm, 7" /175mm Slim Taper and9" /225mm or 10" /250mm Double Ender

Eight 6" /150mm Slim Taper or 7" /175mm Extra SlimTaper or 9"/225mm Double Ender or8"/200mm Double Extra Slim Taper

Nine 6" /150mm Extra Slim Taper, 7"/175mm DoubleExtra Slim Taper or 8"/200mm Double Ender

Ten 5" /125mm or 6" /150mm Extra Slim Taper,6"/150mm Double Ender

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Rounded hooded chain saws:These type of chain saws requireRound Chain saw files specificallydesigned for the task. These filesare available in various diametersto fit a sizes of Round Hoodedchain saws. Place the file againstthe beveled cutting surface of theteeth that face both sides and pro-vide their own clearance at anangle of 20∞ to 45∞ with the sawblade, depending on manufactur-ers specifications. The direction ofthe filing stroke is off the cuttingedge. It is essential that the file beheld level and it should be pressedback and slightly up during the fil-ing stroke. Every other tooth isfiled, and then the chain saw isreversed. The depth gauges of thistype of saw control the depth ofthe cut that the saw will take. Asthe cutting teeth are sharpened,they become lower, and it is nec-essary to lower the depth gaugesan equal extent. The difference inheight between cutting teeth anddepth gauge should be between020"/ 5mm and 030"/ 75mm.

File the depth gauge only asrequired to maintain dimensionsbetween cutter and gauge as cut-ter is filed back. Do not file off toomuch. This overloads motor andchain and the chain will clog. Usea depth gauge, chainsaw file, or amill file.

Before removing the saw bladesfrom saw, lower the blade untilonly 1/64" (4mm) protrudes abovethe table. Place a file over theopening in the table and by hand,revolve the saw backward againstthe file. Be sure that the file touch-es each tooth top. Remove thesaw blade and sharpen, using thefollowing:6"/ 150mm and 7"/175mm saws

Filing chain saw teeth

Sharpening circular saws

use 6"/150mm Cantsaw file.8"/200mm and 9"/225mm sawsuse 8"/200mm Cantsaw file.10"/250mm and up use10"/250mm Cantsaw file.

Some large size circular saws maybe sharpened without removingthem from the saw as long asthere is no chatter. Large circularsaws with insert type teeth aresharpened with a Mill file. Thelarger the saw, the larger the file.

The teeth of the crosscut saws cutwith their edges and points: edgesmust be beveled and sharp. Startat the point of the saw and worktowards the handle. Place the filein the gullet to the left of the firsttooth set away from you. Hold thefile level with the angle of the sawblade. At this angle, it shouldtouch on the bevels of both teeth.When filing the flattened teeth,only half should be filed away at atime. Miss the next gullet and filethe one following until every othergullet has been filed.

Reverse the saw and beginprocess from second gullet awayfrom saw point.

Filing hand ripsawsFor pointing and filing, follow thesame procedure as the Crosscutsaw. It must be remembered thatthe Rip saw is filed so that thetooth points do the cutting, not theedges. Teeth should be filed atright angles to the blade. Everyother tooth is brought to a squareedge, the saw is reversed and theremaining teeth filed.

The Crosscut saw has two typesof teeth, cutters and rakers. Thecutters do the cutting, the

Filing the hand crosscut saw

Sharpening crosscut saws

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rakers clear the cut. This is filed atan angle of 45° from the filer. Thispermits access to cutters andenables the teeth to be filed at thecorrect angle.

Teeth should be checked for level-ness, the raker teeth beingbetween 1/100"/25mm to1/64"/.4mm below level of cuttingteeth. The filer should use aCrosscut Saw file or a Mill file andfile all cutter teeth to a point. Thesaw is placed vertically and the fileused across the rakers. Should thegullets of the teeth require deep-ening, a Round file or a Mill filewith round edge can be used, oruse the back of the Crosscut file.

There are many tools and imple-ments in industry, agriculture andgardening thatrequire regular sharpening. Suchtools may be filed towards or awayfrom the edge, the former for theearly part of the task and the latterfor the light finishing touches. Forcoarse steel cutting edges forhoes, ploughs etc., Home andGarden files, as well as Axe andHandy files are available. Forharder carbon steels in cutterknives, shears etc., the SecondCut or Smooth Mill provides asure, but smoother bite. It isessential that the work glaze beremoved in the first few strokes, soapply extra pressure in very slow,deliberate strokes at the begin-ning.

RaspsRasps are broadly classified aswood, cabinet and horse Rasps.Also available are rasp combina-tions known as Four-in-Hand (orShoe Rasp) and Wood Craft Rasp.

The Wood Rasp is a coarser cutthan the Cabinet Rasp and

Sharpening tools and implements

is made primarily for the rapidremoval of stock. For finer wood-work, the Cabinet Rasp provides ameans of bringing mortise-and-tenon joints to a proper fit. TheHorse Rasp is used for shoeinghorses. The Plater's Rasp is avail-able for light hooves such as race-horses.

Woodchuck

Woodchuck rasp is a chisel / raspcombination tool used for a varietyof wood working tasks. Each toolfeatures a flat wood rasp on oneside and a half-round wood raspon the other. There are edge teethfor those hard to get spots. Thechisel point features an extremelysharp, polished and ground blade.

Care of the file

The teeth of the file should be pro-tected when the file is not in useby hanging it in a rack or keepingit in a drawer with wooden divisions.Files should always be kept clearof water or grease, since thisimpairs the filing action. It is advis-able to wrap the file in a cloth forprotection when it is carried in atoolbox.

The file teeth should be kept cleanat all times by using a file card, ora wire file brush, to clear thegrooves between the teeth.

Safety

For safety reasons, a file shouldnever be used without a tightfitting handle. Serious accidentscan result if the handlebecomes detached exposing thesharp point of the tang.

Cooper Hand Tools offers a varietyof different size file handles pro-duced in traditional wood, or frommodern plastics. If you need helpin selecting which handle is rightfor your file, contact your CooperHand Tools Customer ServiceRepresentative today.

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Aluminum alloy Flat Bastard File, Aluminum File, Magicut®

Auger Bit Auger Bit File

Auto Body Bodifiles

Babbitt Flat Babbitt, Super Shear®, Flat Files

Bearing, brass Magicut®

Bearing, bronze Flat Bastard File, Magicut®

Beveling Flat Bastard, Mill File

Blacksmith Rasp and Flat Bastard, Half-Round Bastard, Flat Coarse File

Bolt threads Taper, Mill or Knife File, Mill Bastard

Brass Flat Bastard File, Magicut®, Super Shear®

Bronze Flat Bastard File, Magicut®

Cabinet, wood Cabinet File, Cabinet Rasp or Woodchuck

Cast iron Flat, Half-Round, Square or RoundFile, according to shape of material

Casting rough Flat Bastard File

Contact points Mill Bastard, Second Cut, and Tungsten Point Files

Copper Flat Bastard File, Magicut®

Cutter, This tool is generally ground and sharpened byMachine tool an emery wheel. Can be filed only when in an annealed

condition. Use file to suit shape or surface.

Cutter, milling See Cutter, Machine tool

De-scaling Flat Bastard File

Die block Flat Bastard File

Die casting Flat Bastard File, Half-Round Bastard File, Round Bastard File, Square Bastard File, or Mill BastardFile, according to shape of the die casting and finish desired.

Die forging Flat Bastard File or Half Round Bastard File,according to shape of the die forging.

'Job by Job' file selector 'Job by Job' file selector

Die shop Swiss Pattern Files of appropriate shape

Electric If surface is large, use Mill BastardConnections File, otherwise use Tungsten point.(cleaning)

Fender, auto Bodifiles

Fiber Flat Bastard File or Rasp

Fine work Swiss Pattern Files

Finishing Mill Bastard File. For lathe filing, useMill Bastard File or Long Angle Lathe File

Foundry casting Flat Bastard File

Furniture, making Cabinet File, Cabinet Rasp, or Mill Bastard File

Garden Tool Home and Garden File

Grooving Square Bastard, Round Bastard,Half-Round Bastard, or Slim Taper,according to shape of groove

Hard rubber Flat Bastard File

Hole Round Bastard File or Square Bastard File

Horse-shoeing Horse Rasp, Plater's Rasp

Hot metal, filing Flat Bastard File

Iron Bastard-Cut File according to shape of material

Joint, mortise and Cabinet File or Cabinet Rasptenon

Key way Square Bastard or Pillar Bastard File

Keys, filing Warding Bastard File

Knife Mill Files

Lathe-turned Mill Bastard File or Long Angle LatheSection File

Laminate Laminate File, Plastic File, Mill Bastard File

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Lawn mower Mill Bastard File or Home and Garden File.

Lock, mending Warding Bastard File.

Machinists' work Machinists' File such as Flat, Half Round, Square or Round. Also Mill or Tapers, in cuts according to work.

Millwrights' work Flat, Half-Round, Round, Square Mill Files.

Model, metal Swiss Pattern Files.

Molded part Flat Bastard File or Mill Bastard File.

Notch Taper or Knife File.

Ornaments, wood Files, including Cabinet File, CabinetMaking Rasp. Round Bastard Mill Bastard.

and Slim Taper File.

Pattern making, Files, including Cabinet File, CabinetWood Rasp, Pattern Makers Rasp, Woodchuck,

Round Bastard, Square Bastard, MillBastard and Slim Taper File.

Pipe fitting Half-Round Bastard File.

Planer knife Mill Bastard File.carbon steel

Plastics Flat Bastard File. Also Mill Bastard File, Plastics File, Laminate File, sharpened for plastics.

Plumbers' work Half-Round Bastard.

Rotary mower Home and Garden File, Handy File, Blade Flat Bastard.

Rough filing Bastard File depending on shape to be filed.

Slot Knife File, Slim Taper or Warding.

Snagging Flat Bastard File.

Soft metal Flat Bastard.

Stainless Steel Flat, or Mill File sharpened for stainless

Steel Flat Bastard File.

'Job by Job' file selector

Steel alloy Use file applicable to the shape of the material.File steel alloy only when it is annealed.

Switch contacts Contact Point File or Mill Bastard File, according to surface area of switch contacts.

Switch, electric Mill Bastard File or Contact Point File, according to size of switch.

Template Files, including Flat Bastard File, Half-Round Bastard File, Mill Bastard File, or Round Bastard File.

V-groove Files, including Knife, Taper, Slim Taper,X Slim Taper, XX Slim Taper.

Wood working Cabinet File or Cabinet Rasp.

Zinc Babbit File.

SAWS

Band Saw Band Saw Taper Single-Cut File

Cant Saw Cantsaw or Mill Bastard File.

Chain Saw Round, Special Square, Lozenge File* (Special Mill File for Depth Gauge)

Circular Saw Mill Bastard, Cantsaw and Slim Taper Files

Cross-Cut Saw Special Crosscut, Mill, Round, or Round Edge Mill File.

Hand Saw Slim Taper, Extra Slim Taper, or Double Extra Slim TaperFile, according to points of saw. File recommended for saw points per inch. Saw points shown in Bold.5 - 7" Regular Taper5 1/2 - 7" Regular Taper6 - 7" or 8" Slim Taper7 - 7" or 8" Slim Taper8 - 6" Slim Taper, 7" Extra Slim Taperor 8" Double Extra Slim Taper9 - 6" Extra Slim Taper or 7" Double Extra Slim Taper10 - 5" or 6" Extra Slim Taper

Wood or Mill Bastard and Slim Taper FilesBuck Saw

'Job by Job' file selector

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Cross Section Name Shape

Flat Rectangular

Hand Rectangular

Pillar Almost square

Warding Thin

Square Square

Three Square Triangular

Round Circular

Half Round Third-Circular

Knife Knife-Shaped

Profile Selector for Special Purpose Files

Aluminum Flat Rectangular

Aluminum Half-Round

Long Angle Flat Rectangular

Profile Selector for Machinist’s Files

Character of Teeth Taper General Uses

Usually bastard. Also Taper in width A general purposesecond-cut and smooth file

One-edge safe. Bastard Uniform in Finishing flatsecond-cut and smooth width surfaces

One-edge safe. Bastard Uniform in Keyways, slotssecond-cut and smooth width narrow work

Usually bastard. Also Width sharply Filing ward notchessecond-cut and smooth tapered in keys. Narrow

thickness workuniform

Bastard, second-cut and Tapered Enlarging holes orSmooth recesses Mortises,

keyways and splines

Sharp edges. Bastard Tapered Filing acute angles,second-cut and smooth corners, grooves,

notches

Usually bastard. Also Either tapered Enlarging holes;second-cut and smooth ("Rat Tail")* shaping curved

or blunt surfaces

Usually bastard. Also Uniform in Concave cornerssecond-cut and smooth width crevices, round

holes

Usually bastard. Also Tapered Cleaning out acutesecond-cut and smooth curving to a angles, corners,

narrow point slots

Made in one cut only. Tapered Filing aluminumFast-cutting teeth alloys and other soft

metals

Made in one cut only. Slightly Filing aluminumFast-cutting teeth tapered alloys and other soft

metals

Made in one cut only. Slightly Lathe work whereBoth edges safe tapered smooth finish is

desired. Also softmetals

26 27

Cross Section Name Shape

Hand Rectangular

Pillar Width narrowerthan Hand File

Warding Thin Rectangular

Square Square

Three-Square Triangular(Equilateral)

Round Circular

Half-Round Third Circular

Knife Knife-Shaped

Cant Triangular

Profile Selector for Swiss Pattern Files

Character of Teeth Taper General Uses

Double-cut on two flat Uniform in Flat surfacesfaces and one edge. widthOther edge safe or uncut

Double-cut on two flat Uniform in Flat surfacesfaces. Both edges safe width

Double-cut on two flat Tapered in Slots, locks andfaces. Single-cut on two width uniform keysedges in thickness

Double-cut Tapered Corners, holes

Double-cut on three Tapered Corners, holesFaces. Single-cut onedges

Double-cut Either tapered Corners, holesor uniform(straight)

Double-cut Tapered Corners, holes

Double-cut on flat faces. Tapered SlotsSingle-cut on edges

Double-cut on three Tapered Cornersfaces. Single-cut on twosharp edges