Wood file: use and design of rasp, needle file, arc, double cross and single file

Home Blog Rasp - what are the similarities and differences from a file?

Roughing of many products is carried out using special tools. The classic craftsman's set is a combination of a rasp and a file. Both of these devices have their own specific characteristics. In most cases, they are used when working with metal and wooden surfaces.

A rasp is a type of file with large notches. It is used to pre-treat materials including wood, plastic, leather or soft metal. As a rule, in such cases a finishing tool cannot be used. This is due to the fact that the created recesses are quickly clogged with chips, so it will not be possible to obtain a flat surface in this way.

Legend

All products are assigned alphanumeric codes,
for example, LA2416-100-4, LR12796-2. The letters indicate belonging to a specific group (type) of products, and the numbers indicate the factory article number, dimensions and type of notch.

In the given examples:

LA2416-100-4

(LA – needle file with a round handle, article 2416, full length of the file including handle 100 mm, cut number – 4)

LR12796-2

(LR – groove, article 12796, notch number – 2)

Other examples:

LP1268-4-00

(LP – general purpose precision file, article number 1268, file working length 4 inches, cut number 00)

LP1185-4-2-1.7

(LP – precision general purpose file, article number 1185, length of the working part of the file 4 inches, cut number 2, file thickness 1.7 mm).

Main Dimensions (Measurements)

Length = L

Length = L

What is accepted as parameter L depends on the specific type of tool (file, needle file, riffle, etc.). This can be the full length of the tool or only the length of its working (notched part), or it can be the length of the cylindrical part of the tool. Numerical lengths are indicated in inches or

millimeters or inches

And

millimeters (for example, 6'', 150 mm)

Width x thickness = A x B

Width x thickness = A x B

Typically, A is the width or diameter

Typically, B is the thickness of the tool

Dimensions A and B always refer to the widest part of the uncut part of the tool; in the catalog they are indicated in mm. The exception is products of the LO group (scrapers and scrapers).

Swiss file cutting system and their designations Swiss Cut

provides 11 types of notches, ranging from 000 to 8. Notch 000 is the coarsest.

Table of notch numbers

Table 1

Product type

An example of reading the table: A general purpose precision file, 6 inches long and with a number of cuts (“teeth”) of 31 per 1 cm, has a 2nd cut number.

Table 2 is provided to compare the “Swiss Cut Standard” with the current standards of the Russian Federation*:

*GOST 1465-80 Files. Specifications

GOST 1513-77 Needle files. Technical conditions.

Standard range of file lengths (Switzerland)

: 3” (75 mm), 3.5” (90 mm), 4” (100 mm), 4.5” (115 mm), 5” (125 mm), 7” (175 mm), 8” (200 mm), 10” (250 mm), 12” (300 mm)

Standard range of file lengths (Russia)

: 100, 125, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 mm

Swiss Cut files also differ significantly from the systems adopted in the USA, Germany and France.

The Vallorb file is not just a file made in Switzerland,

This is a qualitatively different type of file!

Swiss Cut numbers: “Swiss cut”

Notch number.

The cut number is one of the most important characteristics of a file (needle file or riffle). This number depends on the purpose (type) of the file, its length and the number of cuts (“teeth” or notches) per linear centimeter [Z/cm].

The number of cuts (“teeth” or “notches”) is counted in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the cut, as shown in Fig. 1:

So, for example, for a general purpose file 6 inches long and cut number 2, the number of cuts (“teeth”) per 1 linear centimeter [Z/cm] is 31.

Other terms used: Notch pitch. Small step, big step. Notch frequency.

Notch pitch is the distance between adjacent grooves (“teeth”, “notches”). The expressions often used are “small step” or “big step”. The larger the pitch, the coarser the file. Notch frequency – number of notches per 1 cm.

Professional names of files depending on the type (number) of the cut in English and Russian

(purely approximate, no strict correspondence!)

Numbering of notches and types of work

Based on the size of the teeth, the notches are divided into 5 classes:

In addition to class, the geometry of the file teeth must comply with GOST 1465-80 clause 2.1, which requires that the notch be applied at an angle of 65 degrees relative to the steel beam. This paragraph also stipulates the features of the manufacturing technology of a particular type of file. Thus, round files must be produced by notching or threading, while other file shapes are produced by notching only.

The difference between a file and a rasp and a needle file

Among the many options, there are two distinctive types. Externally, they repeat the nomenclature of files. But there are also fundamental differences.

Rasp

It has a long length and a large dot notch. They are mainly used to process large products made of wood, plastic and hard rubber. There are general purpose and specialized ones - for shoemakers and for stripping horses’ hooves before shoeing them. The scope of application is determined by the geometric shapes. Their production does not require expensive grades of steel.

Needle file

This tool is small in size, working length 80, 120, 160 mm. Its characteristics are specified in GOST 1513-77. It is used for engraving and jewelry making. The tool is convenient in places where access is difficult.

GOST 1513-77 Needle files. Specifications

1 file 275.88 KB In total, 11 subgroups are distinguished based on appearance. Needle files are made from various grades of carbon steel, including those with a working part coated with diamond chips.

There is a variety called "rifel". This tool has a curved working part. It is made from magnetic alloys. Due to this property, when filing jewelry, iron filings are magnetized to the steel and separated from the precious metals.

The file is one of the oldest human working tools. Its versatility in skillful hands allows the master to perform almost any job. Both in the home workshop and in production, it is necessary to have a set of as many different standard sizes as possible.

Nuances of choice

When choosing a file, you should proceed from your needs. The variety of these tools is enormous and choosing the right one for a specific job is quite possible. If needle files are required constantly, for example, for fitting keys, in modeling, jewelry, radio engineering, and many other places, it is better to purchase sets of several pieces with different characteristics.

The kit usually contains the most popular types, but less common options may also be present. Often a new set is purchased precisely because of these rare items. At the same time, the most popular ones can accumulate several pieces over time. You can, of course, buy files individually, but you must take into account that, despite the hardness, even very high-quality steel wears out over time, and the diamond coating crumbles, and the properties of the file are reduced. For this reason, workshops usually have more than one running needle file.

Overview of species

The file is made in the form of a strip of steel with notched teeth, secured in a wooden or plastic handle. In terms of grain size, the notch has different sizes, the license plate of which is indicated on the instrument itself: the “zero” refers to the largest one, and the “five” refers to the finest. The number classification divides files into three separate categories.

Coarse grain: up to 12 hooks per square centimeter. Easily remove thick layers of rust and oxide film from steel and non-ferrous metals.

The tool cut comes in several types.

• Single. It is used to sharpen non-ferrous metal products. It sharpens quickly and is easy to clean. The disadvantage is vibration, which makes your hands get tired faster during work. The hooks are located at an angle of up to 30 degrees.
• The cross-shaped cut is suitable for sharpening and cleaning steel, cast iron and bronze. The main notch is inclined by 25, the additional notch by 45 degrees. The hooks intersect, making the structure of the working part diamond-shaped. It is easy to clog a file with particles of scraped material, and it is more difficult to remove non-ferrous metal from it than carbide chips. Clean the tool with a steel brush.
• The arcuate structure of the hooks leaves behind neat scratches without torn edges. These processing marks can be easily smoothed out. The product is recommended for processing wood and non-ferrous metals.
• The rasp notch is a point hook directed upward. It is used to quickly remove rust or scale from steel and cast iron. Also suitable for wood.
• Stamped hooks are located at a certain angle. They resemble hooks. The work is accompanied by the appearance of rough grooves, undesirable on metal parts. Purpose: wood elements and components. The fact is that it is difficult to remove aluminum shavings from such “bristles”.

According to their shape, files are divided into several varieties: round, square, flat, diamond-shaped and triangular. A flat tool allows you to process a large surface area, and when hammering one side it is turned over. for square, diamond-shaped and triangular, the cleaning structure is applied to all sides of the working part. Their length is up to half a meter. Round ones have a notch along the entire circumference and are most often used as a chisel. Semicircular ones do not violate the dimensions of the cut due to its displacement from the required line. The triangular tool is used to finish the inner edges of cuts that are not initially square.

Scraping flat parts

The operation of scraping the surfaces of parts that have a flat shape is the most common technological operation, the algorithm for which has already been well developed for several decades. In this way, in particular, processing of bed elements, lathe guides and any other type of machine tools is carried out.

The tool with which the scraping operation is performed can be moved manually “toward” or “away”. Almost all plumbing experts confirm that scraping is more productive if the tool moves “toward itself.” A very important point for performing high-quality processing is the correct preparation of the surface that will be subjected to it.

Scraping techniques

An integral element of this technological process is paint, which is necessary for better scraping. This paint, which is a mixture of machine oil with red lead, glaze or blue, is initially applied to a surface plate, from which it is then transferred to the surface of the workpiece using circular movements. Using the paint applied in this way, the specialist identifies the most protruding areas on the surface of the part that must be scraped first.

Preparing for scraping

The algorithm by which scraping is performed with the scraper moving towards itself is as follows:

• the part to be processed is fixed in a vice;
• the scraper is taken with both hands in its middle part and its cutting part is brought to the surface of the part, making sure that the angle of inclination relative to the surface of the product is about 80°;
• the cutting edge of the tool, with which the scraping operation will be performed, is brought to the border of the painted spot, then it is scraped off;
• Scraping is performed directly, first rough or preliminary, and then finishing.

Sequence of scraping using the “three plates” method

Naturally, the dimensional elements of a lathe or any other machine, which are not possible to remove and fix in a vice, are processed locally. When performing scraping, like any other plumbing work, you should strictly adhere to safety requirements.

Quality control of the scraping performed is carried out using a special frame with a transparent window, the dimensions of which are 25 by 25 mm. In such a window, if the scraping operation is performed efficiently, 12–16 spots of paint should be clearly visible, distributed evenly over its entire area. The technique for performing such control is as follows:

• a frame with a window is placed on the surface of the processed part;
• count the number of paint spots on the surface area limited by the frame window;
• this procedure is repeated in several places on the surface of the part;
• calculate the arithmetic average of the number of paint spots in the window and compare it with the standard indicator - 12–16 spots.

Checking planes using a digital caliper

A device such as a frame with a window is not suitable for checking the quality of processing of curved surfaces. Therefore, for such purposes, a flexible polymer film is used, on which a mesh with dimensions of 25 by 25 mm is applied. The convenience of using such a film is that it can easily be given the configuration that the surface of the processed part has. The treatment is considered to have been carried out satisfactorily if the number of paint spots in the window on 75 areas of the surface of the part corresponds to the standard value.

After the scraping operation, as a rule, a grinding procedure is carried out, which allows the surface to be treated to be leveled with an accuracy of 0.0001 mm. This process is carried out not only with the help of various types of tools, but also with the use of abrasive materials: powders and pastes.

Needle file flat, triangular, round and others

A needle file is essentially a small file. Mechanics call the file itself a saw, due to the fact that the notch has the appearance of teeth, only they do not cut the body of the material, but scrape, i.e. clean off the top layer of its surface. It turns out that the file is a miniature saw. The purpose of the mini saw is metal processing. Therefore, the material from which needle files are made must be harder than simple steel. According to GOST 1435 and 5950, it is necessary to use carbon steels of the following grades: U12, U12A, U13, U13A or 13X. Hardness during testing must be at least 55-58 units on the HRC scale.

The following types of needle files are produced according to the cross-sectional shape of the rod:

• flat blunt-nosed file;
• flat pointed nose; square;
• trihedral;
• triangular one-sided;
• round;
• semicircular;
• rhombic;
• hacksaw (has the shape of an isosceles triangle with a very small base);
• oval (there are two types: elliptical and rectangular with rounded edges);
• grooved

Blunt-nosed instruments have the same cross-sectional size along their entire length; in sharp-nosed instruments, the cross-section of the rod gradually decreases towards the edge of the instrument; therefore, the notch at a distance of up to 3 mm from the edge is not controlled by the manufacturer. The notching itself is also performed according to standards. Firstly, only a double notch is applied to the main working parts of the file: main and auxiliary. Except for round and oval shapes, which can use single or spiral single.

Secondly, the number of notches per 10 millimeters of tool length determines its number. Manufacturers almost always indicate only the tool number: 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

It is important to understand that the larger the number, the greater the number of notches on the product, which means that smaller teeth and a smoother surface can be obtained during processing. A tool with large teeth is necessary when working with large surfaces or where it is necessary to remove a large layer of metal; for example, a triangular small file with a large notch is convenient for sharpening the teeth of wood saws. The medium cut is more suitable for working with soft metals: brass, aluminum, bronze

These files can be used to polish the surfaces of water couplings for better joining, or to remove nicks without fear of accidentally “licking” part of the product. The smallest teeth are for delicate work; with such tools you can remove a small layer of material when fitting parts of machines and devices - increase the size of the groove for the wedge on the electric motor shaft, clean the burnt contacts of household current collectors: sockets, circuit breakers, etc.

The medium cut is more suitable for working with soft metals: brass, aluminum, bronze. These files can be used to polish the surfaces of water couplings for better joining, or to remove nicks without fear of accidentally “licking” part of the product. The smallest teeth are for filigree work; with such tools you can remove a small layer of material when fitting parts of machines and devices - increase the size of the groove for the wedge on the electric motor shaft, clean the burnt contacts of household current collectors: sockets, circuit breakers, etc.

The length of the working part of a small file is always half its total length. And there are only three standard sizes: 50, 60 and 80. This is where the fun begins, the number of the file notch depends on its standard size:

• tools with a working part of 50 mm can only be with notches: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8;
• tools with a working part of 60 mm can only be with notches: 0, 1, 3, 5, 7;
• tools with a working part of 80 mm can only be with notches: 00, 0, 2, 4, 6.

It’s difficult to say why it was done this way, but we don’t create GOST standards, we just want to figure out what set of needle files by standard size exists. There is a special type of notch - when it is located along the body of the instrument, and not across, as usual. At the same time, the cross-section of the canvas is round; housewives use this file to sharpen kitchen tools; it has a specific name - musat. The sharpening process is more economical for the items being sharpened, and also much faster than with emery.

Photo of a set of diamond files, rinscom.com

Photo of a set of files, herraquim.com

Photo of needle files, fine-tools.com

Photo of diamond files, rinscom.com

Photo of a flat file, fine-tools.com

Popular manufacturers

The production of needle files involves a number of requirements. Firstly, it is necessary to ensure the production of the correct alloy composition. Deviations from the technology are unacceptable, since the tool requires increased hardness. Secondly, and no less important, is the application of the notch, which must be without gaps and of the same depth. Thirdly, hardening, the process must take place without technological violations, otherwise the product can be hardened unevenly, and this will cause its deformation or create preconditions for the formation of cracks and, as a result, breakage of the working part.

Not every enterprise can provide conditions for the production of such products as files and needle files.

The production of products of increased hardness from special steel has been mastered in the so-called old industrial regions. A number of European companies specialize in this, in fact, not material-intensive product.

Let's try to present a kind of rating of manufacturers of these specific products.

• The Swiss company HOFFMANN GROUP places the highest demands on product quality. Traditionally, for manufacturers in this country, products undergo multi-stage control. As a result, only sets that meet all standards appear on the shelves, the price of which, at first glance, seems high. However, in the case of Swiss needle files it is quite justified.

This is a kind of standard for quality needle files.

• The German companies PFERD and HAUPA offer a variety of sets of files from large, mini-files suitable for the classification, to the usual sizes of hand files. The number of products in a set is from 6 to 12 pieces.

• Traditionally high quality sets are offered by the Polish manufacturer TOPEX. The sets contain steel hand files of various shapes with different cut sizes, usually in sets of 6 products from this manufacturer.

• Soviet-made file sets are still popular. Despite the years that have passed since the collapse of the USSR, products with the Soviet quality mark and GOST are one way or another present on the market and do not lose their fans.

• The traditions of production in Russia have not been lost, and now the market is quite successfully conquered by a domestic manufacturer with the laconic name “Russia”. High-quality sets of needle files that fully comply with GOST continue to be produced by Tulamash, Volzhsky Instrument and some others.

• However, no manufacturer nowadays can compete with numerous Chinese companies. Some of them, in particular the Russian-Chinese joint venture Zubr, produce very high-quality products that comply with Russian GOSTs.

The choice of Chinese products is huge, but do not forget that most of the products under well-known European brands are also produced in Chinese factories. There are also nameless products, the quality of which is not guaranteed in any way; its main advantage, as a rule, is its low price.

Types of files for metal

A file is a special cutting tool widely used in various industries. Externally, it is a steel bar of large or medium length with a wooden, plastic or rubberized handle attached to the base. It is necessary to provide the worker with comfort when working with the tool and reduce the risk of occupational injuries.

The body of the file is made of a special grade of steel, which allows the tool to interact with metal objects. The tail part of the steel beam is covered with a special pattern called excision. The nature and type of work performed will depend on the shape and size of the notch.

Processing of metal parts occurs through gradual grinding of layers with a tool until the product is given the required shape. The main thing is that the metal cutting part is selected for its intended purpose.

File shapes

The geometric shape of a metal file determines its scope of application in the production and processing of products:

• flat or flat pointed: processing flat metal parts, as well as smooth surfaces;
• square: necessary for cutting and forming technical holes of various polygonal shapes;
• triangular triangular: using such a metal cutting tool, you can polish, process and clean gaps, grooves and other manufacturing holes;
• semicircular: excellent for various types of processing of curved concave surfaces;
• round: used for sharpening and processing round or oval concave surfaces with a small radius of curvature;
• rhombic: processing of metal parts with teeth;
• hacksaw: a tool for sharpening narrow gaps, holes and other small parts.

Types of files

The type of metal processing tool is determined based on its intended purpose:

1. General purpose metal cutters. They are commonly used in plumbing. The tail part is made in the form of two jagged notches, which are superimposed on each other: their length can vary from 1 to 4.5 cm and can be combined with teeth of all sizes.
2. Metal cutters for special purposes. They are necessary in the industrial sector, since their main task is to eliminate deviations and adjust small parts, grooves and surfaces of different radii of curvature. This type of tool has many varieties, which are selected based on the nature of the work performed: double-ended, flat, one-time and others.
3. Needle files. This group of metal files includes the largest number of types. The ends of steel beams come in all possible geometric shapes, and the beam itself, as a rule, is not very long. Flat, round, hacksaw and all other types of needle files are characterized by the presence of a class 5 notch. Needles are used for processing small metal parts that coarser and more massive metalwork tools cannot handle.
4. Rasps. Rasps differ from all other types of files by the particularly long part of the steel bar and large teeth on the tail. There are 3 main types of such tools: metal shoe cutters, hoof cutters and general purpose rasp files. The shape of the instrument is predominantly round and semicircular with an end of varying degrees of sharpness.

Types of notches and their geometry

In order to perform quality work as a metal carver, it is necessary to determine the required type of notch. The structure and size of the teeth are also of great importance when choosing a tool. Steel teeth can be applied to the tail of a steel bar in different ways:

• milling;
• cutting;
• stretching;
• flow;
• cutting.

The most widely used in the field of processing metal products are metal cutters, the teeth of which are made by cutting them on special automated machines. Moreover, the notches themselves can be either double or single.

Double consists of two notches, one of which is the main one, and the second is auxiliary. The notches are located at a special angle relative to each other, which allows sharpening of hard materials (metals and their alloys).

The tooth geometry of files will depend on the number of notches on the body of the steel bar.

Tool Features

The use of rasps requires subsequent finishing of the workpiece. This is due to the high surface roughness after completion of the work. The process of removing chips using such tools is greatly simplified due to the presence of a special groove in front of each notch or protrusion.

When processing parts of unusual shapes, rasps with a triangular cross-section are often used. This allows you to remove material from difficult surfaces and angles. The degree of engagement with the workpiece depends on the sharpness of the cutting edge and the hardness of the steel used to make the tool.

General overview of the product: criteria for choosing files and needle files

The main category of files are simple designs with a sharpening blade and a handle. In the professional field of activity (special enterprises), machine and belt automated files are used. What other devices are there for their intended purpose? There are several groups, based on their descriptions, it is easy to decide which tool is best to buy for yourself.

Classification of files according to their intended purpose:

• Locksmiths;
• Rasps;
• Needle files.

The first category is divided into two types: general-use or narrow-purpose tools. Plumber's tools of general use are used in everyday life and in enterprises; you can make them yourself, spending money only on a processing blade. The narrow direction tool is used to eliminate large allowances when working with grooves or curved surfaces, as well as non-ferrous metals and non-metallic materials.

Files of the “Rasp” category have a large and sparse notch, which ensures high productivity in the work process, but roughly processes the material. It is used when working with stone, wood or plastic.

A needle file is a blade made of finely cut metal rods, which is used for grinding (processing) small holes, grooves or parts. There are simple tools used for working on wood or metal, and others, with diamond coating, for working with stone, ceramics, glass and other materials.

Picture – “Files”

Regarding automated attachments: the band file is a manual design for processing complex curved surfaces; machine accessories - installed in machines for working with large volumes of raw materials.

What to look for when buying a file? There are three main indicators: the purpose of the tool, the shape and features of the notch. Less important are: handle, length of working part and manufacturer

As for the shape, the most commonly found instruments are square, round, flat, half-flat, oval, triangular, and diamond-shaped. How to choose the right form depends on what the user intends to process.

Types of files according to the nature of the cut:

• Single;
• Double (cross);
• Spot rasp;
• Milling arc.

Tips for choosing files based on the existing cut:

1. If you plan to process non-ferrous soft metals, non-metallic materials (not all), which do not have significant resistance to mechanical stress, then it is better to use files with a simple single cut. A striking example of how such a tool works is sharpening saws.
2. For processing steel, bronze, cast iron materials, it is better to use files with double notches. They enhance the impact on the surface of the material and allow for relatively rough processing.
3. It is better to process leather, soft wood, and rubber with a file with a point cut.
4. For working on non-ferrous metal or wood, it is better to use files with an arc cut.

Taking into account the size of the notch pitch, tools are divided into 6 classes, this indicator affects the operational features. Recommendations for choosing a file class are shown in the table.

Table – “Purpose of file class”

When buying a file in a store, you should study the characteristics of the product, compare the number of items included with the cost, perhaps the same tools can be purchased cheaper, for example, on Ali Express. It would be a good idea to preview a video review of the selected product and analyze customer reviews.

From the Internet resource you can view how to sharpen a saw and other necessary items if this information is not in the instruction manual.

Sales consultants will help you avoid mistakes when choosing this tool; on the spot, they will provide a comparative analysis of the file you need between different companies, and you will decide which one is better suited.

What material is it made from?

For the manufacture of tools, alloy steel with a high admixture of chromium (ШХ-15, 13Х) or with a high carbon content (У10А, У13А) is used.

Products with diamond coating according to the standard (GOST 1435, GOST 5950) must contain steel containing a high carbon number. The hardness of the material on the HRC scale corresponds to the range of 50-60 units.

When choosing such a tool, grain size is also taken into account. It determines the parameters of diamond coating particles. Information is applied in the form of markings on the handle (colored stripe or small marks).

To make the handle, choose plastic or wood. Markings are applied to the surface of the pen, which encrypts information about the product (material type, grain size, size).

What types of pens are there?

The file handle greatly simplifies the work process. Without this device, the master will easily rub the skin of his hands, lose precision of movement, and drop the slippery metal.

The comfortable handle has no nicks or burrs, it is smooth and easily fits into the curve of the palm. Markings are visible on the surface. The most convenient proportions are equal to the length of the file and the holder.

Some mini files already come with handles made of plastic, wood or rubber. But there are single copies and sets without this. Manufacturers offer to purchase amenities separately

In such cases, it is recommended to pay attention to the quick-release handle for the file. The most common option is a wooden block with a hole for the tool.

A special bushing protects the device from splitting and increases service life. You can put the handle on by lightly hitting the workbench or gently tapping it with a hammer.

A more modern and optimal option for a removable holder is a handle with a collet clamp. The spring eliminates the need for shock when putting on and taking off. The movable sleeve securely fixes the file with one turn, then releases it in the reverse order. These handles are made from stainless steel or durable wood. The case often has a cavity for storing the files themselves.

Removable handles with collets fit different shank diameters. This is especially convenient for craftsmen with a large collection of needle files.

Pneumatic needle files have special holders. They often have a complex design that can be transformed into a file model.

How to make a pen yourself

Each file can be equipped with a handle without going to the store. Craftsmen have come up with a lot of ways to avoid unnecessary expenses. With the use of improvised means, no less functional handles are obtained. Most don't take more than half an hour to make. Examples include the following options:

• empty gas cans. These are used in pneumatic weapons and siphons. Using a thin round file, carefully bore the hole on top of the cylinder to the diameter of the shank. There is no reserve left, the size is taken end to end. Several handles can be made for different diameters;
• wooden block. It is necessary to sand the surface, drill a hole of the required size, and coat it with varnish for wear resistance;
• epoxy resin. A bar or handle of a different shape is cast from the composition. Insert the file and wait until it hardens completely. As a form, you can use, for example, a narrow tall glass, a box or a test tube. Resin is also used to strengthen wooden handles and reduce unfortunate large holes in workpieces;
• handles from old knives and screwdrivers. Remove the metal element. Adjust the hole using a drill. Heat the shank of the file, insert it into the workpiece and fix it until it hardens;
• rubber. In a piece of rubber of the desired shape, make a hole slightly smaller than the diameter of the needle file. Insert file;
• Toothbrush. Cut off the top part with the bristles. Drill a hole, heat the file, insert and secure in the same way as with handles for knives/screwdrivers;
• mounting anchor. If you have certain skills, you can make a clamping handle from a regular anchor. A rubber heat-shrink tube is placed on top for an anti-slip effect.

The above are just some folk inventions. Human imagination is limitless and allows you to come up with many more options.

What parameters should you pay attention to when choosing a tool?

If you decide to buy a diamond needle file, carefully examine the cut on the tool. There should be no defects, chips or cracks on it. The color of the canvas is uniform, without traces of rust. Also check to see if the diamond powder is peeling off from the base. Let us list a few more criteria for choosing a tool.

File handle

Files are produced with wooden, plastic and rubber handles. All types are convenient to use, so this parameter is not particularly important. There are also tool sets without handles. In this case, you can modify the file yourself by turning a handle from wood or using a plastic blank (for example, an old toothbrush).

Photo #3: Set of needle files with removable plastic handle

Set contents

If you buy needle files in sets, sets of 6–10 products of the most common shapes are suitable for household use. The lengths and number of notches on the tool are indicated on the box.

Photo #4: Set of 11 tools

Tool quality assessment

Checking the quality of a tool is quite simple. To do this, take two files and run the work blades over each other. A high-quality notch will not be damaged or erased. The color of the canvas and its texture will remain the same.

Kinds

These grinding devices are classified not only by shape, but also by the materials from which the working parts are made. Mainly hard steel is used for this. It is rigid enough to handle almost any material.

Types of needle files made from different materials differ in quality characteristics. Manufacturers indicate materials of manufacture. This information allows users to select the appropriate devices.

Based on the materials used, needle files are divided into diamond and fog-shaped. The former are used for polishing ceramic and glass crafts. The name “diamond” is conditional, since the coating applied to the surface does not consist of diamond chips, but of a special finely ground hard stone. The sizes of the crumbs are not the same, and before using the tool you should clarify this in order to choose the model that is suitable for the job. Diamond needle files are effective and easy to use. This is the most common type of file for delicate grinding. Their grain size is different; it is selected depending on the hardness of the material that needs processing.

Fogoltsevye files are made of steel, characterized by increased strength. These models are wear-resistant. They are used in jewelry and watch repair, where parts of ideally precise shape are required. Such tools are suitable for giving products the desired shape without damaging them. The working parts are round, the end is sharp.

For particularly delicate finishing, varieties such as hacksaw files and riffles are used. They process parts that are difficult to access. The riffle is curved, which allows processing of curved surfaces. For its manufacture, metal alloys with attractive (magnetic) properties are used. This is required to raise dust that falls off the notch. It needs to be separated from the crumbs of precious metal. The hacksaw model is used for cutting out a groove or a narrow groove. The groove file is designed for processing small areas that are inaccessible to other files.

How to use a file?

Working with any tool requires skills and abilities from the master, the most important thing is compliance with safety precautions. Before work, you should decide what shape of tool you need to take to process a specific surface: a flat, round or diamond file. It is most convenient to clamp the workpiece in a vice so that it does not move, apply markings and then begin grinding. To process large surfaces, movements with a file should be alternated, moving it back and forth, left and right, and diagonally.

What is being processed with a file?

Flat files are used to process (figure below) flat external and internal surfaces, as well as external convex surfaces. a - outer flat surface; b - internal flat surface. Square files (picture below) are used to process the walls of square and rectangular holes.

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What are the general rules for handling and caring for Files?

Files must be protected from oil and sanding dust; oily files do not cut, but slide, so you should not wipe the file with your hand, as there is always a greasy film on your hand; emery dust clogs the tooth cavities and damages them; a file does not cut well after exposure to abrasives.

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Using a needle file

Only proper use of a needle file can significantly extend its service life. Among the recommendations we note:

1. Do not treat over an oil stain; contact with lubricants is prohibited.
2. Do not forget that the product is not designed to withstand high mechanical stress.
3. It is worth considering that processing hard alloys, if the working part is not intended for this, leads to rapid wear of the cutting edges. Alloys that are too soft can cause chips to clog.

After using the tool, you should clean it. In addition, it is prohibited to place a file on metal parts or apply impact loads. Even a minor chip causes a significant reduction in service life and basic qualities.