I need a hand file for metal work and sharpening lawn mower blades and such. There seems to be an endless variety of shapes, sizes, and cuts... if you could have just one quality file what would you buy?
Educate me on hand files...
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I'd probably get a mill [censored] (ba$tard) file with a handle, probably at least 12" long. An old Nicholson would be nice. Make sure to get a file card/brush to keep it clean as well.
But honestly, if you're doing anything more than sharpening just a mower blade, you'll end up needing many other different sizes and shapes. For my uses, I like having a triangular file, round file, and a thin narrow rectangular one on hand as well.
But honestly, if you're doing anything more than sharpening just a mower blade, you'll end up needing many other different sizes and shapes. For my uses, I like having a triangular file, round file, and a thin narrow rectangular one on hand as well.
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if it is straight edges a flat file from HF would do fine. You'll save so much you could buy a few different ones. Watch some you-tube videos for technique which is important as having the right file.
Originally Posted By: Kawiguy454
if it is straight edges a flat file from HF would do fine. You'll save so much you could buy a few different ones. Watch some you-tube videos for technique which is important as having the right file.
I totally agree. I wouldn't own just one quality file over a set of cheapo HF files. Get the set at HF, you'll eventually need the other ones.
if it is straight edges a flat file from HF would do fine. You'll save so much you could buy a few different ones. Watch some you-tube videos for technique which is important as having the right file.
I totally agree. I wouldn't own just one quality file over a set of cheapo HF files. Get the set at HF, you'll eventually need the other ones.
Your scope of work encompasses a lot more than a single file should be expected to do. I personally wouldn't own the el-cheapo Harbor Freight files-I require quality tools over the foreign garbage they carry. But then I have fairly high standards, especially when it comes to quality tools and equipment.
Some "B" (short for the censored word) files have a belly that has smooth edges, some are tapered, and some are rounded. It all depends upon what you're doing as to which will be most suitable.
Most American style files have three grades of cut-"B", second cut and smooth cut. The length of the file also affects the coarseness. A 6 inch "B" file will be a finer cut than a 12 inch. The small smooth files are the least course.
Swiss pattern files come in half a dozen or so grades of cut, from course to fine.
My preference is usually machinist files because they are double cut, unless I'm dressing an edge. Then a saw sharpening file will give you better results. But like any tool, there is a correct tool for the job. You wouldn't use a four-in-hand to dress a hand saw blade, and you wouldn't use a 6 inch smooth to remove a lot of metal from a mower blade.
Some "B" (short for the censored word) files have a belly that has smooth edges, some are tapered, and some are rounded. It all depends upon what you're doing as to which will be most suitable.
Most American style files have three grades of cut-"B", second cut and smooth cut. The length of the file also affects the coarseness. A 6 inch "B" file will be a finer cut than a 12 inch. The small smooth files are the least course.
Swiss pattern files come in half a dozen or so grades of cut, from course to fine.
My preference is usually machinist files because they are double cut, unless I'm dressing an edge. Then a saw sharpening file will give you better results. But like any tool, there is a correct tool for the job. You wouldn't use a four-in-hand to dress a hand saw blade, and you wouldn't use a 6 inch smooth to remove a lot of metal from a mower blade.
Some great info! I may have mistakenly implied I was only going to buy one file. I was always intending to buy a set. I am just at a loss as to what that set should contain for the average diy'er. That "one file" question was just to gauge what the most common goto is.
I'll be buying a quality set. Despite my ignorance on the subject of files, I have spent my whole life around tools and the projects that require them. I learned long ago to buy quality.
I've learned a lot from some of the guys I subscribe to on YouTube. I've used files in the past but desire using them I have never learned what I feel I should know about them.
I'll be buying a quality set. Despite my ignorance on the subject of files, I have spent my whole life around tools and the projects that require them. I learned long ago to buy quality.
I've learned a lot from some of the guys I subscribe to on YouTube. I've used files in the past but desire using them I have never learned what I feel I should know about them.
I have a Nicholson file that is single cut on one side, and double cut on the other side, and it does the job for me. Use it to sharpen my lawnmower blades, axes, and my machete. That single cut fine side will put a nasty edge on a machete.
https://www.amazon.com/Nicholson-06601-8...8PPRHV66ZMR9H0Z
https://www.amazon.com/Nicholson-06601-8...8PPRHV66ZMR9H0Z
For sharpening lawn mower blated I'd suggest an angle grinder, makes it quick and easy.
Originally Posted By: EdwardC
Originally Posted By: Kawiguy454
if it is straight edges a flat file from HF would do fine. You'll save so much you could buy a few different ones. Watch some you-tube videos for technique which is important as having the right file.
I totally agree. I wouldn't own just one quality file over a set of cheapo HF files. Get the set at HF, you'll eventually need the other ones.
Harbor freight tools are usually worth less than they cost.
Originally Posted By: Kawiguy454
if it is straight edges a flat file from HF would do fine. You'll save so much you could buy a few different ones. Watch some you-tube videos for technique which is important as having the right file.
I totally agree. I wouldn't own just one quality file over a set of cheapo HF files. Get the set at HF, you'll eventually need the other ones.
Harbor freight tools are usually worth less than they cost.
I'd probably pick up single and double cut flat files, about 12" length. I happen to like Nicholson files.
For other work, I have a round file for my chain saw blades, and triangular files for circular saw blades and cleaning up screw threads.
I don't see how you guys use angle grinders and bench grinders. Fast for sure, but ugly in my hands.
For other work, I have a round file for my chain saw blades, and triangular files for circular saw blades and cleaning up screw threads.
I don't see how you guys use angle grinders and bench grinders. Fast for sure, but ugly in my hands.
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Originally Posted By: CT8
Harbor freight tools are usually worth less than they cost.
I find that blanket statement the same as saying as ALL Chinese products are junk!
Are you typing on a U.S.A. made computor?
How many HF tools do you own, are you speaking from experience?
I find their tools more than able to do what I require of them.
Harbor freight tools are usually worth less than they cost.
I find that blanket statement the same as saying as ALL Chinese products are junk!
Are you typing on a U.S.A. made computor?
How many HF tools do you own, are you speaking from experience?
I find their tools more than able to do what I require of them.
Not sure where Nicholson files are made, but, they are owned by Cooper who has many of their branded products made overseas, shall we say China.
The BEST hand files are vintage. Nicholson is mediocre at best.
Nobody makes a good file anymore. Best place to find files are at estate sales.
Nobody makes a good file anymore. Best place to find files are at estate sales.
Tough Q to narrow it down to a single file. As usual, it depends. I have some old Nicholsons I've finally worn out. I've noted on some woodworking forums that Nich. is no longer the Nich of old. My old Nich's were made in the USA. Not sure where the newer ones are made now.
Sandvik makes a great file. I have some of their cabinet scrapers. Great steel.
Beware that if a lawm mower blade hits a rock, it'll be case-hardened in that spot and thus a file won't cut the steel. You'll need to use a stone or grinder.
I do most of my shovel, mower, hoe sharpening using a hand-held hi-speed grinder or a bench grinder using friable (white) wheels.
"If I Had Six Hours to Chop Down a Tree, I'd Spend Four Hours Sharpening My Axe" - Abe Lincoln.
Sandvik makes a great file. I have some of their cabinet scrapers. Great steel.
Beware that if a lawm mower blade hits a rock, it'll be case-hardened in that spot and thus a file won't cut the steel. You'll need to use a stone or grinder.
I do most of my shovel, mower, hoe sharpening using a hand-held hi-speed grinder or a bench grinder using friable (white) wheels.
"If I Had Six Hours to Chop Down a Tree, I'd Spend Four Hours Sharpening My Axe" - Abe Lincoln.
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