What Is a Files Tools?
A widely used hand-cutting tool in the workshop is the file. It is a hard piece of high-grade steel with slanted rows of teeth. It is used to cut, smooths, or fit metals parts.
It is used for filing or cutting soft metals. It consists of the following part, as shown in Fig. The touch is the pointed part, which is fitted into the handle.
The point is the opposite end of the touch. The heel is next to the handle. The safe edge or edge of a file is one that does not have teeth. It is classified based on the type or cut of the teeth and the sectional form.
Types of Files Tools:
1. Classification According To The Shape
File tools are classified according to different types. One of these is classification by size:
1.1. Flat File:
Flat files are referred to as a file that is of a rectangular cross-section in shape. This tool is designed a little differently by shrinking both the width and thickness of the file.
Double dented teeth are cut on the face, whereas normal cleaved teeth are cut on the sides. These are tools used to reduce flat surfaces by filing and finishing workpieces.
1.2. Hand File:
A hand file is very similar to a flat file that is mostly used for filing the inner right-angle side of a job. This type of hand file is also known as a safe edge file.
1.3. Knife-Edge File:
Knife-edge files are used in places where a sharp file is needed. The shape of this type of mechanical device is similar to the edge of knives.
The thin edges are usually at an angle of 10°. They are also used for filling small grooves and grooves whose angle is found to be less than 60°. Knife-edge files are commonly used in the lock industry to make keys.
1.4. Round File:
As the name clearly suggests, these are types of files in which a round section is found. This type of file is used for scrubbing or finishing small diameter keyholes.
1.5. Triangular File:
The name clearly indicates the size of these types of files. 60-degree angles are found in the file slot. Square and rectangular works ranging from 60°-90° angle to complete the filing of V slot job are mostly done using this file. These types of files are also known as three-class files.
1.6. Square File:
These types of files are of a square shape and are found to be thin. Filing slots are made in rectangular, square grooves and keyways using this type of file.
2. Classification According To Grade
Files are also classified according to the types of grades. Here are some of the most commons types of files, separated by grade. Scroll down to learn more about these types of files:
2.1. Rough File:
These are the files in which a large size and a small number of teeth are found. Round files find their use in cutting soft materials because their cutting is too rough, which is why they cannot be used for hard metals.
2.2. Smooth File:
The smooth file is used on endless sites where the end goal is to obtain a smooth surface. These types of files are used to make the surface fairly smooth and also used for precise sizing work by filing.
2.3. Dead Smooth File:
The Dead Smooth File is designed such that its teeth are found very close to each other and rub against the metal in very small amounts. Once the finishing is done successfully, these mechanical tools are used to add shine to the work.
2.4. Second Cut File:
The second cut file is referred to as a file that is found to be of medium range. For filling purposes, this type of file is most commonly used to get the work down to the proper size.
Comparing this type of file with the bastard file, it is found that the filing is done with this file so that the surface can be made plain.
3. Classification of Files on Basis of Cut
Files are also classified on the basis of cuts. Here are some of the common mosts types of files separated by type of cut. Scroll down to learn more about these types of files:
3.1. Single Cut File:
The single-cut file is referred to as that machine tool having parallel lines of teeth which run diagonally across its face & that too in only one direction.
The metal surface is rubbed thoroughly with a small amount, and hence the surface becomes smooth. Therefore, these are the tools that are used for the finishing of hard metals as well.
3.2. Spiral Cut File:
These types of files have teeth, which are cut into round or semi-round files. The teeth in a spiral cut file are thread-like in shape.
3.3. Rasp Cut File:
A rasp cut file is a type of file with special coarse teeth. These are teeth that are triangular in shape and are also found in protruding states. These are files that are used to work in wood, plastic, fiber, hard rubber, and animal horns and hooves.
3.4. Double-Cut File:
A double cut file is referred to as a file in which two rows of teeth cross each other at a particular angle of 40°–45°°, and the other row has an angle of 70°–80°. It is set this way because of the double teeth.
This file is responsible for cutting metal quickly, but on the other hand, it cannot make the surface smooth. Files of this type, also referred to as a rough type of file, have an angle of 30° to 35° on one line and an angle of 80° to 87° on the other.
3.5. Curved Cut File:
Curved cuts files are also known as Vixen files, are mostly used to fill wide surfaces of soft metals such as aluminum, zinc, copper, and brass.
4. Other Types of Files Tool
In addition to all the types of files mentioned above. There are several other most common types of files, which are explained in detail. Scroll down to learn more about these types of files:
4.1. Barrett Files:
Barrett files are referred to as files that are thin in both width and thickness, coming to a rounded point at the end. These types of files have only the flat side that is cut, while all other sides are kept safe to perform the leveling job.
4.2. Checking Files:
Checking files are referred to as files that are parallel in width and gradually thin in terms of thickness. In these mechanical devices, the teeth are found to be cut in a precise grid pattern which is used to make serrations as well as to perform checking work.
4.3. Crochet Files:
Crochet files are those that are thin in width and gradually even thinner in thickness, cut all the way around, with two flat as well as ad radiused edges. This type of mechanical device is mostly used for filing junctions within a flat or curved surface and in slots with rounded edges.
4.4. Crossing Files:
Crossing files are files that are half-round on both sides and have a larger radius than the other on one side, and are also thinner in width and thickness to fill the curved inner surfaces.
Doubles radius is responsible for making the filing process possible at the junction of two curved surfaces or a straight & curved surface.
4.5. Dreadnought and Millenicut Files:
Dreadnoughts are also known as curved teeth, and millennials, also known as straight teeth, are files that are found with heavily undercut, sharp but coarse teeth. Both of these files are used for the rapid removal of large quantities of material from thick aluminum alloys, copper, or brass.
Millennium and Dreadknot are the latest tools in removing plastic filler materials such as two-part epoxy or styrene, commonly used in automobile body repair.
4.6. Equalling Files
Equalling files are those that are quite parallel in terms of width and thickness. These are mechanical devices mostly used for filing slots and corners.
Farrier rasps are referred to as files that are tangy rasps and are primarily used by barbers and blacksmiths. They are used because they are flat with a rasp on one side and a double cut on the reverse.
4.7. Column Files:
Pillar files are those which are parallel in width and thin in thickness for the execution of precise flat filing work. Double cuts along both the top and bottom sides are perfect for safe, long, and precise work.
4.8. Pippin Files:
Pippin files are referred to as files that are tapered in width and thickness and generally have a teardrop cross-section with the edge of a knife file. This type of device is used to fill the junction of two curved surfaces and make V-shaped slots.
Planemaker’s floats are the only straight, and single-cut files found thin. These tools are used for cutting, flattening, and smoothing wood, especially in making wooden hand planes.
Round parallel files are largely similar to round files except that they do not taper. These are files that are shaped like a jagged cylinder.
4.9. Saw Sharpener Files:
Saw sharpening files are those that are usually single cut to give a smooth finish. Jigsaw sharpening files are found to be well suited for sharpening saw blades.
For example, the chainsaw file is mainly used for sharpening chainsaws. These appear to have a rounded cross-section but are actually shaped to fit against the cutting edge of a chainsaw’s teeth.
4.10. Fret Files:
Freight files can be defined as square or rectangular files with three flat sides and a concave groove on one side. Mechanical instruments of this type are mostly used by luthiers to record around crown on the frets of guitars and other instruments.
The flat faces of such files are used to prepare the ends of the frets, removing the sharp edges left after the frets have been trimmed to the required length.
Half-round ring files are referred to as files that are thinner in terms of width and thickness and are much narrower than any standard half-round. These are the type of files used for filing the inside of the rings.
4.11. Joint Round Edge Files:
Joint round edge files are those that are parallel in width and thickness with rounded edges. There are flat safes that are found without teeth and are cut only on rounded edges. These types of mechanical devices are used to make joints and hinges.
4.12. Knife Files:
Knife files are referred to as those that are tapered in width and thickness, while the edge of the knife is the same thickness, and the entire length is similar to that of an arc. This type of file is used for slotting or wedging operations.
4.13. Nut Files:
Nut files are mechanical tools that are fairly fine and precise files in a set of graduated thickness and are mostly used by luthiers for dressing the slots at the end of the neck to support the strings of guitars, violins, etc. in the correct position.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is a File Tool Used For?
A file tool is used for cutting, smoothing, and fitting metal parts. It helps in shaping and finishing surfaces by removing material with its slanted rows of teeth.
What Are the Main Parts of a File Tool?
The main parts of a file include:
- Touch: The pointed end fitted into the handle.
- Point: The opposite end of the touch.
- Heel: Located next to the handle.
- Safe Edge: The edge without teeth, used to avoid cutting.
How Are File Tools Classified?
File tools are classified based on:
- Shape: Flat, hand, knife-edge, round, triangular, square.
- Grade: Rough, smooth, dead smooth, second cut.
- Cut Type: Single cut, spiral cut, rasp cut, double cut, curved cut.
What Is the Difference Between a Rough File and a Smooth File?
- Rough File: Has large teeth and is used for quick material removal, primarily on soft materials.
- Smooth File: Has finer teeth for achieving a smooth surface and precise sizing.
What Are the Uses of a Round File?
Round files are used for filing or finishing small diameter keyholes, curved surfaces, and internal circular grooves.
When Should I Use a Knife-Edge File?
A knife-edge file is ideal for filing small grooves, slots with angles less than 60°, and for tasks requiring sharp, precise cuts, such as in the lock industry.
What Is the Purpose of a Rasp Cut File?
Rasp cut files have coarse, triangular teeth and are used for working with wood, plastic, rubber, and other softer materials.
What Is the Advantage of a Double-Cut File?
Double-cut files feature two intersecting rows of teeth, allowing for faster material removal. However, they do not provide as smooth a finish as other types.
What Type of File Is Best for Working on Metal Surfaces?
For working on metal surfaces, single cut files are preferred for finishing, while double cut files are better for rapid material removal.
How Do I Choose the Right File for My Project?
Consider the material you’re working with, the type of finish required, and the specific shape or cut needed. For example, use a round file for circular grooves and a flat file for flat surfaces.
Can Files Be Used on Both Metals and Wood?
Yes, files can be used on both metals and wood, though different types of files are better suited for each material. For example, rasp cut files are more effective on wood, while smooth files are suitable for metal finishing.
How Do I Maintain and Care for My File Tools?
To maintain your files, keep them clean and free of debris, avoid using them on excessively hard materials, and store them in a dry place to prevent rusting. Regularly brushing the file with a file card helps remove particles and prolongs its lifespan.