Hand Files by Cut Grade, Length & Safe Edge

FAQs

A file parallel in width and tapered in thickness, which is a different geometry from a flat file. The taper enters a narrowing slot and the parallel width keeps the cut even.

An uncut edge, so the file works up to a shoulder without cutting into it. That is what a flat file cannot do, and it is why a hand file is used where a step must stay square.

The cutting edge undercuts the shoulder in one stroke, and there is no way to put material back once it has gone. That is the common error on this file.

Bastard, second and smooth cut across the sizes, so the same file geometry is available whether material has to come off fast or a finish has to be left.

12 x 150mm, 12 x 200mm and 12 x 250mm at 12mm width, and 6 x 300mm at the narrower width, across the three cut grades.

Against the surface being trued rather than the workpiece. A short file follows a hollow already in the metal; a longer one bridges it and takes the high spots first.

Clear

A hand file is parallel in width and tapered in thickness, which is a different geometry from a flat file and does a different job. The taper lets the file enter a slot that narrows, and the parallel width keeps the cut the same across the stroke. Parallel width also means the file can be reversed end for end without the cut changing.

The safe edge is the feature that matters. One edge is left uncut, so the file works up to a shoulder without cutting into it. That is what a flat file cannot do, and it is why a hand file is the one used where a step or a shoulder has to stay square. The safe edge is on one side only, so the file is oriented deliberately rather than picked up either way.

Getting that the wrong way round is the common error. A file with the cutting edge against the shoulder undercuts it in one stroke, and there is no way to put material back once it has gone. Checking which edge is safe before the first stroke takes a moment and cannot be undone afterwards.

Cut grade runs bastard, second and smooth across the sizes, at 12 x 150mm, 12 x 200mm, 12 x 250mm and 6 x 300mm. Length is chosen against the surface being trued and width against what the file has to enter. Send the shoulder or slot to 07754288583 on WhatsApp. Cut grade is stamped on the file rather than judged by looking at the teeth.