Files

Files: what you need to know

Files are special cutting bars with an abrasive surface which help to remove upper layers of the target material. They are used for coarse grinding, removing paint or rust and allow to alter the shape and size of the parts.

What are the types of files

Depending on the cut and size of a bar:

• Rough. Feature up to 12 teeth per 1 cm of the surface. Used to remove thick layers of material to eliminate corrosion, for instance.
• Middle. There are from 13 to 44 teeth of an average size per 1 cm. Intended for treating metal surfaces. Help to correct the thickness of the workpiece.
• Fine (smooth). Perfect for finishing works. Make the surface smooth and even. They have from 45 to 85 teeth per 1 cm.

By the design of the cross-section:

• Flat. Suitable for large areas.
• Square. All four plane surfaces are working, therefore, such tools are very comfortable to use for grinding square corners.
• Triangular. Suitable both for corners and flat surfaces. Their faces often have different tooth sizes which makes them even more functional.
• Round, oval, half-round. Used for working with rounded holes and curved surfaces.
• Slitting and knife. Used for making slots, sharpening teeth and smoothing sharp edges.

Tools can have different types of cuts. The most widely spread are:

• Single-cut has teeth at an angle to the axis of the tool. These tools are effective for treating soft metals: lead, brass, bronze, aluminium, copper, used to make the surface slightly rough.
• Cross-cut features intersecting teeth which are at an angle to the axis of the tool. Suitable for filing steel, cast iron and other hard materials.
• Curved tooth cut. Its teeth form parallel curved lines with deep grooves between them. Mainly intended for grinding and filing soft metals. Ensures high efficiency and top quality.
• Rasp cut. Formed by pyramidal teeth arranged in staggered rows. It is used for treating leather, rubber, fibre and very soft metals which clog the teeth of other files.
• Farrier rasp. Formed by through holes with sharp edges. Allows to remove quite a thick layer of material. Used for working with very soft surfaces.

Tips on using files

Before you start make sure that the tools are compatible with the target material. An appropriate choice is a guarantee of the efficient and long-term functioning of the item.

The area that is going to be filed should be cleaned from dirt and oil and also dried. This will protect the tool from corrosion and its teeth from getting clogged. It is allowable to apply force only when the device moves forward.

When the work is done, it is necessary to clean the instrument. You can use a wire brush for this purpose. You should prevent plane surfaces of different files from getting in contact both while working and storing them as this might make them dull.

AUTODOC: convenient online shopping

Use the services of our online shop to shop for inexpensive high-quality products. We offer:

• Affordable prices. Car maintenance equipment doesn’t cost much at AUTODOC.
• Mobile application. With its help, you’ll be able to order files and other products wherever you are.
• Fast delivery. You’ll receive your purchase in a short time.