A file is a tool used to remove small amounts of material from a workpiece. They are common in woodworking and metalworking, as well as hobby and trade tasks of this kind.
Most files are hand tools made of a case-hardened bar of rectangular, square, triangular, or round cross-section, with one or more surfaces cut with sharp teeth that are generally parallel to each other. They frequently have a narrow, pointed tang at one end to which a handle may be fitted.
Rasps are a type of file that have invidulally cut teeth, and are used for coarsely removing larger amounts of material.
Files have also been created that have abrasive surfaces, such as natural or synthetic diamond grains or silicon carbide, that can remove maerial that dulls, or resists, a steel file, such as ceramics.
What is a File Tool?
A file is a tool used to cut, trim, or finish a piece of metal or wood and give it a shape desired for the job, such as round, square, or angular. The file is made of high-carbon steel.
The file is a hard-steel tool that has many cutter points. A file cuts metal into small particles, and therefore the file is typically used to give a final finish on a piece of metal or wood.
A file is used to smooth out a piece of metal that has been chipped, which normally leaves the material in a rough state. In the case of a machine, a file can also be used to make a part to shape when it is larger than desired.
In addition, a file is used when cutting tools cannot be used. Files are also used to sharpen cutting tools’ edges.
Parts of a File
A file consists of six key parts:
- Handle
- Tang
- Heel
- Face
- Edge
- Tip or Point
A wooden handle is attached to its tang and teeth are cut on the face and edge to assist in cutting. The part of the file that does not have teeth is referred to as the heel. The thick side of the file is called the edge and the lower end is referred to as either the tip or the point.
Types of File Tools
There are a few points that should be addressed while selecting files for a specific application. That is to say, there are categorized files:
- On the basis of length
- On the basis of shape
- Flat file
- Round file
- Half-round file
- Triangular file
- Square file
- Hand file
- Knife file
- In the basis of grades
- Rough File
- Bastard File
- Second cut File
- Smooth File
- Dead Smooth File
- On the basis of cut
- Single Cut File
- Double Cut File
- Curved Cut File
- Spiral Cut File
- Rasp Cut File
#1. Classification According to Length.
Files are measured in length, excluding the tang portion. Length was measured from heel to tip. In the fitter trade, we use files that are in length lengths of 100mm to 450mm.
#2. Classification According to Shape.
The various file tools based on their shape are the following:
#1. Flat File.
This file has a rectangular cross-section, a little tapered in width and thickness, on its face, double-cut teeth are cut, while the cutting edge has simple cut teeth. Its use is to reduce flat surfaces by filing or finishing.
#2. Round File.
This file has a round section, and it is used for rubbing or finishing a keyhole of small diameter.
#3. Half-Round File.
This file is flat or on one side and curved on the other side. The double cut dents are ground on it and it is also tapered, like a round file. The damaged hole can be set in order again using this file.
#4. Triangular File.
It is triangular. Its angles are a triangular file. filing of “V” slots job, square and rectangular jobs above 60°, below 90° angles are made with this file, it is also called three square files.
#5. Square File.
It is square and is somewhat tapered. filing of rectangular, square groove, slots and key-way are done with this file.
#6. Hand File.
This is almost similar to the flat file and is used for filing of the internal right-angle side of a job. It is also called a safe edge file.
#7. Knife Edge File.
It is shaped like the edge of a knife, its thin edge is about 10°, and it is used for filling small grooves and slots that are less than 60° angle, and is used mostly in the lock industries for making keys.
#3. Classification According to Grade.
The tools are classified based on the number of teeth as follows:
- Dead Smooth File. These teeth are very close together and metal is rubbed off in very small amounts. It is used to bring shine on to the job after finish work.
- Rough File. In this file teeth are large and few in number, it is used to cut soft material because the cutting is rough, rough cutting of a file will not cut hard metals.
- Bastard File. The teeth of this file are smaller than that of a rough file. This file is used first before filing to remove metal.
- Second-cut File. This is a medium file. This file is used in the filler industry to bring the job to size. Compared to a bastard file, this cuts to give a flat surface.
- Smooth File. It makes very smooth surfaces and a job of precise size shall be made by filing.
#4. Classification of Files On The Basis of Cut.
Different Types of Files by Cut:
#1. Single-Cut File.
This file has diagonal, parallel lines of teeth running across the face in one direction. A small amount of metal is scrubbed off, creating a smooth surface. Therefore, it is use for hard metals and finishing.
#2. Double-Cut File.
This has two rows of teeth crossing at 40°-45° and another one at 70°-80° angles. Because of having double-teeth, this one cut quicker but it cannot provide a smooth surface but in general for any type of normal filing. It is also called coarse type of file. Analogous to plane cut file- 30° to 35°, with another 80° to 87° angles.
#3. Curved-Cut File.
Also known as a Vixen. It’s specifically to file wide surfaces of soft metals like aluminium and zinc, copper, brass. Teethed is rounded.
#4. Spiral-Cut File.
These types of teeth are cut in round or semi-round files. The shape of henoted tooth is threaded.
#5. Rasp-Cut File.
This is a file that has very thick special teeched. they are triangular f shaped and have bulging. it is used for wood, plastic, fibre, hard and rubber work, and the job of animal hooves and horns.
Methods of Filing
For proper filing of the surface, the following points must be considered:
- Select the specific type of file you will be using, based on your job.
- Always have a handle on the tang of the file, a small file should have a small handle, and a large file should have a larger handle. If you do not have the proper handle, you will waste a lot of the power you are trying to use.
- You must hold the handle of the file with your right hand, and keep the end of the file level and balanced with your left hand.
- The left leg must always be kept ahead a little of the right leg as shown in the tip of the right leg.
- Pressure must be put on the file only when you are pushing the file, and not when driving it back.
- Only the hands should be moving your file and not the whole body, body movement should be kept to a minimum, if not still.
- The speed you will file is normally a rate of 30 to 35 strokes per minute.
Precautions for Using Files
The following precautions should be taken when using files:
- Choose file according to job
- Do not use a file without its handle. Use the full handle on the file, depending upon size.
- A new file should be used on soft metal first, and after is slightly worn, it may be used on solid.
- If substantial material is to be cut, rough it first and then file.
- For filing sheet metal jobs, the job should be placed in vice with wood on both sides. Also make sure the sheet is not higher than the vice.
- When filing a sheet, cut lengthwise.
- We should use chalk to protect the job from pinning. If metal is on file, it should be brushed off.
- Keep files away from your other tools. Do not collect all the tools together.
- Do not heat the file.
- Do not put oil or grease on the file.
Applications of Files
Files have the following applications:
- A file is used for making final finishing touches to a job of metal or wood.
- A job of metal generally becomes rough after chipping and a file is used to make it smooth.
- With a machine, if the size of the part is larger than it should be, a file is used to make it fit.
- Also, a file is used where other cutting tools would not be acceptable.
- Files also are used for sharpening the edges of some other cutting tools.