Toolbank stock a wide range of files and rasps for all uses from Bahco, Nicholson, Faithfull and Files (a Brand Name!).
They are classified by length, shape and cut. The length is traditionally described in inches (excluding the tang. The cut indicates the degree of coarseness, measured by the number of teeth per 25mm, and the amount of space between the rows of teeth.
Smooth Cut Approximately 62 teeth per 25mm (Fine)
Second Cut Approximately 36 teeth per 25mm (Medium)
Bastard Cut Approximately 26 teeth per 25mm (Coarse)
Single cut files have parallel rows of teeth, cut at an angle of between 60 and 80° to the edge, whilst Double Cut (also know as Dual Cut) files have a second set of parallel grooves cut into the blade, usually at an angle of 45°.
It is dangerous to use a file without a handle and although most files are supplied without them they should always be fitted, Toolbank sell a good range of hardwood file handles.
Flat These are the most common file used for filing flat surfaces and all types of work except inside curves. The flat file tapers in both width and thickness towards the tip.
Hand The hand file differs slightly from the flat file in that it is flat in cross section, tapering slightly in thickness towards the tip, but with parallel sides the whole length of the blade.
Round The round file tapers towards the point and is used to enlarge or smooth round openings and to finish concave surfaces. Smaller versions of the file are know as rat-tail.
Half Round The most useful of all combining the features of both round and flat files, one side being rounded and the other flat. Can be used on flat, concave and convex surfaces.
Square The square file is used on rectangular slots, keyways and splines. Slightly tapered towards the point.
Three Square Sometimes described as a triangular file, it has three flat sides and is used to file acute internal angles, clean cut square corners, enlarge and clean up angular holes and sharpen serrated jaws and saw teeth.
Millsaw Can have one or two rounded edges and often have one safe edge. They are always single cut and are mostly used to sharpen mill and circular saws, knives, lawn mower blades, axes, shears and for polishing and deburring work.
Needle - sometimes referred to as Swiss pattern or Jewellers files. The small files are very accurately made and mainly used for precision work on instruments and other delicate small work
Warding - this rectangular file is a small slender file, tapering to a narrow point. It is used mainly as a locksmith tool for filing notches on keys and locks.
Knife The knife file has a section like a knife blade and tapers towards the point. It is used by tool and die makers on work which has acute angles.
Rasps They have a very coarse tooth formation to facilitate greater stock removal. Mainly used on wood or soft metals.
Dreadnought - A milled tooth file featuring a curved tooth across the blade. Mainly used for work on car bodies, refrigerators and all types of sheet metal manufacturing.
Millenicut Similar to a dreadnought but with straight teeth cut diagonally. Mainly used on steel, aluminium, bronze and copper giving quick stock removal and a smooth finish without excessive clogging of the teeth.
Saw Designed for sharpening saw teeth - is usually double ended and can be worked in either direction.
File Handles
File handles are made in many different profiles and sizes to accommodate files of different sizes and types. Mostly from hardwood which are bored and ferruled to accept the file tang.
PLEASE NOTE: It is dangerous to use a file without an handle.
Flat Files
For general work on iron and steel, they are slightly tapered in width and thickness. Double cut on both sides and single cut on both edges.
Hand Files
Parallel in width, and slightly tapered in thickness. Double cut on both sides, but on one edge only. A safe edge permits work in corners.
Round Files
For filing circular openings or concave surfaces. They are slightly tapered towards point.
Half Round Files
The cross section allows use on convex and concave surfaces. They are tapered towards the point in width and thickness. The teeth on the flat side are graded in coarseness.
Square Files
Double cut teeth for filing slots, keyways, inside corners and fine-adjustment of cutting tools. These files are slightly tapered towards the tip for surface filing.
Three Square Files
They are used for filing internal acute angles and cleaning out square corners. They are slightly tapered and have double cut teeth with sharp edges.
Millsaw Files
This type of file can have one or two round edges and often having one safe edge, they are always single cut and mostly used to sharpen mill and circular saws, knives, lawn mower blades, axes, shears. Can also be used for polishing and deburring work.
Needle Files
For fine filing and polishing jobs. Used by engravers, precision engineers, instrument makers, watchmakers and goldsmiths.
Three types of cut: Bastard; Smooth; Dead Smooth. 14cm and 16cm sizes.
Warding Files
These are tapered for locksmithing work in wards or notches of keys and for reaching into narrow places, with a thin rectangular shape. Also suited for use in narrow spaces where other files will not fit.
Knife Files
Used by Tool and Die Makers on work which has acute angles. The blade tapers towards the point.
Wood & Horse Rasps
Bastard, cabinet, farmers own, horse and wood rasps
Dreadnought Files
Featuring curved tooth across the blade the dreadnought file is used on all types of sheet metal manufacture, i.e. Car Bodies and Refridgerators etc.
Saw & Chainsaw Files
A range of Saw, Chainsaw, and Taper Saw Files. Double ended, slim taper and taper saw files.