How to choose a file: shape and cut for metal and wood

For metal you need a file, for wood a rasp. The shape is chosen according to the workpiece: flat for flat surfaces, round for holes, half-round for curves, triangular for internal corners. The cut decides the finish: bastard for removing material, smooth for finishing. In the collection the lengths range from 140 to 380 mm and the blades are made of high-carbon steel.

Types

• Flat file (also parallel): the most widely used. It works flat surfaces and edges, for deburring and bringing parts to size. For example the parallel flat file 0-22-441 Stanley.
• Half-round file: one flat face and one curved. With the curved side you work concave surfaces, with the flat side flat ones. An example is the half-round file 0-22-456 Stanley.
• Round file: used for enlarging and finishing holes and slots.
• Triangular file: it gets into internal corners and grooves that the others can't reach.
• Chainsaw files: small smooth-cut file for sharpening the chain teeth, like the chainsaw file 0-22-492 Stanley.
• Rasps: they have coarse, widely spaced teeth and work wood. On metal they clog immediately.
• Sets (3 or 6 pieces): they bring together different shapes in a single purchase, for example the 3-file set 0-22-464 Stanley or the 3-rasp set 0-22-477 Stanley.
• File handles: also sold separately, to replace broken ones.

How to choose for the job

What to look for

• Cut: the product pages list bastard, second cut and smooth. Bastard has coarser teeth and removes a lot of material, smooth leaves the surface fine. For a complete job you start with the bastard and finish with the smooth.
• Length (from 140 to 380 mm): this is the overall length of the file. Long files are more comfortable for large workpieces, short ones for detail work. Some product pages also give the length of the blade alone (150 or 200 mm): don't confuse the two measurements.
• Section shape: flat, round, half-round or triangular, as described above.
• Blade material: high-carbon steel, which stands up to hard use.
• Handle: on models with a dual-material handle the grip is more comfortable and slips less.
• Pack size (from 1 to 10 pieces): check how many pieces it contains, because the number varies a lot from one product page to another.

Common mistakes

• Using a file without a handle: the tang can injure your hand. Always fit a handle that sits firmly.
• Pushing on the return stroke too: a file cuts only on the forward stroke. Ease off the pressure when you pull back.
• Filing wood with a metalworking file: it clogs in a few strokes. For wood you need the rasp.
• Not cleaning the teeth: use a proper file brush. A clogged file no longer cuts and spoils the surface.
• Choosing a chainsaw file without looking at the chain: the file diameter must match the chain pitch, as stated in the chainsaw manual.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a file and a rasp?

A file has fine teeth and works metal. A rasp has coarse, widely spaced teeth and works wood and soft materials.

Bastard or smooth cut?

Bastard is for roughing, smooth for finishing. If you only buy one, choose the second cut.

What length should I get?

For bench work, medium lengths (about 200-250 mm) are fine. For large workpieces get a longer file, for detail work a short one.

Is it worth buying a set?

Yes, if you need several shapes and don't always work the same piece. If you always use a single shape, buy the individual file.

All the files are in the files collection: to choose the right shape and cut for your job, request a quote or ask the AMES technicians for advice.