A file is a mechanical tool used to remove fine amounts of material from a workpiece by friction, and it is classified according to their length grade, cut and shape. The file is most commonly used in applications like woodworking, metalworking, and other similar trades. Let’s have a closer look at the different types of files, their parts, grades, shapes, specification, and application.
The Different Parts That Make Up the File
- Handle: The part fitted to the tang to hold and use the file.
- Tang: Narrow and thin part of a file which fits into the handle.
- Shoulder: It is the curved part of a file separating the tang from the body.
- Heel: It is the broad part of the file without teeth.
- Face or side: The broad part of the file with teeth cut on it.
- Edge: The thin part of the file with a simple row of parallel teeth.
- Tip or point: This is the end of the file opposite to tang.
Type of file According to Length
The Length of the file is measured by the distance from the tip to the heel. There are many different sizes, makes, and models available on the market today to suit your specifications.
Classification of File According to Grades
Here are some of the different grades of files commonly available: Rough, Bastard, Second cut, Smooth and Dead smooth.
Rough File:
These are the files which have teeth that are bigger size and less in number. The application of the rough file is for removing large quantities of metal in less time.
Bastard File:
Bastard cut is the coarsest grade and has the fewest teeth per inch; they are used in general filing purposes to remove material quickly.
Second Cut File:
A second cut file features two sets of lines that create a cross type pattern forming the teeth of the file, it has a medium grade, and is ideal for removing a moderate amounts of stock quickly.
Smooth File:
The smooth file is used ultimately to get a smooth surface, as the name implies, it is used for removing less metal and for giving a good surface finishing.
Dead Smooth File:
The dead smooth file is designed with the teeth very close to each other, and rubs off the metal in very small quantities, it is used for high quality finishing.
Type of file According to Cut of file:
The rows of teeth determine the cut of a file. Single cut, double cut, rasp cut, and curved cut are the different types of cuts available in files.
Single cut:
The single cut file has a single row of teeth, in one direction on the face of the file at an angle of 60°, this type of file is used for filing soft material such as lead, tin, aluminium etc.
Double cut:
The double cut file has rows of teeth in two directions that cross over each other, one at an angle of 50° to 60°, and the other row at 70°, this type of file is used to file hard materials such as bronze, steel, brass etc.
Rasp cut:
The rasp cut file has individual, sharp, pointed teeth in a line, and is useful for filing soft materials like wood, leather and other similar materials; these files are available in half-round shape only.
Curved cut:
The curved cut files have a deeper cutting action, and are useful for filing soft materials like plastic, aluminium, tin, copper etc. These files are only available in a flat shape.
Type of file According to Shape:
The various shapes of files are available for different applications, we have elaborated on the most commonly used, such as the Flat File, Round File, Half Round File, Triangular File and Square File.
Flat File
A flat file has a rectangular cross-section shape; this instrument is designed in a slightly different way by tapering both the width and thickness of the file. Double cut teeth are cut on the face whereas the simple-cut teeth are cut on the edges. These instruments are used to reduce the flat surfaces by filing and finishing the work piece.
Round File
As the name suggests the round file is round at the cross-section and gradually tapered over the rest of the length. They are mainly utilized in metalwork to enlarge round holes or cut scalloped edges, this is one of the most commonly used files.
Half-Round File
The combination of a flat side and rounded side means that the half round file is ideal for use on concave, convex and flat surfaces making it a very versatile tool. This hand tool is used for deburring, smoothing and shaping a range of materials such as metal and wood.
Triangular File
The triangular or three-square file was traditionally used by carpenters to sharpen saw teeth. The file has three tapered sides, each at a 60-degree angle, which are used to file the internal surfaces of objects with acute angles.
Square File:
Square files are ideal for filing and deburring square shaped holes and right-angled holes due to their unique tapered shape. Square files are machinist’s files that can be used in slots and keyways.
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