General Tools Filing Tools

Available in a diverse selection, file tools are instruments used to cut small, fine amounts of material from metal, wood, plastic or other materials. A file tool is comprised of a steel bar that comes in varying lengths with sharp, pointed teeth that scrape back and forth to file down objects. The other end of a file tool is a narrow tang that can be fitted to a file handle for a more secure grip during filing. Pick up other hand tools and equipment to complete other jobs around the home or office.

Application

There are filing tools to suit any application. A round file tool is perfect for filing down around circular openings, while a half-round file tool is rounded on one side and flat on the opposite side for filing concave, convex and flat surfaces. A machinist's file tool can be used to file internal angles, making them more acute than right angles, and to clear out square corners. Use taper file tools to file the gullets between saw teeth and use horse filing tools for shoeing riding horses and ponies.

Cut Descriptor

Each file tool will come with a cut descriptor, such as bastard cut or second cut. This refers to the roughness or smoothness of the file's teeth. A bastard-cut file has a rougher surface than a second-cut file. Look for diamond files, which utilize embedded diamond particles, to cut into extremely hard materials, like stone or steel.