The 10 best machinist files

Finding your suitable machinist files is not easy. You may need consider between hundred or thousand products from many store. In this article, we make a short list of the best machinist files including detail information and customer reviews. Let’s find out which is your favorite one.

Product Features Editor's score Go to site
Nicholson File Set,8Pc,Machinist Kit,Pouched (1 Each) 22025Nn Nicholson File Set,8Pc,Machinist Kit,Pouched (1 Each) 22025Nn
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Nicholson 9 Piece Hand File Set with Ergonomic Handles, American Pattern Nicholson 9 Piece Hand File Set with Ergonomic Handles, American Pattern
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Simonds 13 Piece All Purpose Hand File Set with Handles, American Pattern Simonds 13 Piece All Purpose Hand File Set with Handles, American Pattern
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INNOVANT 9 Piece Premium Grade High Carbon Hardened Steel File Set W/ Comfortable Rubber Hand Grip Handles - Round Rasp Half Round Flat & Needle Files Best For Shaping Wood / Metal & Sharpening Tools INNOVANT 9 Piece Premium Grade High Carbon Hardened Steel File Set W/ Comfortable Rubber Hand Grip Handles - Round Rasp Half Round Flat & Needle Files Best For Shaping Wood / Metal & Sharpening Tools
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Nicholson 7 Piece Machinist Hand File Set, American Pattern, 6 Nicholson 7 Piece Machinist Hand File Set, American Pattern, 6" Length
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Nicholson 8 Piece Machinist File Set Nicholson 8 Piece Machinist File Set
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Nicholson 183-22025NN 22025NN 8 Piece Machinist File Set Nicholson 183-22025NN 22025NN 8 Piece Machinist File Set
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Neiko 00109A Heavy Duty File and Rasp Set, 12 Piece | PVC Handle Neiko 00109A Heavy Duty File and Rasp Set, 12 Piece | PVC Handle
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PFERD 16078 5 Pieces 8 PFERD 16078 5 Pieces 8" 531 WRU Type American Pattern Machinists File
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Nicholson 03764N Flat Bastard File, 12 Nicholson 03764N Flat Bastard File, 12"
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1. Nicholson File Set,8Pc,Machinist Kit,Pouched (1 Each) 22025Nn

Feature

Mexico

Description

Crescent/Nicholson 8-Pc Machinist File Sets Ideal for home and professional use. Offers a variety of shapes and coarseness grades for a range of shop uses Pack of 1

2. Nicholson 9 Piece Hand File Set with Ergonomic Handles, American Pattern

Feature

Set of 9 American pattern hand files includes taper, flat, mill, half-round, and round cross-section files for shaping, sharpening, and removing material in a range of applications
Half-round, flat, and mill files provided in two lengths for proper reach
High-carbon steel construction is strong and durable for extended tool life
Rubber-coated ergonomic handles provide a comfortable and sure grip for increased control
Roll-up pouch with labeled compartments is included for tool identification and organization

Description

The Nicholson 22030HNN 9-piece American pattern hand file set with ergonomic handles includes an assortment of file profiles, cuts, and lengths for shaping, sharpening, and removing material in both home and professional applications. The set includes a 6"/150 mm double extra slim taper, 6"/150 mm slim taper, 8"/200 mm half-round, 8"/200 mm flat, 10"/250 mm half-round, 10"/250 mm flat, 10"/250 mm round, 10"/250 mm mill, and 12"/250 mm mill file. The files have single-cut faces for use with light pressure, except for the half-round and flat files which have double-cut faces. All files, except the taper files, have a bastard cut for heavy material removal when finish is not a concern. The files are made from high-carbon steel for high strength and durability. The ergonomically shaped handles are rubber coated for comfort, grip, and increased control. The handles also have a hanging hole for storage and organization. The set comes in a red roll-up pouch with each compartment labeled with the file length, shape, and coarseness.

Assortment Contents

Double extra slim taper file
  • Length: 6"/150 mm
  • Cross-section shape: Triangle
  • Cut: Single cut on all faces
  • Application: For deepening curved spaces between handsaw teeth that are at a 60-degree angle and measure 8 teeth per inch
Slim taper file
  • Length: 6"/150 mm
  • Cross-section shape: Triangle
  • Cut: Single cut on all faces
  • Application: For deepening curved spaces between handsaw teeth that are at a 60-degree angle and measure 11 teeth per inch
Half-round files (2)
  • Lengths: 8"/200 mm and 10"/250 mm
  • Cross-section shape: Half circle
  • Cut: Double cut on round and flat side
  • Coarseness: Bastard cut
  • Application: For removing material from both curved and flat surfaces
Flat files (2)
  • Lengths: 8"/200 mm and 10"/250 mm
  • Cross-section shape: Rectangle
  • Cut: Double cut on faces, single cut on edges
  • Coarseness: Bastard cut
  • Application: For rapidly removing material from metal
Round file
  • Length: 10"/250 mm
  • Cross-section shape: 3/8"-diameter circle
  • Cut: Single cut
  • Coarseness: Bastard cut
  • Application: For filing circular openings and concave surfaces
Mill files (2)
  • Length: 10"/250 mm and 12"/300 mm
  • Cross-section shape: Rectangle
  • Cut: Single cut on faces and edges
  • Coarseness: Bastard cut
  • Application: For sharpening mill or circular saws, and creating fine finishes on metals

Files are toothed tools that offer a controlled way to remove material from intricate shapes. The shape of the object being filed establishes which file shape and length should be used. For example, a round file is recommended when filing concave surfaces or enlarging holes. File length measures the cutting face and does not include the handle or tang. The cut and coarseness of the file determines how much material will be removed with each stroke. A single-cut file has parallel rows of teeth covering its face, removing small amounts of material with light pressure to create a fine finish. A double-cut file has similar teeth as a single-cut file but is overlaid with a second set of parallel teeth facing the opposite direction. This second set of teeth increases the amount of material removed with each pass, generates a rougher finish, and requires heavier pressure than a single-cut file. A rasp-cut file has individually formed teeth that are raised above the tool's surface for removing large amounts of material from wood, aluminum, lead, and other soft materials. A curved-cut file has teeth arranged in parallel semicircles across the face of the file and is most commonly used for auto body projects. Most files are classified as American pattern or Swiss pattern, and each has their own coarseness rating system. American pattern files are rated bastard (coarse) cut, second (semi-smooth) cut, and smooth cut. Swiss pattern files are recommended for precision applications and have a larger rating scale from coarse (00) to extra smooth (6).

Nicholson brand is manufactured by Apex Tool Group, maker of hand and power tools. The company, founded in 2010, is headquartered in Sparks, MD.

Whats in the Box?

  • 6" double extra slim taper file
  • 6" slim taper file
  • 8" half-round file
  • 8" flat file
  • 10" half-round file
  • 10" flat file
  • 10" round file
  • 10" mill file
  • 12" mill file
  • Roll-up pouch

3. Simonds 13 Piece All Purpose Hand File Set with Handles, American Pattern

Feature

Set of 12 files in a variety of shapes for a range of home or shop uses
American pattern file for non-precision material removal
Includes a file card for maintenance of file teeth
Handles for grip
Comes in a cloth roll pouch for storage

Description

The Simonds 13 piece file set is an assortment of 12 files in a variety of shapes that have handles and American pattern teeth for a range of home or shop uses, with a file card for maintenance of file teeth. The American pattern teeth are for non-precision material removal. All files have a wood handle for secure gripping (sold separately) except for the all-purpose flat file, which has a paddle-shaped forged handle. The set comes in a cloth roll pouch for storage.

Hand files are used to remove material and smooth and shape workpieces. They have forward-facing cutting teeth and cut when pushed over either a stationary or rotating workpiece. Single-cut teeth are single rows cut diagonally across the width of the file. Double-cut teeth have two sets of rows cut in opposite directions. American pattern files have three coarseness grades. Coarse, also known as bastard cut, is suitable for efficient, heavy material removal where finish is not a concern. Medium, also known as second cut, offers average material removal and finish quality. Fine, also known as smooth cut, provides the smoothest finish. Swiss pattern files have eight coarseness grades, from 00 (coarse), 0 (medium), and 1 to 6 (fine to finest), offering a smoother finish than equivalent American pattern files. For Swiss pattern files the length of the tool is the length of the blade, not counting the tang, which is the pointed end fitted for a handle; for American pattern files the length of the tool is its entire length, including the tang.

Simonds International manufactures tools for cutting and finishing. The company, founded in 1832, is headquartered in Fitchburg, MA.

What's in the Box?

  • Flat file with handle, 10", coarse (bastard)
  • Flat file with handle, 10", fine coarseness
  • Mill file with handle, 10", coarse (bastard)
  • Mill file with handle, 10", fine coarseness
  • Half-round file with handle, 10" coarse (bastard)
  • Half-round file with handle, 10" fine coarseness
  • Round file with handle, 10", coarse (bastard)
  • Round file with handle, 10", fine coarseness
  • Square file with handle, 10", medium coarseness
  • Flat file for aluminum with handle, 10"
  • All-purpose flat file with handle, 10", coarse (bastard)
  • Triangular (three-square) file, 8", medium coarseness
  • File card
  • Cloth storage pouch

4. INNOVANT 9 Piece Premium Grade High Carbon Hardened Steel File Set W/ Comfortable Rubber Hand Grip Handles - Round Rasp Half Round Flat & Needle Files Best For Shaping Wood / Metal & Sharpening Tools

Feature

LONG LASTING TEETH Precision Milled Tempered & Coated For Durable Cutting & Filing Performance
EXTRA STRONG TOOL The Black Color Is A Natural Result From Higher Carbon Content & Tempering
BEST ASSORTMENT SET Shapes, Sharpens & De-Burrs Hobby Models, Jewelry, Clocks, Watches & Soft Metal
NONSLIP HANDLE CONSTRUCTION Better Control & Handling Both Wet Or Dry w/ Contoured Ergonomic Handhold
60 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!

Description

Filing Best Practices

Do not try to file hardened steel with a (hardened steel) file; you will quickly ruin the file. Also diamond-embedded files should not be used on soft materials, including many softer steels, as this will cause the diamonds to be torn out.

Clean out any bits of file metal with a stiff wire brush.

Chalk/oil/lard the file: rub a small amount of lard/oil into the teeth of the file to:

    1. Make cutting easier from the loss of friction of metal on metal
    2. Remove the chance of having pins form and stick in the teeth
    3. Keep the metal dust down making cleanup and breathing much easier
    4. Rust protection on the piece and the file itself.

If using Lard or Oil, don't forget if you need to do work that requires the surface to be clean of it.

Clamp the work in the vice. It should stick out far enough that you don't rub the file on the hardened steel jaws of the vice, but if the work extends too far, it will vibrate or chatter, making the work take longer and the finish worse.

HEAVY CROSS FILING: for course work, grab the handle of the file handle with one hand and place the palm of the other hand on the end of the file. Point the file away from you, press down firmly enough that the file digs in and cuts the metal while making long, slow strokes away from your body. Remove downward pressure on the return stroke so you don't dull the file.

LIGHT CROSS FILING: for detail work, grab the handle of the file with the dominant hand and place the fingers of the other hand on the end of the file. Orienting the file so that it points away from you, press down firmly (so that the file digs in and cuts the metal) and make long, slow strokes away from your body, removing downward pressure on the return stroke to prevent dulling the file.

5. Nicholson 7 Piece Machinist Hand File Set, American Pattern, 6" Length

Feature

Set of 7 files in a variety of shapes for a range of shop uses
American pattern files for non-precision material removal
Coarse (bastard) and smooth grades for rough and fine finishes
Tangs for use with optional handles (sold separately)
Comes in a plastic pouch for storage

Description

The Nicholson machinist hand file set is an assortment of 7 files in a variety of shapes that have American pattern teeth in coarse and smooth grades for non-precision material removal in a range of shop uses. The tangs can be used with optional handles for secure gripping (sold separately). The set comes in a vinyl pouch for storage.

Hand files are used to remove material and smooth and shape workpieces. They have forward-facing cutting teeth and cut when pushed over either a stationary or rotating workpiece. Single-cut teeth are single rows cut diagonally across the width of the file. Double-cut teeth have two sets of rows cut in opposite directions. American pattern files have three coarseness grades. Coarse, also known as bastard cut, is suitable for efficient, heavy material removal where finish is not a concern. Medium, also known as second cut, offers average material removal and finish quality. Fine, also known as smooth cut, provides the smoothest finish. Swiss pattern files have eight coarseness grades, from 00 (coarse), 0 (medium), and 1 to 6 (fine to finest), offering a smoother finish than equivalent American pattern files. For Swiss pattern files the length of the tool is the length of the blade, not counting the tang, which is the pointed end fitted for a handle; for American pattern files the length of the tool is its entire length, including the tang.

Nicholson manufactures hand tools and power tool accessories. The company is headquartered in Sparks, MD.

What's in the Box?
  • Rectangular (flat) file, 10"/250 mm, coarse (bastard) grade
  • Rectangular (flat) file, 10"/250 mm, smooth grade
  • Half-round file, 10"/250 mm, coarse (bastard) grade
  • Rectangular (mill) file, 10"/250 mm, coarse (bastard) grade
  • Round file, 10"/250 mm, coarse (bastard) grade
  • Square file, 10"/250 mm, coarse (bastard) grade
  • Slim taper file, 7"/175 mm, coarse (bastard) grade
  • Vinyl storage pouch

6. Nicholson 8 Piece Machinist File Set

Feature

Set of 7 files in a variety of shapes and coarseness grades for a range of shop uses
Includes a file and rasp cleaner card for maintenance
American pattern files for non-precision material removal
Tangs for use with optional handles (sold separately)
Comes in a plastic pouch for storage
Complete set of 7 files and file cleaner fits easily and securely into a rugged compact pouch.

Description

The Nicholson machinist file set is an assortment of 7 files in a variety of shapes and coarseness grades that have American pattern teeth for non-precision material removal in a range of shop uses, and also includes a file and rasp cleaner card for maintenance. The tangs can be used with optional handles for secure gripping (sold separately). The set comes in a vinyl pouch for storage.

Hand files are used to remove material and smooth and shape workpieces. They have forward-facing cutting teeth and cut when pushed over either a stationary or rotating workpiece. Single-cut teeth are single rows cut diagonally across the width of the file. Double-cut teeth have two sets of rows cut in opposite directions. American pattern files have three coarseness grades. Coarse, also known as bastard cut, is suitable for efficient, heavy material removal where finish is not a concern. Medium, also known as second cut, offers average material removal and finish quality. Fine, also known as smooth cut, provides the smoothest finish. Swiss pattern files have eight coarseness grades, from 00 (coarse), 0 (medium), and 1 to 6 (fine to finest), offering a smoother finish than equivalent American pattern files. For Swiss pattern files the length of the tool is the length of the blade, not counting the tang, which is the pointed end fitted for a handle; for American pattern files the length of the tool is its entire length, including the tang.

Nicholson manufactures hand tools and power tool accessories. The company is headquartered in Sparks, MD.

What's in the Box?
  • Rectangular (flat) file, 10"/250 mm, coarse (bastard) grade
  • Rectangular (flat) file, 10"/250 mm, smooth grade
  • Half-round file, 10"/250 mm, coarse (bastard) grade
  • Rectangular (mill) file, 10"/250 mm, coarse (bastard) grade
  • Round file, 10"/250 mm, coarse (bastard) grade
  • Square file, 10"/250 mm, coarse (bastard) grade
  • Slim taper file, 7"/175 mm, coarse (bastard) grade
  • File and rasp cleaner card, 10"/250 mm
  • Vinyl storage pouch

7. Nicholson 183-22025NN 22025NN 8 Piece Machinist File Set

Feature

Ideal for home and professional use
Offers a variety of shapes and coarseness grades for a range of shop uses
Manufacturer: Apex tool Group

Description

Ideal for home and professional use. Offers a variety of shapes and coarseness grades for a range of shop uses.

8. Neiko 00109A Heavy Duty File and Rasp Set, 12 Piece | PVC Handle

Feature

Twelve piece set with files and rasps that can handle a variety of materials, including wood, steel and plastic
Constructed with hardened, heat treated steel for added durability and a longer service life
Comes with 7 files and 3 rasps for working with different materials and when needing varying levels of file coarseness
Two removable PVC handles allow you to conveniently swap between file and rasp blades while working
Ergonomically shaped handle improves grip and enhances control of file and rasp

Description

Neiko Tools U.S.A. 12-Piece Heavy Duty File and Rasp Set with PVC Handle, Hardened Steel Construction, For Wood, Metal and Plastic, Can be used with or without handles, Files: 8-Inch-Half Round, 6-Inch Slim Taper, 6-Inch Extra-Slim Taper, 8-Inch Rotary, 8-Inch Round, 6-Inch Round, 10-Inch Flat, 3 rasps: 8-Inch Round Wood, 8-Inch-Half-Round Wood, 8-Inch 4-Way, 2 Removable PVC Handles, Vinyl Pouch.

9. PFERD 16078 5 Pieces 8" 531 WRU Type American Pattern Machinists File

Feature

Each file with appropriate ergonomic handle
Specifically designed to meet the needs of DIY users
It's professional quality makes this product very versatile
Machinist's files in plastic pouch

Description

PFERD These files are specifically designed to meet the needs of DIY users. Its professional quality makes this product very versatile. Due to their high precision and cutting performance, these files meet the highest standards of quality and longevity. Each file comes with matching ergonomic handle. File set 531 WRU: 8" hand bastard, three square bastard, square bastard, tapered half round bastard, round bastard.

10. Nicholson 03764N Flat Bastard File, 12"

Feature

Used by machinists, machinery builders, ship and Engine builders, repairmen, and others who require rapid removal of metal
Rectangular in cross section and Taper slightly towards point in width
Double-cut on sides, single-cut on edges

Description

Used by machinists, machinery builders, ship and engine builders, repairmen, and others who require rapid removal of metal. Rectangular in Cross Section and taper slightly towards point in width. Double-cut on sides, single-cut on edges.

Conclusion

By our suggestions above, we hope that you can found the best machinist files for you. Please don't forget to share your experience by comment in this post. Thank you!

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