How to File Metal | Iron Wolf Industrial

Learn how to properly file metal in this video! Keep your files clean, sharp, and only cut on the push.

For more information, custom orders, or questions:

Follow us @ironwolfindustrial on Instagram for all our latest projects

[jaxv]

It's like you were kicking us out before we got to finish the video.

[mattmanbrownbro]

Dammit!  The things I've been doing wrong with a file are endless...  Thanks for clearing up how a file works.  You never hear that it is built to only cut on the forward stroke, so I'm glad I heard it here.

[mogbaba]

I am from a third world country (Iran) and live in an industrial country (Norway). My father had only 5 class of elementary school but he was a master in metalworking I have not seen anyone so good as him here in Norway. Unfortunately he gave all of his skills to my older brother and nothing left for me.

[firstgear]

I am doing an electronics training about Circuits and Components, we've Also learned how to use Files in a class called "Manual Machining", the direction of filing is forward (not backward) because this will damage the teeth of the File, after finishing, we use a metallic brush to clean the file from all Burr, if left without cleaning, that burr will rust in the file and then the file teeth will start to rust.

[potatomonster]

Somethings going on around 4:00 or so. Got some editing problems

[ksecusmaybe]

Filing is a craft into itself. Thanks for this information .

[QuantumMind]

I’ve also heard that running some chalk over your file prior to use keeps some of the metal chips from clogging the file up so fast.

[bensonmophakedi]

do you need to be from a 1st world country to use a file.

[ocphish]

A very good video indeed. Nice to see someone clearly explaining that a file only cuts in one direction and also showing how to use a card file. Just one tip I tell my students is that if you take some ordinary chalk and rub it into the teeth before using the file it helps prevent clogging, especially when working on aluminium, But great video, thanks for posting.

[blackout]

Thank you for the video. It is hard to find a decent manual on "how to use a tool properly" on the french web. Maybe, I am not good at using google. In spite I am educated, when I was in school, in courses (techno classroom) we have learned how to use a computer (back to 1998-2000) and electronic soldering. Unfortunately, I have never learned how to use tools properly, and today I just use them. It seemed obvious to use a file in a single direction but you provide me confirmation about this. Thanks again. If you know a good website (an not a poor and common DIY blog) on the good usage of tools in english or french I will be glad to read it.

[Orkey]

I'm gonna die laughing on that edit at the end

[Longussss]

Nice video, thank you. Where can i buy those files? Or what brand are those.?

[HarbardWild]

I learned to file metal by pushing the file forward and then dragging it backwards without force, and absolutely never ever lift the file from the object but i guess it all depends on what you are doing

[IronWolfIndustrial]

All it does is just dull the teeth on the back stroke. I always tell people the right way to use em when I see anyone using a file. Thanks for the comment.

[williamsworkshopuk]

How would one ensure a surface is filed flat and parallel rather than accidentally making it cylindrical or skewed ?

[mrsamzero]

Years ago I worked in a aircraft repair shop. we had a person who's job it was to maintain the lead acid batteries, He also stored used files in a container of used electrolyte, he siad that was the best way to keep clean and ready to use. Have you ever heard of such? Thanks

[corimOspie]

Thanks for this video, covers exactly what I wanted to know!

[michaelhinchey]

This should read " How to be annoyed by an instructional video" or "how to clean a file after using it"

[alfredosalari]

Stodoys. I know you will find good solutions for all your ideas.

[evilcowboy]

It is worth noting lift off on the rearward stroke is not necessary if no pressure is being applied. Maintaining consistency is probably the most important thing to remember when using a file so for some people it may be more useful to use a rearward stroke with no pressure to maintain a consistent angle.

Logically speaking if a file cannot make it past a few rearwards strokes and looses its ability to cut then you have a very shitty Chinese file. One exception is Nicholson files. If they are older then they are made very well, but if you look below the word "Nicholson" and it says Mexico then it is no good, if it says Brazil then you have about a 60/40 chance of it being good.

In the end if anyone on Earth ever says they have never made a rearward stroke with a file then they are a goddamn liar. However, personally I believe if a person purchases a tool with their own money then they can use it any way they please and it isn't my place to dictate they use the tool correctly. I am under the distinct impression people own what they buy, but what do I know I guess we are telling people how to use their own property now.

Sad Sad world we live in. Every governing body across the world has everyone thinking its right to own people and tell them what to do, who to work for and the extent of property everyone can have. That is a direct contradiction of freedom and is the exact opposite.