Hand files for blacksmithing and metal work

Files are a simple yet extremely useful tool in the blacksmith shop or any other metalworking shop for that matter. Hand files come in a large variety of sizes, shapes and coarseness. To add tot he confusion some of the great files names from days gone by are now mostly junk and not worth the trouble to buy or use.

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The following list provides just a few resources to help you find supplies and equipment for blacksmithing.

Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.

[briantremblay]

I am not going to lie... I have a bit of a weakness for files, As a woodworker, carver and now blacksmith, I have been collecting files for 25 years. I love Nicholson files, and just got an amazing deal, I bought 28 old/new Nicholson files for $25cdn for all of them "Made in U.S.A" from a gent that was retiring from an old sawmill here in Canada. I will guard them with my life!!! lol

[blaisetheginger]

As an amateur blacksmith, this is one of the most informative channels I've come across. I've devoured your material and always come across something new that I haven't considered before!

[billshiff]

I can vouch for Grobet files made in Italy. I will say they are ever BETTER than the swiss made Grobet. Best I have ever seen.

[valsforge]

Files 101, Everything you wanted to know about files, but were afraid to ask. Thanks John

[BEMetalMelting]

Very interesting video, glad to hear about them touching each other as that’s how I store mine, I will be changing that next time I’m in the shop! Thank you!

[scottyboy]

great video. i’m a file lover and make knives with hand tools only, so files are a main tool for my hobby. i actually use files as stock for making knives. but most of my best files i have found at yard sales and usually pay about 25 cents a piece. i found the best way to clean them is with a flattened piece of copper tubing- rubbing the edge with the tooth profile, which tends to conform to the tooth profile. thanks for posting!! please realize what a fantastic teacher and motivator you have been for many. i’m sure God is saving a special place for you sir for all you do!!
kindest regards-scott

[marshall]

File brush also is great for bringing velcro back to life when clogged with lint.

[bhaktapeter]

Just found a very old nicholson and arcade file at the local antique store, both in great condition

[billshiff]

I have some Pferd files made in Germany. They seem excellent but I have to put more time on them to say for sure.

[williewanttobe]

Grand fathers lumber yard very old 1900 had some very old Nicholson files they were great lasted a long time //sad now made some where else

[couchforgecompany]

Just watched this last night and for some reason went to a flea market today. Guy had a bucket of files all wrapped in wax paper. Ended up with 30 good condition  to new  assorted files. several USA  Nicholson, Simonds, Heller, Erizo, Delta and some stamped Germany. Most were long heavy files bastard, 1/2 round and round and a couple beveled like a knife withy a lions head stamped not sure what brand they are. Oh yeah $30 for the bucket 30 great ones and 10 junk.

[anvilhead]

Best files for black smithing are farrier’s rasps, even when they are too blunt for farrier use. The rasp side is ideal for red hot metal, removing material faster than a grinder, then use the file side for finishing. If you know a farrier you can get used ones for next to nothing.

[keithj]

Just watched your file vid, we have the same problem in Australia, a good file brand i have found is Pferd they make excellent files, keep the content flowing good work

[joesoap]

Real life ron swanson lol. Excellent video thank you very much.

[loganrench]

Diamond files are my favorite files for hardened steel

[MannoMax]

I can highly recommend F.Dick and Pferd files. They are afaik made in Germany. Very nice quality, the only thing we use in the tool shop where i work. I mainly have east german NOS ones, they are also very good, i think the plant was bought by Pferd.

[KO-pkdf]

Thanks for the video, you informed me on what I was looking for (information). I also collect as many old tools as I can find them. Back when military bases were being "reorganized" they were selling tools by the pound!
90% of those tools were made during and after WW2 on up through the 60s and all extremely high quality even in used condition by todays standard. Some of my WW2 made tools have little to no markings on them, a 9/16 wrench would have the manufacturer name and nothing else. I understand the tools were being made for the factories & government as fast and simply as possible. The manufacturer names are many I suppose there were many contractors and subcontractors in those days but all these tools still work fine. FYI the file sets all came with several wooden handles that had metal jaws with twist tightening and a great file card that on the back side had heavy canvas including a space to hold a rig tipped pick in the handle.

[andromedajacobson]

There is paper impregnated with corrosion-resisting chemicals that is about as heavy as butcher paper and will prevent rusting, just look up anti-rust paper or something. Very handy

[sambridges]

I was watching as you rang your small bell. It appears to be made out of heavy material so will not vibrate
Also a large bell chamber made out of light sheet iron or brass sheeting folded and riveted are what I have used on a belled horse in the mountains. A bell 4 to 5 inches tall 3 to 4 wide one way and 2 to 3 the other way is a popular size. Either rectangular or round makes no difference as long as the bell chamber is open and thin enough to vibrate when the clapper impacts the very bottom edge of the bell. 8:35

[MisterTee]

Some great tips John. And like a file, a good knife should be stored properly. If it's just thrown in a drawer with a bunch of other knives or things, it's not going to stay sharp for very long. To be totally honest, I did not know that one could buy file handles. I thought they had to be ordered with or made. Thank you for sharing.