file quality?

55 50 Ron · Sep 13, 2018

The attached photo shows a comparison of old and new Nicholson files. Left one is new and a bit smaller - made in Mexico. Right one is old (don't remember how old) and slightly larger - made in USA. About an 8 inch unit.

Catskill Pete · Sep 13, 2018

The new Mexico made files save you a step. The old US made ones you had to wear out yourself, the new ones come already worn out.

Dale in WV · Sep 13, 2018

finding that I have a drawer with a lot of files - different shapes, lengths, styles. Still seem to go to that battery or air powered tool first.

Dean · Sep 13, 2018

A good file is hard to find these days.

Forget about the HF files.

Dean

MtMan · Sep 13, 2018

I find that using a file comb on the file after using it and before putting it away is really helpful in making the file work better and last longer.

Butch(OH) · Sep 14, 2018

Agreed, when I need to purchase a file I go to Ebay and punch in "Nicholson file usa" in the search box.

Leroy · Sep 14, 2018

Never heard of a file comb, what is it and where do you get it?

Hobo,NC · Sep 14, 2018

I make a sleeve and label it out of thin cardboard to store them in.

PJH · Sep 14, 2018

Leroy, they are also called a "file card" - the name I learned in high school shop. Any good hardware store would carry them. Here's a link to a picture of one.
File card

John Garner · Sep 14, 2018

I've long been convinced that file cards are an inside joke among file makers! Here, run hard-wire bristles over the your file to clean dwarf from between it's teeth, and round over the sharp edges of the teeth; Don't worry, we can always make new files.

File BRUSHES, with nylon or sisal bristles will safely get the not-all-that-stuck dwarf from between the teeth without dulling them. Well-stuck dwarf can be scraped out with a soft wood or plastic scraper, and the REALLY stuck stuff can be picked out with the point of a scriber.

Janicholson · Sep 15, 2018

(No relation) The good files are hard enough to do the job, and stay sharp. A week ago I stopped at a new neighbors house. His lawn mower was upside down leaking fuel onto the middle of the lawn and the oil was leaking out of the vent tube. He had the blade on his knee and was sharpening the blade with a file. He was pulling the file toward the handle on every stroke, and lifting it for a new stroke. Leaving the lawnmower issue alone, I explained to tooth direction to him (gently). He really appreciated the info after his first stroke made swarf fall on his pants. Cleaning a file with mild steel and draw filing along the tooth direction is effective in removing "pins" (works on a single cut file). Though it may be an obscure term, I was told by my gramps that the metal that seemed to be near welded into the teeth was called a Pin. Jim

file quality?

55 50 Ron

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Catskill Pete

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Dale in WV

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Dean

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MtMan

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Butch(OH)

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Leroy

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Hobo,NC

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PJH

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John Garner

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Janicholson

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