File went to snap city

[SteveGallo]

I just bought this Nicholson two weeks ago. It has no more than 20 minutes of file time on it. I was draw filing and gave it a tap against a 1x6 to knock some swarf off and this happened:

Are files usually this susceptible to breaking, or did I get a lemon from Nicholson? I know files are usually around 65-67 RC, but I GENTLY tapped it against soft wood.

 

[William Schrade]

Get yourself a file card to clean and preserve your files.

 

[woodwrkr221]

That happened to me a while back with a 12" Magicut. It happens sometimes.

 

[Don Hanson III]

Yeah, that's normal... Now ya has two short files.

 

[12345678910]

I see lots of folks tap to clean a file, but I don't like that and I don't like the file card I have.


I like these type of small brushes with fine bristles

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-detail-brush-set-40439.html

 

[Brian.Evans]

I'm with the count. Those small brushes work well. Also, grab some big sidewalk chalk and rib it in the teeth after you clean it out. The chalk won't affect the cut but will keep swarf from getting stuck in the teeth as bad.
Just be glad. Now you own two files! You only owned one before! See.....it's common core math!

 

[Hengelo_77]

I use a file brush and keep thin and sharp CU/brass cut off bits to pick the teeth clean

 

[AVigil]

I see lots of folks tap to clean a file, but I don't like that and I don't like the file card I have.


I like these type of small brushes with fine bristles

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-detail-brush-set-40439.html

+1 that's what I use as well.

 

[NeilJBorja]

+1 that's what I use as well.

Thirding the HF brushes for carding files. I sometimes use old toothbrushes for smaller files (among other myriad uses for old toothbrushes).