Leatherman Super Tool 300 Wood/Metal File

C

CCK

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Feb 25, 2015
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Hello,
I just picked up a Leatherman Super Tool 300. It seems pretty nice, pretty heavy but seems robust. The tools are cool, the pliers are nice, but I do have a question about the wood/metal file.
One question: is this the same file as what they call their Diamond File? If not, what types of metal or applications should be avoided so as not to damage or wear-out this file?
Second question: Okay, this is a dumb question, but what the hell....why the two patterns and what are their intended applications? I am used to seeing files with a criss-cross pattern like this file has on one side, but what is the point of the single row line pattern on the other side?
In addition, any general advice or thoughts to pass on the a new ST300 user?

Thank you
Cliff
 
I am sorry but i can't help you answer your questions about the file.

But i own a Leatherman Super tool 300 and it is a very good Multi-tool and i love it.
 
The ST300 does not have the Diamond file like the Wave does.

The different patterns are (I assume) to be used for either metal or wood. What I am saying is one side is probably intended for wood and one for metal. The different patterns could also be for different filing of either wood or metal on both sides. Meaning you can either file metal or wood on either side., but I would assume one side is intended for either metal or wood alone. I wish I could help more, but I rarely use files on any of my multitools. You can also cut metal with the "bottom" of the file as it is cut for such tasks.
 
In reality, there are no files for wood, only rasps. But to answer your question, the coarser side of the file on your Leatherman is for wood and the finer side is for metal. Rasps are coarser (teeth are further apart) than files so that the wood fibers won't clog it up as much.
 
One side of the file is single cut, it has all the teeth running in the same direction and is the finer of the two sides. The other side is double cut also known as cross cut, it's teeth run in different directions and give it a diamond pattern, it's the coarser of the two and is more aggressive, it will remove material faster but not leave as fine a finish.

Neither is well suited for wood as it will clog the file in short order, but can be used for wood shaping if wanted, you just may have to clean the file after using it on wood or other soft materials.

In any material it's important to push the file into what you are shaping and not saw back and forth in both directions, drawing the file back can round off the teeth and make it less effective.
 
Thanks for your responses.
BJE, that's great advice on how to properly use a file. Following on what you're saying, how does one clean a file? Is there a proper method to doing this? One thing that I would use the file for would be for dressing up cuts in PVC as I am currently redoing an irrigation system in an orchard in PVC. PVC is a lot softer than wood, so I guess it will clog up the file as wood would.
Thank you
 
They make special tools for cleaning files that are basically a short bristled wire brush, but regular stiff bristled brush will do, I don't find PVC to clog a file as fast as some softer woods do, I think the PVC shaves off and stayed together whereas some wood just turns to saw dust and really plugs them up, often times all that is needed to unclog a file are a few swipes across a pants leg while working. If that doesn't work then you could use a wire brush or even a stiff bristled tooth brush, if you are a gun guy as I am, the little brass cleaning brushes that attach to a ram rod to clean a barrel work great.
 
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