where to buy quality files?

7

724wd

Joined
Dec 29, 2006
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i tried the search function, but it appears to be problematic right now...

i went to a local store - spokane power tool - that has a lot of nice tools, but their file selection was crap. where do you guys buy your metal working files? i don't want to spend $100 on a file, but want something that will cut well and last a bit... am i asking too much? :)
 
You should be able to get good files at most local hardware stores. I get most of mine locally from places like Farm and Fleet(farm supply store),Home Depot, Menards building supply, True Value, Ace etc. If you can't find good ones at your local stores, Plain Ol Bill nailed it, go to the industrial supply houses. I avoid HF files, but that's just me. -Matt-
 
I just purchased 6 different Nicholson files from Home Depot. I also do a lot of cutting with my chainsaw so I get my chainsaw files from www.baileys-online.com. They sell good round and nice raker files which have smooth sides which are nice.
 
I get mine from our local independent hardware store (which seem to be disappearing across the country:() and MSC
 
If you ever have a chance to try a Nicholson Magic Cut file I think you would be happy at the speed it works down steel.
 
How about
http://www.ottofrei.com/store/home.php?cat=265
I don't know what they are like to deal with, but Vallorbe files are excellent and have outlasted some of the standard engineering files I have bought by quite a big margin. Enough that the slight difference in price (here in the UK) is more than justified. Of course, we have higher prices on everything here, so you might experience more sticker shock on these than we do.
 
I have gotten most of mine from Rio Grande....they have a fine selection of needle files and others as well. Prices are not cheap but quality is excellent for the money. Friedrick Dick and Grobet brands are both fine.
Also use chainsaw files of different sizes for some filework....got those at Lowes.
Also occasionally get "a burr under my saddle" to filework blades after heat treat....I use diamond needle files from EZE LAP to do this work....they have them in 250 and 600 grit equivalents.
 
Nicholson's are the only name-brand files I've used, I can say they're definitely a step up from the generic hardware-store stuff. I suspect there are even better files out there, from others' posts.
When you dull a cheap file dressing a few sets of nickel frets, or sharpening a couple lawn-mower blades, you'll appreciate the couple extra bucks you should have spent. Dull or soft files not only cut slowly, they cut ugly.
 
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