looking to buy a good set of files

[1lowluv]

I want a quality set of files for my gun projects. Anyone have a good brand you could recomend. Where to get them..

Im not posting in the WTB section because I think this is more appropriate for the gunsmithing section.

Thanks..

[ott1]

Simonds (red tang files). Probably cheapest would be eBay, but if you're only getting a few, most online places that carries them would be a better choice.

[wash]

Nicholson are fine.

Avoid no-name files because some times the heat treat sucks and they dull quite fast.

Single cut files will give you a smoother surface but the don't cut as aggressively as a double cut file.

Files only cut one way, dragging them backward over your work piece will dull and chip off the teeth which is how files wear out.

Safe edge files come in handy a lot but they can be hard to find. If you need a special file, Brownells carries several hard to find styles.

[Dreaded Claymore]

Nicholson are fine.

Avoid no-name files because some times the heat treat sucks and they dull quite fast.

Single cut files will give you a smoother surface but the don't cut as aggressively as a double cut file.

Files only cut one way, dragging them backward over your work piece will dull and chip off the teeth which is how files wear out.

Safe edge files come in handy a lot but they can be hard to find. If you need a special file, Brownells carries several hard to find styles.

These are all good things to know, and I didn't know them despite having worked with tools, including files, since kindergarten. Thank you, Wash!

[DavidRSA]

What are the sizes/types that one would need for basic work? For example I need to file a groove into the top of my Saiga's barrel so it can take a standard handguard retainer.

[bj16509]

If you are serious, these:

http://www.grobetusa.com/index.html

Grobet is owned by this:

http://www.vallorbe.com/Standard.php?p=100&m=1&l=3

and are some of the best you can buy ( also, of course, some of the most expensive....)

Good Luck

[DavidRSA]

Which type of files... There is an endless choice on that website....

[wash]

That's going to be a round file.

Just get out your calipers and measure the diameter of the little lever thing and get a round file that size or a bit smaller.

If you really want to get the groove perfect, buy a gauge pin in that diameter and measure the handguard clamp to determine the size of the barrel with the gauge pin laying in the groove, then make it just deep enough to get to that size.

As for buying super expensive files, Nicholson and any other decent brand will give long service unless you treat them bad or file materials that are too hard.

Most people who spend big money on files treat them right because they spent big money on their files.

In my opinion it's better to buy decent files, treat them well and have a bigger selection for the same or less money.

[bj16509]

Here's what I have - that's not to say that's what anyone else should have, only you can decide.

Grobet #30.262 - Valitan Three-Square (triangular) 6" Cut 2
Grobet #31.215 - Pillar Extra Narrow Cut 2
Grobet #31.041 - Pillar Checkering 6" 30 lines per inch
Grobet #30.221 - Valitan Pillar 6" Cut 0

In the world of Swiss files the lower the Cut, the coarser the file.
Pillar files have two safe (non-abrasive) edges.

I also have a set of Grobet "jewlers" files in Cut 0 - I don't know the part number and, unfortunately, there are dozens of different sets available. Just pick the one that looks good and that you can (hopefully) afford.

I also have some Nicholson Black Diamond files:

12" Hand Bastard with one safe edge
10" Double Cut Bastard
10" Single Cut Smooth

These things cost but if you take care of them they will last a very long time. I keep the above files individually wrapped in a tool box drawer. Good files are precision instruments but they can be ruined very quickly if not used properly or cared for (ask any tool and die maker over 60 - before EDM machines files were their primary tool). Any textbook on machine tool practices should have a chapter on file use.

Get handles for all of your files unless you like the idea of the tang sticking through your palm......

Be sure to get some chalk (file chalk) to use with the files - you can get a lifetime supply from Midway or Brownells for a few dollars.

Flatten out an empty (!!!) brass shell case to use for cleaning the files - it will not cause the wear that results from a file card brush.

You can spend all your disposable income at either of these vendors (I have no relationship with either one):

http://store.b2bprofessionaltools.com/

http://contenti.com/

All the best, and have fun......

[bigbob76]

I would say buy a cheap set of files at HF and once you find out which ones are useful buy better quality files to replace the cheap ones you used. That way you don't have a bunch of expensive files that don't get used.

[Utha Schleigle]

Don't forget the swap meets - tool stands sell used fies for .5ocents to $3.oo each. Cheap needle files sets are $2.oo.

If you want good one - new and or surplus. Try the YARD - this a aircraft tool store - so these will work on alum or steel.

http://www.yardstore.com/browse.cfm/2,465.html