How to Clean Files and Rasps
Brush a clogged file or rasp along its teeth with a carbon-steel brush. It suits coarse shop files and rasps that load with wood, resin or metal.
What you need
Model 46850Carbon Steel Wire Brush
$3.01 each$2.05 each at 100 or more
- file card or soft-metal pick
- clean dry rag
Steps
- Check the tool is a cut-tooth steel file or rasp, not a diamond or ceramic file.
- Lay the file flat on a clean support, or hold the safe edge in soft jaws.
- Find the direction of the teeth under raking light.
- Brush parallel to the rows of teeth, away from you, with light pressure.
- Pull stubborn pins out with a pick or soft-metal pin, moving parallel to the cut.
- Wipe the tool dry, test it on scrap, and store it dry and apart from other tools.
Tips
- Brush along the tooth rows, never across them.
- Wood, resin and soft metals pack between teeth. Pins that remain will keep scratching the work.
- Use a finer file card for fine-cut or narrow files.
- Cleaning does not sharpen. Do not run another file, wheel or stone over the teeth.
Watch out
- The brush is hand-only. Never chuck it in a drill or grinder.
- Never use a file as a pry bar, punch or hammer. It is brittle and can break.
- Do not brush files that carry lead, asbestos, silica or unknown contaminants without a residue plan.
Questions about the right tool for your job? Email cs@hydestore.com or call 508-916-6442.