Double-cut files feature a second set of teeth that cut in the opposite direction and are used for more aggressive filing, shaping or removing rust from metal and smoothing wood.Single-cut files have one set of teeth and are used to provide a somewhat smoother finish or create a sharp edge on knives, shears or saws.Each of the sides is either cut and has teeth or uncut and is smooth. Feature parallel, diagonal rows of teeth that form ridges across the surface.When choosing between a file and a rasp it’s important to consider the material you’re working with and how fine of a finish you need. A rasp is a form of a file with distinct, individually cut teeth used for coarsely removing large amounts of material.įiles have also been developed with abrasive surfaces, such as natural or synthetic diamond grains or silicon carbide, allowing removal of material that would dull or resist steel files, such as ceramic. Most are hand tools, made of a case-hardened steel bar of rectangular, square, triangular, or round cross-section, with one or more surfaces cut with sharp, generally parallel teeth.Ī narrow, pointed tang is common at one end, to which a handle may be fitted. It is common in woodworking, metalworking, and other similar trade and hobby tasks.

A file is a tool used to remove fine amounts of material from a workpiece.

Flat bastard file