Flat File
A flat, tapered steel file with cutting teeth for smoothing and shaping metal by hand.
What is it?
The flat file is a rectangular, tapered steel tool with rows of cutting teeth that abrade and shape metal. It smooths edges, flattens surfaces, and deburrs by being pushed across the work.
What is it used for?
- Smoothing and flattening metal edges
- Deburring after cutting
- Shaping soft metals and plastics
How to choose
Choose cut (coarseness) to material and finish: a coarse cut removes stock fast, a smooth cut finishes. A handle is essential for control.
Anatomy
Understanding the parts of a flat file helps you use, maintain, and buy it with confidence.
- Teeth: the rows of cutting edges that abrade metal
- Cut: the coarseness grade of the teeth
- Heel: the blunt end where the handle mounts
- Point: the tapered end that leads the stroke
Materials & construction
Files are made from hardened high-carbon steel with teeth cut at a specific angle. The steel is case-hardened so the cutting edges stay sharp while the body stays tough.
Safety & maintenance
- Always fit a handle; a tang without a handle can stab your hand
- Push the file forward to cut and lift it on the return to spare the teeth
- Keep the file dry and clean with a file card to prevent rust and clogging
- Never use a file without a handle
Also known as
hand file, bastard file