Peculiar needle file

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

If you think the Swiss files we use, look what this one costs. But it is for a higher-precision purpose…

Neil

[Martin WParticipant @martinw]

Neil

I thought that the Swiss were completely metric I didn't know that they still make and sell imperial files . Thanks for the update.

Wishing all a Happy Christmas and Fruitful New Year.

Martin W

Edited By Martin W on 20/12/2017 19:00:33

[JohnFParticipant @johnf59703]

Another use for thin files such s these is cutting slots in screw heads for watches, clocks, guns etc — I have some but also use modified fine tooth hacksaw blades — grind the teeth away on each side of the blade to between 10 & 25 thou thick and they work well. Some screw slot files are also produced in a diamond cross section.
John

[terry simpson 1Participant @terrysimpson1]

The file in question is one used for refreshing magneto points having seen one being used. The occasion being during weekends as members of the ATC in 1950, at RAF Thornaby , being instructed as to how the systems work for routine servicing of aircraft and to how the fitters completed the work and signed off all actions they were responsible for. One instance demonstrated was the cleaning of engine electric breaker points, if I recollect was completed on an Anson engine, using a very fine file just like the one subject of this post. I cannot remember how awkward the access was to the magneto in this instance. One assumption regarding the subject file handle 1.5mm square, surely if working in a confined space, one would need to know that the one or two flat file surfaces were in the correct plane to complete the work where as a round handle needle file correct positioning could not be guaranteed.

[John ReeseParticipant @johnreese12848]

Definitely a distributor breaker point file. They used to be quite common.

[Ian PParticipant @ianp]

Posted by terry simpson 1 on 20/12/2017 20:46:16:

. One assumption regarding the subject file handle 1.5mm square, surely if working in a confined space, one would need to know that the one or two flat file surfaces were in the correct plane to complete the work where as a round handle needle file correct positioning could not be guaranteed.

When using the file (for its designed purpose) there is no need to know the precise plane of the blade. The opposite sides of the file both have the same tooth pitch and when trapped between the points of a contact breaker the cutting pressure comes solely and equally on both faces from the spring holding the contacts closed.

Obviously the contact breaker points need to be separated to insert the file and the file flexibility allows it to more or less to self align whilst is is pushed and pulled. The files thickness (or thinness really) mean the two contact faces are virtually parallel ensuring good contact area.

Ian P

[OldMetallerParticipant @oldmetaller]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 20/12/2017 18:48:46:

If you think the Swiss files we use, look what this one costs. But it is for a higher-precision purpose…

Neil

Blimey! I didn't realise some people's feet were so toxic! Why not use a bit of wet and dry stuck to a 99p cooking spatula?!

Regards,

John.

[martin perman 1Participant @martinperman1]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 20/12/2017 15:31:40:

It's a 'Bedford' file, famously used by Bedford Council for filing paperwork by enlarging the gaps between existing documents, so they could cram even more bureaucracy into a each filing cabinet.

I can't believe you didn't know that.

Neil

Sadly Neil you are very close to the truth, as a resident in Bedfordshire the biggest problem this area has is its Councils including the Borough.

Edited By martin perman on 21/12/2017 10:41:41

[jimmy bParticipant @jimmyb]

Posted by OldMetaller on 21/12/2017 09:55:10:

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 20/12/2017 18:48:46:

If you think the Swiss files we use, look what this one costs. But it is for a higher-precision purpose…

Neil

Blimey! I didn't realise some people's feet were so toxic! Why not use a bit of wet and dry stuck to a 99p cooking spatula?!

Regards,

John.

you should see my feet…….

jim

[Philip RoweParticipant @philiprowe13116]

Gentlemen, I realise that this is a very old thread but I have found in the box that the "contact file" was in, yet another peculiar needle file.

This has an overall length of 90mm and if you look carefully the cutting portion of the file is approximately 55mm long. The tip measures 0.5 x 1.5mm and it tapers to approximately 1.25 x 2.5mm, the cut is extremely fine, it barely makes any mark on brass (haven't tried it on steel) and I can barely see a mark when running it across a finger nail. Using a 10x magnifier l can't find any markings on the plain portion ie handle.

Have any of you any ideas what this could have been for? I did think that it might have had a clock/watch connection but I've not been able to prove/disprove this idea.

Phil

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

It sounds like a pivot burnisher…..

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Phil

From your description, that sounds like ‘cut 6’ [where ‘cut 0’ is the coarse one]
Used for delicate work on watches, and also by goldsmiths.

MichaelG.

[V8EngParticipant @v8eng]

Is it anything like this? They come in various other shapes as well.

File

Edited By V8Eng on 20/10/2022 18:37:24

Edited By V8Eng on 20/10/2022 18:39:46

[Bill PhinnParticipant @billphinn90025]

Posted by V8Eng on 20/10/2022 18:36:06:

Is it anything like this?

File

Edited By V8Eng on 20/10/2022 18:37:24

It won't be one of those, V8; those aren't toothed [like the one in Philip's picture] but have diamond particles [or some sort of abrasive material, at any rate] embedded in them.

Edited By Bill Phinn on 20/10/2022 18:42:59

[KWILParticipant @kwil]

Even the cheaper diamond plates make a good foot file and so much cheaper than Neil's

[DMBParticipant @dmb]

Kwil, I uttered a certain word starting with F, upon reading Neil's Swiss advert and seeing the price, but I guess that as usual, you get what you pay for, if you're lucky. I think that you may have missed the fact that the Swiss version is Stainless and can be sterilised to prevent cross infection.

John

[roy entwistleParticipant @royentwistle24699]

It's for opening the square hole in pocket watch minute hands. There are similar round ones as well. Inalways thought it's a pity they don't make three square ones.

Roy

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Drooling, for the use of: **LINK**

https://www.vallorbe.com/file.cfm?cmsfile=&contentid=6411

MichaelG.

[larry phelan 1Participant @larryphelan1]

I think you got it right, Not done it yet, some people do indeed need to grow up !

How they ever survived in workshops, I dont know !

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Was that a comment on my linking of the Vallorbe catalalogue, Larry ?

For anyone with limited funds ‘drooling over it’ is all that’s likely to happen, pending the Lottery win.

… a handful of files from that long list would be a substantial investment, but it’s always good to see things done properly.

Polite folk might prefer the phrase ‘window shopping’

MichaelG.

[V8EngParticipant @v8eng]

Perhaps ancient threads should be made read only!

Edited By V8Eng on 21/10/2022 10:40:17

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

As Not Done It Yet's comments are 5 years old, he may have done it by now!

[egaParticipant @ega]

I think Bedford had a logo but I suppose there may not have been room for it on this tiny file.

[Philip RoweParticipant @philiprowe13116]

Posted by roy entwistle on 20/10/2022 19:29:47:

It's for opening the square hole in pocket watch minute hands. There are similar round ones as well. Inalways thought it's a pity they don't make three square ones.

Roy

Thanks for that Roy, but surely it would have been easier with a square taper whereas this one is rectangular. Phil

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