<h2 class="ql-align-justify">Needle-Work On The Needle File</h2><p class="ql-align-justify">What is the most common type of file that a jeweller, clockmaker, or a precision engineer will use. The answer is – the needle file. Needle files are small hardened steel files used for filing, shaping, deburring, setting, chamfering, smoothing, and finishing small pieces of works in metals, wood, plastics, and polymer clay.</p><p>&lt;img ahref="https://samsindusneeds.com/gallary/202301111338Needle%20Files%20in%20Mysore.jpg" alt="jeweller using a needle file in Mysore" /&gt;</p><p class="ql-align-justify">There is no internationally accepted nomenclature for needle files. A jeweller using a&nbsp;<a href="https://samsindusneeds.com/shop?limit=12&amp;category=hand-tool&amp;sub_category=file-and-rasp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>needle file in Mysore</strong></a>&nbsp;or a precision engineer in Bangalore will be using very similar files that may have physical differences. But both will be accepted as similar type of file because of the prevalence of generally accepted names for certain kinds of files. A “Blunt” file will have a parallel cross-section through-out its length. A “Tapering” one will be pointed at the point and broader at the base. The small extension that is used to fix it to the handle or the chuck is the “Tang”. Needle files are slender files that are 18 cm in length. They lack the tang but their handles are knurled for gripping.</p><h2 class="ql-align-justify">The different cross-sections of needle files are:</h2><ul data-checked="false"><li class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Hand File:&nbsp;</strong>These types of files are used for regular work. It has a parallel width with tapering thickness.</li><li class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Warding Files</strong>:&nbsp;These have a parallel cross-section with a thin and tapered width ending in a point.</li><li class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Half Round File:</strong>&nbsp;This file will look like a round file that has been cut into half. One side or edge will be flat and the other side will have a semi-circular cross-section.</li><li class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Triangular File:&nbsp;</strong>These files have three (3) sides or edges, which may or may not be of equal width and tapering to the point. The triangular files are also known as Three-Square files.</li><li class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Square File:</strong>&nbsp;The cross section of these files will have have four (4) edges with equal width and tapering to the point.</li><li class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Round File:</strong>&nbsp;The cross-section is cylindrical with a uniform diameter along the length of the file.</li><li class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Knife Files:</strong>&nbsp;These are tapered in width and thickness. The knife edge has same thickness along the whole length, with the knife edge having an arc to it.</li><li class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Crossing Files:</strong>&nbsp;Round file with one side having a larger radius than the other and is tapered in width and thickness. The dual radial sections make possible filing at the junction of two curved surfaces or a straight and curved surface.</li><li class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Barette File:</strong>&nbsp;The name coming from French word, these have a tapering width and thickness with a rounded point tip. Only the flat side is used for cutting.</li><li class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Slitting Files</strong>:&nbsp;These files are parallel in width with a diamond-shaped cross section and thinner than knife files for filing slots.</li></ul><p class="ql-align-justify">It is important that you&nbsp;use your needle file on a forward stroke with gently pressure, ensuring the whole file comes into contact with your piece, because of the forward-facing teeth on them. A common mistake when using needle files is to use them in a sawing action, back and forth. If used incorrectly the teeth of the file will round off and dull quickly making them unusable.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">These Needle files are fine and delicate, and with proper care and use will last a lifetime. While using and storing them, always:</p><ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Do&nbsp;use a dry toothbrush or a stiff paint brush to clean them with if the teeth become clogged,</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Do&nbsp;keep them dry,</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Do&nbsp;use them in one direction only,</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Do&nbsp;store them on their own, back in their packet,</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Do not&nbsp;let them roll off your bench,</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Do not&nbsp;drop them,</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Do not&nbsp;bend them,</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Do not&nbsp;put excess strain on them,</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Do not&nbsp;use them in a see-saw, back and forth action, and</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Do not&nbsp;store them where they will become damaged by friction against other tools.</li></ul><p><br></p>