Abrafiles

[DMBParticipant @dmb]

A friend not on internet has asked for help in obtaining the impossible (I think). My internet research suggests original maker gave up years ago. He wants something as tough as a tile saw without the big securing heads each end. I had an old padlock with “hardened” stamped on the hasp. The maker wasn’t lying – my goodness it was hard work sawing through it with a tile saw but proved what I wanted to know- is a tile saw up to cutting hardened steel? Now questions: 1) Can any of you suggest a source of supply of Abrafiles or very similar?
2) Is it possible to remove the oversize heads from a tile saw and how? and how to fit a tiny replacement?
Any advice please?
TIA.

[DMBParticipant @dmb]

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by DMB on 18/06/2015 10:01:02:

A friend not on internet has asked for help in obtaining the impossible (I think).

He wants something as tough as a tile saw without the big securing heads each end.

Is it possible to remove the oversize heads from a tile saw and how? and how to fit a tiny replacement?

.

This is beginning to sound like a jail-breakout

Seriously though … Can you give a little more detail about what he wants to do ?

"Abrafiles" came in two versions that I know of … one was rather like a grit tilesaw, but the other was all metal, like a round file.

MichaelG.

[Cornish JackParticipant @cornishjack]

I'm afraid that your friend is out of luck – probably. Abrafile ceased production some time back. VERY occasionally they appear on Ebay and (for obvious reasons) command ridiculous prices. Prior to the 'surge' I had managed to collect a few but anything that survived was put into storage.

There is really no substitute, because of the small end fittings, but Permagrit (usual disclaimer) do some similar bonded grit blades (plus other items) which have similar cutting power. Their problem is the inability to access internal cuts.

rgds

Bill

[Ed DuffnerParticipant @edduffner79357]

Something I found the other day. LINK

Or some type of diamond edge cutting wheel for a mini grinder perhaps?

Ed.

[DMBParticipant @dmb]

MichaelG,
Thank you for your reply. It was neither a break – out or – in! Padlock was gripped in my workshop bench vice. That was hard work enough, so good luck to any burglar trying to do same in dark with padlock waggling about on some gate.
Cannot remember why he wanted an Abrafile. I will ask him when I next see him – probably next club meet in July.
John.

Edited By DMB on 18/06/2015 13:45:58

[DMBParticipant @dmb]

Bill and Ed,
Thank you for your replies and info.
I guess the small end-holding method will have to be workshop generated. No firm can now make and sell similar as I expect original was patented and cost of buying patent on top of production and distribution could not be covered by level of sales.
However, prob. still there!
Am thinking along lines of carving ends off a tile saw and using a claw type mod. to saw frame to grip small remains of original saw end. This will also solve problem of complete removal of original end and of securing new smaller replacement.
John

Edited By DMB on 18/06/2015 14:01:09

[john carruthersParticipant @johncarruthers46255]

for hardened padlocks I cannot recomend the 'inox' type thin cutting discs highly enough. A friend keeps losing keys and I regularly cut the old locks off for him. A battery angle grinder and a 1mm disc; like the Wehrmacht through Luxembourg.

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