Any idea where to buy a square file 1/4″ x 1/4″??

[Adam HarrisParticipant @adamharris13683]

[Adam HarrisParticipant @adamharris13683]

Can anyone steer me in the right direction to buy square files (straight, not tapered), in particular I would like to buy a 1/4" to help me finish off a keyway?

[mechman48Participant @mechman48]

Surely any well known DIY store will have them, maybe your 'local' hardware store too.

George.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Don't think I have seen square files that size without a taper, probably better off with a Pillar file.

Edited By JasonB on 29/08/2019 07:56:01

[David George 1Participant @davidgeorge1]

Hi Adam have a look at Vallorbe files they make any size and shape.

David

[roy entwistleParticipant @royentwistle24699]

I would use a three square file ( triangular ) rather than a square

Roy

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Use a 1/4" thick rectangular file, you only need to put the edge in the slot. That's what I do.

Neil

[Gary WoodingParticipant @garywooding25363]

+1 for a 3-square file – it makes sharper corners.

[Ian PParticipant @ianp]

Posted by Gary Wooding on 29/08/2019 12:25:14:

+1 for a 3-square file – it makes sharper corners.

That not really true all the time. I have square and rectangular hand files with sharper corners than all the triangular files that I have.

It only in theory that triangular are better for square holes.

Ian P

[roy entwistleParticipant @royentwistle24699]

Ian P Not if you grind safe edges on them

Roy

[Maurice Cox 1Participant @mauricecox1]

It has been pointed out in the past, in M.E. , that square files are not in fact truely square. They were made like this to make it easier to file a triangular groove into a flat surface by using alternate corners; one corner would be cutting near the bottom of the groove, turn through ninety degrees and it cuts near the surface. I examined one of my files at the time, and the corners of that were definitely not right angles. I have no idea if this practice varied with size of the file, or if it is still done.

Maurice

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

As I say – use a flat file. You can get a cheap one for a few quid and grind it down to fit in a bore (I've done this before) or put a safe edge on it.

Neil

[Jonathan MaesParticipant @jonathanmaes16148]

This might sound odd but if you have a mill with a quill on it you can grind a HSS blank to use as a broach. You can get them 1/4" square and then your corners would be dead perfect.

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