American Pattern

Choosing an American Pattern File

Selecting the proper file for your application is essential if your going to achieve the desired result for your job. When selecting the proper file you most consider its shape, size, tooth type, and coarseness. The size and the coarseness of the file are directly related. Larger files will remove more stock but will also leave your project with a coarse finish, while smaller files will remove less stock, but will leave a finer, smoother finish.

Parts of the File
Coarseness
Kinds of Teeth
Shape

Parts of the File

  • Length is measured exclusive of tang, from point to heel,unless specified otherwise
  • Desired stroke length, type of material and size will determine length required
ClassicPlain ×

Kinds of Teeth

    SINGLE-CUT

  • Single set of parallel, diagonal rows of teeth
  • Single-cut files are often used with light pressure to produce a smooth surface finish or to put a keen edge on knives, shears or saws
ClassicPlain
      • DOUBLE-CUT

      • 2 sets of diagonal rows of teeth
      • Second set of teeth cut in opposite diagonal direction and on top of the first set
      • First set of teeth is known as the overcut, second is known as upcut
      • Upcut is finer than overcut
      • Double-cut file is used with heavier pressure than the single-cut and removes material faster from the workpiece
      ClassicPlain

        MAGICUT

      • Single cut teeth divided by angular serrations into shorter cutting edges, which free themselves readily from chips and perform roughing and smoothing at the same time
      ClassicPlain

        CURVED-CUT

      • Teeth arranged in curved contours across the file face
      • Curved-cut file is normally used in automotive body shops for smoothing body panels
      ClassicPlain

        RASP-CUT

      • Series of individual teeth which are formed by a single-pointed tool
      • Produces a rough cut that is used primarily on wood, hooves, aluminum and lead
      ClassicPlain

Coarseness

  • Work to be accomplished, whether roughing or finishing, will determine type of teeth and coarseness for each application
  • Most American pattern files are available with 3 grades of cut: bastard-cut, second-cut and smooth-cut
ClassicPlain

Shape

  • Area to be filed will determine specific cross-section (round, square, flat, etc.) to be used
ClassicPlain ×
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  1. Nicholson 07894N, Nicholson File #07894N 8 in. Flat Magicut

    Sku #: 3HN-07894N

    Nicholson File #07894N 8 in. Flat Magicut
    As low as $169.58
  2. Nicholson 07917N, Nicholson File #07917N 10 in. Flat Magicut

    Sku #: 3HN-07917N

    Nicholson File #07917N 10 in. Flat Magicut
    As low as $115.78
  3. Nicholson 07941N, Nicholson File #07941N 12 in. Flat Magicut

    Sku #: 3HN-07941N

    Nicholson File #07941N 12 in. Flat Magicut
    As low as $146.41
  4. Nicholson 03434N, Nicholson File #03434N 4 in. Flat Smooth Cut

    Sku #: 3HN-03434N

    Nicholson File #03434N 4 in. Flat Smooth Cut
    As low as $146.41
  5. Nicholson 03500N, Nicholson File #03500N 6 in. Flat Second Cut

    Sku #: 3HN-03500N

    Nicholson File #03500N 6 in. Flat Second Cut
    As low as $131.14
  6. Nicholson 03533N, Nicholson File #03533N 6 in. Flat Smooth Cut

    Sku #: 3HN-03533N

    Nicholson File #03533N 6 in. Flat Smooth Cut
    As low as $156.15
  7. Nicholson 03599N, Nicholson File #03599N 8 in. Flat Second Cut

    Sku #: 3HN-03599N

    Nicholson File #03599N 8 in. Flat Second Cut
    As low as $169.58
  8. Nicholson 03632N, Nicholson File #03632N 8 in. Flat Smooth Cut

    Sku #: 3HN-03632N

    Nicholson File #03632N 8 in. Flat Smooth Cut
    As low as $181.17
  9. Nicholson 03633N, Nicholson File #03633N 8 in. Flat Smooth Cut

    Sku #: 3HN-03633N

    Nicholson File #03633N 8 in. Flat Smooth Cut
    As low as $100.34
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