Files & Rasps Price Comparison 2026
Compare 202 files & rasps from Draper Tools, PFERD and more. Find the best price across top UK retailers and pick the right cut for your job.
Files and rasps sit at the unglamorous end of the workshop, yet they're the tools that separate a rough cut from a finished piece. Our catalogue of 202 products spans everything from a basic flat file for deburring mild steel to professional-grade PFERD diamond files capable of tackling hardened alloys — and the price gap between those two worlds is considerable, running from 2 £ up to 66 £.
Draper Tools dominates the listing by sheer volume, with 73 products averaging around £34. They're the go-to for tradespeople and serious DIYers who want reliable, no-fuss performance without the premium price tag. PFERD, on the other hand, brings 65 products at a significantly higher average — their engineering-grade files are a different proposition entirely, built for metalworking professionals who need consistent cut geometry and long service life. Yato fills the budget end of the market with 44 products averaging just £7; perfectly adequate for occasional use, but we wouldn't rely on them for daily workshop work.
One thing worth noting: the median price sits at 11 £, which tells you that half the catalogue is actually quite affordable. The jump to the upper quartile at 36 £ is where you start finding specialist sets, longer files (300 mm+), and professional single-cut or double-cut files with anti-corrosion treatments. If you're buying for a one-off job, a Draper or Yato set from the lower end of the range is perfectly sensible. If you're fitting out a metalworking bench or doing regular bodywork, investing in PFERD or Bahco makes a measurable difference to finish quality and tool longevity.
For woodworkers, rasps deserve a separate mention — their coarser, individually cut teeth are designed for shaping timber and composites rather than metal, and they're often sold alongside woodworking tools for good reason. Those working on masonry or concrete will find more relevant options in masonry chisels, while anyone doing surface prep and cleaning between filing stages should also look at wire brushes — an essential companion tool. Use MagicPrices to compare live prices across retailers like Amazon.co.uk, Screwfix, and Toolstation before committing.
How to Choose the Right File or Rasp
With 202 products across a wide price range, picking the right file isn't just about budget — the wrong cut profile or tooth grade will either chew through your workpiece or barely scratch it. Here's what actually matters when making your choice.
Profile shape for the job in hand
This is the first decision, and it's non-negotiable. A flat file handles flat surfaces and outside curves; a half-round gives you a flat face and a curved face in one tool, making it the most versatile option for general use. Round files (rat-tail) are for enlarging holes and inside curves. Triangular files are essential for sharpening saw teeth and working into corners. Needle files — typically sold in sets — are for precision work on small components. If you only buy one file, a half-round in medium cut covers the most ground.
Cut grade: matching the tooth to the task
Cut grade controls how aggressively the file removes material. Bastard cut (coarse) is for rapid stock removal — use it first when there's a lot of material to shift. Second cut (medium) follows up to refine the shape. Smooth cut (fine) is for finishing and producing a near-polished surface. A common mistake is reaching for a fine file too early; you'll spend three times as long on a job. Conversely, finishing with a bastard cut leaves visible scratch marks that are hard to remove. Most professional sets include all three grades for a reason.
Length: longer isn't always better
File length should roughly match the size of the workpiece. A 200–250 mm file is the workshop standard and suits most tasks. Shorter files (100–150 mm) give more control for detailed or confined work. Longer files (300–400 mm) are for large flat surfaces — bodywork, engineering stock — where a short file would rock and create an uneven finish. Sets in the 5 £ to 11 £ range typically include 150–200 mm files, which is fine for most DIY applications.
Single-cut vs double-cut: speed or finish?
Single-cut files have one set of parallel teeth running diagonally across the face. They cut more slowly but produce a finer, smoother finish — ideal for finishing passes and for use on non-ferrous metals like aluminium and brass, which tend to clog double-cut files. Double-cut files have two sets of teeth crossing each other; they remove material faster and are better suited to steel and cast iron. For most general metalwork, double-cut for shaping and single-cut for finishing is the standard approach.
Handle quality and ergonomics
A bare file tang (the pointed end) without a handle is a safety hazard — it can pierce your palm if the file catches. Budget files from Yato and entry-level Draper sets often come without handles, or with basic plastic ones. For occasional use, that's acceptable. For extended work, a proper ergonomic handle — rubber-grip or hardwood — makes a real difference to fatigue and control. PFERD and Bahco files typically come with well-designed handles as standard, which partly justifies their higher price point above 36 £.
Sets vs individual files: which makes more sense?
A set is almost always better value for anyone building out a toolkit from scratch. Draper's file sets in the 2 £ to 5 £ range offer a solid mix of profiles and cuts for general use. The trade-off is that sets often include profiles you'll rarely use. Professionals who already have a full set and need to replace a specific worn file — say, a 250 mm bastard-cut flat — are better off buying individually. PFERD's individual files, though pricier, are the right call when you need a specific engineering-grade tool rather than a general-purpose assortment.
- Budget picks (From 2 £ to 5 £) : Yato and entry-level Draper single files sit here. Perfectly usable for occasional DIY — deburring, light shaping, basic sharpening. Steel quality is adequate but won't hold an edge as long under heavy use. Good starting point if you're not sure how often you'll reach for a file.
- The practical sweet spot (From 5 £ to 11 £) : This is where Draper's file sets live, offering 5–10 piece assortments covering the most common profiles and cut grades. Solid everyday workshop tools. Bahco and Stanley individual files also appear here — better steel and finish than the budget tier, without the professional price premium.
- For regular workshop use (From 11 £ to 36 £) : Draper's longer, heavier-duty individual files and the lower end of the PFERD range. Noticeably better cut consistency and surface treatment. Worth the step up if you're doing regular metalwork, bodywork, or engineering. The difference in finish quality versus the budget tier is tangible.
- Professional and specialist (Over 36 £) : PFERD's engineering-grade files dominate this tier — diamond files, carbide rasps, specialist profiles for hardened steel and composites. Also where Wera's single file sits at a significant premium. Not for casual use; these are tools for professionals who need consistent, repeatable results and long service life.
Top products
- Yato YT-6222 file/rasp (Yato) : The most affordable entry point in the top 15 — solid for occasional DIY use, but don't expect the tooth consistency or longevity of PFERD or Bahco under regular workshop conditions.
- Draper Tools 44963 file/rasp Files set (Draper Tools) : A well-rounded set at a sensible price — covers the common profiles most DIYers actually need. The sweet spot for anyone building a first toolkit without overspending.
- Draper Tools 83982 file/rasp Files set (Draper Tools) : One of the cheapest sets in the Draper range and a genuine bargain for light use. Don't expect a storage case or ergonomic handles at this price, but the files themselves perform well for the money.
- Draper Tools 60214 file/rasp (Draper Tools) : Sits at the upper end of the Draper range — a heavier-duty individual file with noticeably better finish quality. Worth the step up if you're doing regular metalwork rather than occasional shaping.
- Draper Tools 60209 file/rasp (Draper Tools) : A professional-tier Draper file that competes with the lower end of the PFERD range on price. Good choice for tradespeople who want Draper reliability at a step above the entry-level sets.
Related categories
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a file and a rasp?
A file has rows of parallel or crossed teeth cut into the surface, designed primarily for shaping and finishing metal. A rasp has individually punched, pointed teeth arranged in a pattern, which makes it far more aggressive and better suited to shaping wood, leather, and soft materials. Using a rasp on metal will produce a very rough, uncontrolled finish; using a standard metal file on wood tends to clog quickly. Most sets sold as "files & rasps" include both types, which is why the category covers such a wide range of applications.
How do I stop my file from clogging up?
Rub chalk into the teeth before use — this significantly reduces loading, especially when filing aluminium, lead, or other soft metals. When clogging does occur, clean the file with a file card (a short-bristled wire brush designed specifically for this purpose) by dragging it along the tooth rows. Never tap a file against a hard surface to dislodge swarf; it risks chipping the teeth. Files with built-in cleaning teeth handle this better, but regular maintenance with a file card extends the life of any file considerably.
Which file cut grade should I start with?
Start with bastard cut (coarse) to remove material quickly and get close to your target shape, then switch to second cut (medium) to refine it, and finish with smooth cut (fine) if a polished surface is needed. Jumping straight to a fine file when there's significant material to remove is one of the most common mistakes — it takes far longer and wears the file out faster. Think of it like sanding: you wouldn't start with 400-grit on rough timber.
Are cheap Yato files worth buying, or should I spend more?
For occasional use — deburring a bolt, touching up a blade, light shaping — Yato files at around 2 £ to 5 £ are perfectly adequate. The steel is softer than PFERD or Bahco, so the teeth dull faster under heavy or repeated use, but for a home workshop they'll last years. Where we'd steer you away from budget files is for professional metalworking or any application requiring consistent cut geometry — the tooth spacing on cheaper files is less precise, which shows in the finish. Spend more on individual files for specific tasks; save on sets for general use.
What length file do I actually need?
A 200–250 mm file handles the vast majority of workshop tasks and is the standard length to buy first. As a rule of thumb, the file should be roughly the same length as the surface being worked — a short file on a long flat surface will rock and create a convex finish. For precision work on small components, 150 mm or needle files are the right choice. Files over 300 mm are specialist tools for large engineering stock or bodywork panels; most home users will never need them.
Can I use a metal file on wood?
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Metal files clog almost immediately when used on wood because the sawdust packs tightly between the teeth and is very difficult to clear. A wood rasp or a Surform-style tool is far more effective for shaping timber. If you only have a metal file to hand, a bastard-cut flat file will work in a pinch on hardwood, but expect to clean it constantly and accept a rougher finish than a proper rasp would give.
What are the traps to avoid when buying a file set?
The main trap is buying a large set (10+ pieces) where half the profiles are ones you'll never use, when a 5-piece set covering flat, half-round, round, triangular, and square would serve you better. Also watch out for sets that don't include handles — some budget Draper and Yato sets sell the files bare, and fitting handles separately adds cost and hassle. Finally, check whether the set includes a storage roll or case; loose files in a drawer damage each other's teeth and are a cut hazard. A well-organised set from 5 £ to 11 £ with a proper case is better value than a cheaper set without one.