Question 1

What is the difference between a file and a rasp?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

How do I stop my file from clogging up?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Which file cut grade should I start with?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Are cheap Yato files worth buying, or should I spend more?

Accepted Answer

For occasional use — deburring a bolt, touching up a blade, light shaping — Yato files at around 4 £ to 10 £ 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.

Question 5

What length file do I actually need?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Can I use a metal file on wood?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What are the traps to avoid when buying a file set?

Accepted Answer

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 10 £ to 34 £ with a proper case is better value than a cheaper set without one.

Files & Rasps Price Comparison

Draper Tools 60212 file/rasp

Draper Tools 60209 file/rasp

Draper Tools 60210 file/rasp

Draper Tools 60208 file/rasp

Draper Tools 44953 file/rasp

Draper Tools 00008 file/rasp

Draper Tools 00006 file/rasp

Draper Tools 00007 file/rasp

Yato YT-6233 file/rasp

Yato YT-6225 file/rasp

Files & Rasps Price Comparison