what is the best way to clean a file

[yeeshkul]

I have trouble with aluminium covered files when i file holes in aluminium boxes  . What is the best way to clean it? (I always use a smaller bit to drill a hole and file it to the centre ...)

[petemoore]

 Stiff wire brush.
  Clank it real hard on something real hard...make it bend and shudder a bit, seems to clean the stuck pieces out...sometimes.

[Mark Hammer]

Wire brushes work well for wooden residue, but less well for bits of metal jammed into the file.  As terribl;e and stupid as it sounds, I've often had to run the tip of an X-acto blade along the ruts to get stuff out, and THEN go over it with a wire brush.

[Auke Haarsma]

Try one of the know anti-virus progs. They can clean files: McAfee, Norton, Avast! etc.

Or just delete it. No need for dirty files!













ok...jk...

[R.G.]

Best way: Never let it get filled.

Method 1: get hard chalk, not the soft kid's stuff, and rub it into the grooves until they're fulled. Sticking is much reduced, or eliminated.

Method 2: Keep the file, handle up, in a container full of oil. Again, pinning (which is the technical term in the machining trade) is much reduced or eliminated.

To clean it, use a BRASS wire brush. Steel brushes dull the edges of the file. Dull files pin worse than sharp ones. Then dig out any remaining bits with an X-acto knife tip.

[yeeshkul]

Yeah, thanks, i'll do the chalk magic.

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

In theory, you could soak it overnight in a caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) solution. You know, the granular stuff that cleans drains. Say 1 part caustic to 8 parts water.
I certainly dissolved quite a bit of aluminium in caustic soda solution as a child (making hydrogen) so, I expect you could clean a file this way.
Remember, caustic soda will attack your skin (hence the name 'caustic', which is Latin for 'bitey').

[yeeshkul]

Thanks Paul, i know that stuff, i have it at home even Will check it out!

[e178453]

This,

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=382-6992&PMPXNO=944437&PARTPG=INLMK3

or, get hold of a small piece of brass and run it across the file parallel to the teeth, it will dig out whatever is built up between the teeth.