Files
Explore RS Singapore’s extensive selection of files, including needle files, engineer files, flat files, circular files, file sets, and file handles. We offer high-quality filing tools from trusted brands such as Bahco and Facom, as well as our own RS PRO brand.
Benefits of Using Files
Precision Material Removal
File tools enable the controlled, incremental removal of material, enabling users to shape and smooth surfaces with high accuracy. This precision is difficult to achieve with power tools, especially for delicate or detailed work.
Versatility
With a variety of shapes, sizes, and cut grades, file tools and filing tool sets can be used on many materials-including metals, wood, plastics, ceramics, and composites-making them highly versatile tools for fabrication, repair, and finishing.
Surface Finishing
Files tools provide superior surface finishes by removing burrs, sharp edges, and tool marks left by cutting or machining processes. This improves part fit, function, and aesthetics.
Accessibility
Files tools are ideal for working in tight or awkward spaces where power tools cannot reach. Needle files, in particular, excel at intricate tasks requiring fine control.
Cost-Effectiveness and Durability
It is relatively inexpensive to buy filing tools or a file set in Singapore. An industrial file does not need a power source, and can last for many years if properly maintained. They offer a durable solution for both rough and fine material removal without complex setup.
Safety and Control
Manual filing offers greater tactile feedback and control compared to power tools, reducing the risk of over-cutting or damaging delicate parts.
Types of Industrial Files
A diverse range of industrial files and file tools are available for various applications. The selection includes comprehensive file sets, precision needle files, durable engineering files, specialised thread files, and ergonomic file handles, ensuring you can find the right filing tool set or individual file tool to help you shape, smooth, and finish your workpieces with accuracy.
File Sets
File sets are a group of file tools in various shapes and sizes. These sets contain files that are used to remove fine amounts of material from workpieces. Files are mostly handheld tools made of hardened steel with teeth cut into one or more sides that is used for shaping or smoothing off a piece of material by cutting away some of it. Common cross-sectional shapes include rectangular, square, triangular, and round, each suited for different filing tasks.
Engineers Files
Engineer files, also known as hand files, are a type of hand tool used to smooth, deburr, and shape a range of materials including metals and wood. They come in various shapes such as rectangular, square, triangular, and round, and feature different tooth grades including coarse, bastard, second cut, and smooth. To improve comfort and control, engineer files are often used with ergonomic file handles.
Thread Files
Thread files, or also known as thread restoring files, are specialised handheld tools designed to clean, repair, and restore damaged threads on screws, nuts, and bolts. Their teeth are shaped to fit thread profiles precisely, allowing effective removal of rust, burrs, and blockages to restore thread integrity.
Needle Files
A needle file is a small tool that is used for detailed shaping, smoothing, and finishing metal, wood, plastic, ceramic, glass, stone, or polymer clay. They come in different profiles including round, half-round, barrette, pillar (flat), warding, knife, crossing, square, oval, slitting, crochet, and three-square (triangle) shapes, enabling intricate work in tight spaces.
File Handles
Ergonomically designed with textured surface providing excellent grip. The majority of file handles are push-fit, meaning the file is just pushed into the hole in the handle. Sometimes they are screw fit files, which mean they have hardened teeth in the hole in the handle that scores a groove in the soft metal file, to give added grip to the user. A handle is made out of either plastic or wood used with the file to prevent injury to the user.
How Are File Sets Used in Industrial Settings?
File sets and individual file tools are indispensable hand tools across various industrial sectors, providing the means to shape, smooth, and finish materials with precision. Their versatility makes them essential for detailed work and material removal.
Metalworking and Fabrication Shops
In metalworking and fabrication, file sets and individual industrial files are essential for deburring sharp edges after cutting or welding. They are used to shape metal components, enlarge holes, and create precise fits. Filing tools set options provide a variety of shapes and cuts for diverse tasks in these shops, ensuring clean and accurate finishes.
Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) Departments
MRO departments utilise filing tools set for repairing machinery and equipment. They are used to smooth worn
parts, clean threads with thread files, and prepare surfaces for new components. Having a comprehensive file set on hand is crucial for efficient repairs, deburring rough areas, and ensuring proper fit of replacement parts during maintenance and upkeep.
Machine Shops
Machine shops use file sets and precision engineering files for finishing machined parts. They are employed to refine surfaces, remove tool marks, and create specific contours or radii that machining alone cannot achieve. File set tools provide the necessary variety of shapes and cuts for intricate work on different materials, ensuring high-quality finishes on precision components.
Automotive Repair and Restoration
In automotive repair, file sets are invaluable for tasks like cleaning battery terminals, shaping body filler, and repairing damaged threads using thread files. Restoration projects often require detailed shaping and smoothing of metal parts with various industrial files from a comprehensive filing tool set to achieve original contours and finishes before painting or reassembly.
How to Choose the Right File
Choosing the right file tool or filing tool set is important for achieving precise material removal and finishing in various applications. Consider the following factors to ensure you choose the right file set for your needs:
- Material You Will Be Filing: Different materials require specific file cut patterns and tooth configurations for efficient and clean material removal; consider whether you'll be working with metal, wood, plastic, or other substances before you buy an industrial file online.
- Shape and Size: The shape and length of the file tool should match the contours and size of the workpiece to allow for optimal contact and control.
- Cut and Grade: The cut (single, double, rasp, etc.) and grade (coarse, bastard, smooth, etc.) determine the rate of material removal and the finish quality. A comprehensive file set will offer different types of file tools for different stages of work.
- Ergonomics and Grip: A comfortable and secure grip on the filing tool improves your fine control and reduces fatigue, especially during prolonged use.
Ordering & Delivery Information for SG
At RS Singapore, you'll be able to buy a wide range of industrial files, file sets, and filing tool sets from leading brands including SAM, RS PRO, and Facom—ideal for metalworking, fabrication, and maintenance tasks in Singapore.
RS offers fast delivery of storage boxes and storage containers within Singapore. We also supply related sanding, filing, and polishing tools like wire wool and hand reamers. Next-working-day delivery is available for online orders (Terms & Conditions apply). Please refer to our Delivery page for more details regarding our full range of delivery services and fees.
