Files and Rasps: Types, Cuts and How to Choose

File or rasp: what each one is for

Files and rasps both remove material little by little and shape a workpiece, but they are not the same tool. Files are used on metal: mechanic's files work cast steel, aluminium, bronze, zinc, copper, grey cast iron and brass. Rasps have a more open tooth pattern and are used on wood and plastics; farrier rasps, in addition, are used for horse hoof care. There is also a third group, sharpening files, designed to restore the edge on saws, machetes, hoes or chainsaw chains. You can see the whole range in the files and rasps and sharpening files and accessories collections.

Mechanic's files: the workshop file

These are the general-purpose files. The ones in the Bellota range are forged in one piece from high-chromium steel and receive a double heat treatment (spheroidising annealing and through hardening) to resist wear. The shape depends on the job:

• Flat taper and flat parallel: roughing, fitting, deburring and square-angle finishing. The Bellota 4001 flat taper mechanic's file is made from 4" (100 mm) to 14" (350 mm), in coarse, medium and fine cuts.
• Triangular: reaches inside angles, grooves and angular profiles.
• Round and half-round: inside radii and curved surfaces.
• Square: slots and recesses with a square section.
• Thin flat: the Bellota 4007 is only 2 mm thick (15 × 2 mm section) and fits narrow slots, for example in work on keys.

Coarse, medium or fine cut

The cut is the size of the teeth, and it decides how much material the file removes and what finish it leaves. According to the data sheets for the range, the coarse cut is for roughing, the medium cut for an average finish and the fine cut for fine touch-ups. On needle files, for example, the data sheet lists 20 teeth per 10 mm in the coarse cut, 28 in the medium and 38 in the fine. The usual approach is to start with a more open cut to remove material and finish with a finer one to refine the surface.

Needle files and precision files

These are small files, 160 mm long, for watchmaking, jewellery, engraving, model making and fitting small parts. They are forged from high-hardness steel and come in flat taper, flat parallel, round, half-round, triangular and square shapes. If you will use several shapes, a set is more practical than buying them one by one: the Bellota 4077 set of 12 needle files includes six shapes in coarse and fine cuts in a case, and the 4078 set contains six shapes in coarse cut. Needle files are sold without a handle.

Sharpening files for saws and farm tools

Here the shape depends on what you want to sharpen:

• Triangular: for saw teeth, machetes, hoes and other agricultural tools. The Bellota 4042 regular triangular sharpening file has teeth on three faces and comes in eight lengths, from 75 to 250 mm. The series also includes slim (4041) and extra-slim (4040) grades, designed for saws. For machetes and hoes there is also the 4081.
• Round for chainsaws: the Bellota 4050 round sharpening file is 200 mm long and comes in diameters from 3.2 to 5.5 mm. Choose the diameter specified by your chain's manufacturer.
• Flat parallel with round edge: the 4045 is sold with a bi-material handle, in 150 and 200 mm, and is designed for saws, machetes and hoes.

For pruning shears and cutting tools there is also a tungsten carbide sharpener, the Bellota 3642. To choose the right tool to sharpen, see our guide to axes, machetes and sickles.

Wood rasps

The carpenter's rasps in the range are forged from chrome steel with a double cut and are used on wood and plastics. The most common shapes are:

• Half-round: one flat face for straight surfaces and one curved face for concave shapes. The Bellota 4101 half-round carpenter's rasp is made from 6" to 12" in coarse, medium and fine cuts. The cabinetmaker's version is the 4102.
• Flat taper: the 41038E has teeth on all 4 faces and an 8" (200 mm) blade for surfaces, edges and corners.
• Round: the 4104 is for radii, curves and holes, and comes in 6", 8" and 10".

Farrier rasps

These are double-sided rasps, with a rasp face for roughing and a file face for finishing, designed for horse hoof care. They differ mainly in width and working length. The Bellota Prime Level 4137 farrier rasp is 50 mm wide with a 14" working length and, according to the data sheet, is 12% wider and 10% thinner than standard rasps. The Raptor Plus 4140 is extra wide (57 mm) for large hooves; the 4133RAF is designed to be used with both hands, and the Mini 413208RAFMB, with a handle, for pony and foal hooves.

Handles: with or without

Many files and rasps are sold without a handle and accept Bellota replacement handles, which the data sheets list for each model. Versions whose reference ends in MB, such as the 4001MB, include an ergonomic bi-material handle made of polypropylene and elastomer that reduces vibration. Never work with a file that has no handle fitted: the tang can dig into your hand. You will find more details in our guide to replacement handles.

Basic maintenance

• Clean the file with a wire brush to remove chips from the teeth.
• Store it so it does not rub against other files or metal tools, and protect it from moisture.
• Do not use it as a lever or strike it: hard steel can break.
• Press on the forward stroke and lift on the return, so you do not wear the teeth.

How to choose the right file or rasp

• Define the material: metal (file), wood or plastic (carpenter's rasp), hoof (farrier rasp).
• Choose the shape according to the recess or profile you will work.
• Pick the cut: coarse to remove material, medium for an average finish, fine to refine.
• Match the length to the size of the piece; for precision work, the 160 mm needle file.
• Check whether it comes with a handle or whether you need to add one.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a file and a rasp?

A file is used on metal, while a rasp, with a more open tooth pattern, is used on wood and plastics. Farrier rasps are also designed for horse hoof care.

Which cut should I choose: coarse, medium or fine?

It depends on the finish: coarse is for roughing, medium for an average finish and fine for fine touch-ups. The usual approach is to start with an open cut and finish with a finer one.

Which file do I need to sharpen a chainsaw chain?

A round sharpening file, such as the Bellota 4050, which is 200 mm long and comes in diameters from 3.2 to 5.5 mm. Choose the diameter specified by your chain's manufacturer.

Do files come with a handle?

It depends on the model. Many are sold without a handle and accept replacement handles, while the MB versions, such as the 4001MB, include an ergonomic bi-material handle.

Which file can I use to sharpen a machete or a hoe?

A triangular sharpening file, such as the Bellota 4081 or the 4042, designed for machetes, hoes, saws and other agricultural tools. They are sold without a handle and accept Bellota replacement handles.

Find the whole range in the files and rasps collection and in the sharpening files and accessories collection.