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Industrial metal file

(75 products)

When the patience of the craftsman meets the precision of metal. Our industrial metal files transform raw surfaces and stubborn burrs into impeccable finishes accurate to within a hundredth of a millimeter.

From Quebec machine shops to welding yards, equip yourself with hand tools that sculpt steel with the precision your quality standards demand. Because some finishes leave no room for error and deserve the absolute control offered by expert hands wielding hardened steel.

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A complete guide to choosing your professional industrial metal files

What type of metal file should I choose depending on the profile I need to work on?

The choice of metal file shape depends directly on the surface profile to be adjusted and the available access. Flat files from 150 to 300 mm are suitable for flat surfaces, rectangular grooves, and straight edge adjustments, with widths from 10 to 40 mm depending on the part dimensions.

Half-round files combine a flat face and a curved face, offering versatility for various surfaces, ideal for general workshops carrying out diverse work.
Round files with diameters from 3 to 20 mm are excellent for widening circular holes, adjusting holes and finishing concave contours inaccessible to flat shapes.

Triangular files allow for the finishing of acute internal angles from 60 to 90 degrees in grooves and notches. Specialized quarter-round files are suitable for connecting grooves and fillets requiring a precise rounded profile.

Multi-shape sets including 5 to 12 files of varying geometries offer an economical solution for workshops requiring maximum versatility. Typical working lengths of 100 to 250 mm cover fine adjustments and significant material removal. Shank files from 50 to 150 mm are suitable for drills and rotary tools for mechanizing repetitive tasks.

Polar Industrial Equipment advises selection according to the diversity of your applications and daily production volumes.

understand the differences between coarse, medium and fine

The tooth pattern of industrial metal files determines the rate of material removal and the quality of the finish obtained. Coarse files with 20 to 30 teeth per inch quickly remove 0.5 to 2 mm of material for initial roughing and major adjustments. This high aggressiveness results in a relatively rough surface, requiring subsequent finishing with finer teeth.

Medium-tooth files with 40 to 50 teeth per inch offer an optimal compromise between material removal speed and finish quality for most professional applications. They remove 0.2 to 0.5 mm with an acceptable semi-finished surface for standard joinery.

Their versatility makes them popular in workshops where they perform a variety of tasks on a daily basis.
Fine-toothed files with 60 to 80 teeth per inch produce precise finishes of 0.05 to 0.2 mm for critical dimensional adjustments and surface preparation prior to assembly or painting.

Smooth surface minimizing subsequent polishing work. Diamond files offer ultra-fine teeth for hard materials such as hardened steel, carbide, and ceramics that are impossible to file with conventional steel.
Typical professional progression: roughing with coarse teeth, adjustment with medium, finishing with fine.

Polar Industrial Equipment recommends acquiring several gear sets for maximum flexibility depending on the work stages.

Hardened steel files versus diamond files: technologies and applications

High-carbon hardened steel industrial metal files dominate common applications on mild steel, aluminum, copper, and brass. Heat treatment to 58-62 HRC imparts superior hardness to the metal being worked, enabling efficient cutting.

One-piece construction, 200 to 350 mm in length, including an integrated handle or tang for ferrule attachment. Priced from $12 to $45, they are accessible for intensive daily use, with a lifespan of 500 to 2000 hours depending on materials and techniques.
Diamond files incorporate industrial diamond particles electrodeposited on a metallic substrate, offering exceptional hardness for difficult materials.

Superior performance on hardened steel, stainless steel, titanium, carbide, and composite materials impossible to file with conventional steel. Priced from $40 to $149, justified by its versatility and lifespan of 3,000 to 5,000 hours in abrasive materials.
Diamond files produce a finer surface with less physical effort compared to steel files in hard materials.

No clogging in sticky materials like aluminum and plastics thanks to the open geometry of the diamond grains. Simple cleaning with a brass brush maintains consistent performance. For stainless steel and common exotic materials, the investment in diamond files pays for itself quickly.

Polar Industrial Equipment stocks both technologies for optimal adaptation to your specific materials.

Professional applications: machining, welding and precision fitting

Machinists use industrial metal files for fine adjustments of machined parts requiring tolerances of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, which are impossible to achieve economically by re-machining. Deburring sharp edges after turning and milling prevents cuts and facilitates assembly.

Adjustment of keys, pins and fasteners for tight H7/g6 fits requiring controlled progressive removal of a few hundredths of a millimeter.
Welders require flat and half-round files for removing slag, spatter and burrs after MIG, TIG and arc welding.

Chamfer preparation prior to welding ensures optimal penetration. Weld bead finishing provides an aesthetic appearance and reduces stress concentrations. Files are resistant to abrasive flux residues and slag without rapid premature wear. Fitters and assemblers use these files to adapt parts during the assembly of metal structures, machines, and equipment.

Correction of deformations, alignment adjustments, and adaptation of slightly out-of-tolerance parts, preventing costly rejections. Files allow for on-site adjustments without complete disassembly or return to the workshop. Triangular files are essential for adjusting keyways and positioning notches.

Polar Industrial Equipment provides complete configurations tailored to specific trade specialties for maximum efficiency.

Safe filing techniques and maintenance of professional files

The safe filing technique requires a firm grip on the file with the dominant hand on the handle and the non-dominant hand on the tip for guidance and even pressure. Long strokes of 200 to 300 mm using the full length of the file maximize efficiency and uniformity of finish.

Pressure only on forward stroke, file lifted slightly on return avoiding premature wear of the teeth and generation of excessive heat.
Ergonomic working position with workpiece securely fixed at elbow height, reducing fatigue during prolonged filing. Wearing safety glasses is mandatory to prevent injuries from flying metal shavings.

Abrasion-resistant gloves that protect hands while maintaining the tactile sensitivity needed for precise control of material removal and detection of hardness variations.
Proper file maintenance prolongs their lifespan and ensures optimal performance. Clean the teeth after each use with a brass wire brush to remove accumulated filings that clog the teeth.

Files with aluminum buildup require soaking in a degreasing solution followed by brushing. Suspended storage prevents friction between files, which can damage fragile teeth. A light application of protective oil to steel files prevents oxidation during prolonged storage. Replace when the teeth become dull after 500 to 2000 hours, as efficiency decreases drastically, requiring excessive effort.

Polar Industrial Equipment offers replacement files for uninterrupted operational continuity.

We answer your questions about industrial metal files

Which metal file is best for fitting stainless steel parts?

For stainless steel, prioritize diamond files or high quality fine cut steel files to prevent rapid clogging typical of this abrasive and sticky material.

Diamond files offer superior performance with a service life 3 to 5 times longer when used on stainless steel.

Specific recommendations:

  • Diamond files: Efficient cutting without clogging, price 40 to 149 dollars
  • Fine cut steel files: Acceptable with frequent cleaning, price 15 to 35 dollars
  • Lubricant application: Reduces friction and particle buildup
  • Regular cleaning: Brass brush after every 10 to 15 strokes

Flat and half round files in the 200 to 250 mm range cover most stainless steel applications. Filing with moderate pressure and full length strokes prevents overheating, which can work harden the material.

Équipement Industriel Polar stocks specialized diamond files for intensive work on stainless steel and difficult materials.

Do diamond files work on all metals?

Yes, diamond files work effectively on all metals including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, carbide, and composite materials.

Their universal versatility eliminates the need for material specific files, simplifying inventory management for workshops handling diverse materials.

Performance by material:

  • Stainless steel: Excellent, no clogging compared to steel files
  • Aluminum: Superior, open geometry prevents material buildup
  • Hardened steel: The only effective option, steel files dull quickly
  • Titanium and exotic alloys: Optimal performance not achievable with conventional files

Diamond files produce a smoother finish with less physical effort on hard materials. Cutting speed remains consistent throughout their service life, unlike steel files that gradually dull. Cleaning is simple with a brush and does not damage diamond grit.

What file length should I choose for precision work versus fast material removal?

For precision work requiring fine control, choose files between 100 and 150 mm for superior maneuverability and tactile feedback.

For rapid material removal, use files between 250 and 300 mm to maximize stroke length and cutting efficiency with reduced physical effort.

Recommendations by application:

  • Precision and fine adjustments: 100 to 150 mm for maximum control
  • General purpose work: 200 to 250 mm optimal balance
  • Fast removal and roughing: 250 to 300 mm maximum efficiency
  • Confined spaces: Shank mounted files 50 to 100 mm used with a drill

Short files allow work in tight spaces and adjustments requiring precision down to 0.05 mm. Longer files reduce fatigue on large surfaces and high volume projects through efficient full length strokes.

How can I extend the lifespan of my industrial metal files?

Extend file life by cleaning the teeth after each use with a brass wire brush to remove accumulated filings.

Use files only on the forward stroke and lift on the return to prevent unnecessary wear. Store files separately or suspended to avoid tooth damage from contact with other files.

Essential maintenance practices:

  • Post use cleaning: Brass brush to remove filings and debris
  • Proper technique: Pressure on forward stroke only, free return
  • Protected storage: Vertical hanging or compartmented storage
  • Rust protection: Light oil on steel files between uses

Avoid using files on materials harder than the tooth rating, as this causes irreversible chipping. Aluminum clogged files may require soaking in degreaser followed by vigorous brushing.

Replace files once teeth are worn after 500 to 2000 hours, as excessive force reduces precision and productivity.

Typical lifespan is 500 to 1000 hours for conventional steel files and 3000 to 5000 hours for diamond files with proper maintenance.

Question 6: What warranty do you offer on industrial metal files?

Industrial metal files are covered by manufacturer warranties ranging from 30 days to 1 year depending on the brand, covering manufacturing and material defects only.

File teeth are considered normal wear components and are excluded from warranty, as service life depends directly on materials worked and usage techniques.

Warranty coverage:

  • Manufacturing defects: Cracks, deformation, tooth detachment
  • Diamond files: Limited warranty against grit delamination
  • Équipement Industriel Polar policy: 30 day return on unused products
  • Normal wear: Gradual dulling of teeth excluded from warranty

For warranty claims, keep your proof of purchase and contact our team at 1 800 567 3206 for validation. Defects appearing under normal use are covered, while damage caused by misuse, overloading, or lack of maintenance is excluded.

Free technical support is available to help optimize filing techniques and ensure proper file selection based on materials.

What is your return policy if the cabinet does not meet my needs?

Équipement Industriel Polar offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If the cabinet does not meet your expectations, it may be returned in its original packaging, new and uninstalled, for a full refund.

Return conditions:

  • Product must be unused and not installed on the wall
  • Original packaging intact with all accessories included
  • Original proof of purchase required
  • Return initiated within 30 days of delivery
  • No damage or product modifications

For installed products with manufacturing defects, each case is evaluated individually according to the manufacturer’s warranty. Contact our customer service at 1-800-567-3206 to initiate a return and obtain a return authorization number.

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