Blue Spot Tools 200mm (8") Soft Grip Square File Carbon Steel 22668

Blue Spot Tools 200mm (8") Soft Grip Square File

MPN: 22668

Barcode: 5028734226683

Size: 200mm (8")

Weight: 0.13kg

Overview:

The Blue Spot Tools 200mm (8") square file has a carbon steel blade and four cutting faces. The square cross-section reaches internal corners and slots that a standard flat file cannot access. Soft grip, bi-material construction on the handle reduces hand fatigue during longer filing sessions. At just 0.13kg, the file is lightweight enough for bench use or on-site metalwork.

Key Features and Benefits

• Carbon Steel Blade: The hardened carbon steel holds a sharp cutting edge through repeated use on metal.
• Four Cutting Faces: Teeth on all four sides make it suitable for corners and slots a flat file cannot reach.
• Soft Grip Handle: Bi-material construction reduces hand fatigue during extended filing work.
• 200mm (8") Length: A practical size for general metalwork tasks at the bench or on site.

Specs & Attributes

• Size: 200mm (8")
• Material: Carbon Steel
• Handle Type: Soft Grip
• Weight: 0.13kg

Typical Applications

• Enlarging and squaring out rectangular holes in metal
• Filing slots and keyways
• Deburring internal corners and right-angle joints
• Removing material from flat metal surfaces
• General shaping and smoothing on mild steel and similar metals
• Cleaning up the cornered edges on metalwork components

How to Use

• Secure the Workpiece: Clamp the metal firmly in a bench vice before starting.

• Grip the Handle: Hold the handle in your dominant hand with your thumb along the top.

• Support the File Tip: Rest two or three fingers of your free hand on the file tip for control.

• Apply Forward Pressure: Push the file across the workpiece with steady, even strokes.

• Lift on the Return: Raise the file slightly off the workpiece on the back stroke to preserve the teeth.

• Clear the Teeth: Use a file card or a wire brush regularly to remove metal debris from the cutting faces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is a square file used for?
  A square file removes material from internal corners, slots, and keyways in metalwork. The four-sided profile works on surfaces that a flat file cannot reach.

• What is the difference between a square file and a flat file?
  A flat file has a rectangular cross-section with teeth on two faces, suited to broad flat surfaces. A square file has four equal sides, all carrying teeth, making it better for corners and rectangular openings.

• How do you clean a metal file?
  Run a file card or a wire brush along the teeth in the direction of the cuts. A short brass bar dragged parallel to the teeth also lifts embedded metal debris without damaging the cutting edges.

• Should you always use a metal file with a handle?
  Yes. Filing without a handle leaves the sharp tang exposed. A secure, well-fitted handle is recommended at all times to avoid hand injury if the file slips.

• What does carbon steel mean for a hand file?
  Carbon steel has a high carbon content that allows the material to be hardened. This gives the file teeth the toughness needed to cut metals such as mild steel, copper, and aluminium.

Summary

The Blue Spot Tools 200mm (8") carbon steel square file is a general-purpose hand tool for metalwork. The four-sided cutting body reaches corners and slots a flat file cannot, while the soft grip handle keeps use comfortable. Backed by the Blue Spot Tools Lifetime Guarantee, it suits bench work and on-site metalwork tasks.