Files

[Eliminator Racing]

Hey guys,

Who makes the best files for making the grooves in the dfw axle for bending. I'm currently using a 92X-Pro from John.

Thanks,

Craig

 

[Kinser Racing]

I don't know who makes the best. I do know that the cheap ones you get from Lowes or Home Depot are not worth buying. I've also bought the set from Harbor Freight and it's somewhat better but still not that great. If you can get a set from an Industrial supply store or find an Internet source and be able to get the small round file only, that would be best. It's the only file I use and then I have rest of the set that I don't use.

 

[PushcartDerby]

I agree with Kinser. I bought the cheap files at Home Depot and they just don't cut it, literally. Like you Eliminator, I need a good round file.

 

[GravityX]

I've used a small hacksaw with some success, but have since upgraded to using my Mini-Mill and some thin Dremel cut-off wheels. With a steady hand and some patience you could freehand the slot using your Dremel and the thin cut-off wheel.

 

[Kinser Racing]

I've used a small hacksaw with some success, but have since upgraded to using my Mini-Mill and some thin Dremel cut-off wheels. With a steady hand and some patience you could freehand the slot using your Dremel and the thin cut-off wheel.

I do this but still find that I need to clean it up with a good radius to reduce the risk of breakage.

 

[GravityX]

The Dremel thin cutoff wheel gives a good radius, hacksaw blade on the other hand, not so good. I posted somewhere in this forum how I use the Dremel freehand to create this groove. A used cutoff wheel naturally rounds it's edges from use and provides an excellent groove for bending the axle without fear of fracturing.

Oh yeah, I'd like to retract the Mini-mill statement, I was thinking about the K-house groove and not the axle bending groove. My apologies.

 

[Eliminator Racing]

I have a set from HF not much better than a butter knife on stainless.

 

[Kinser Racing]

I posted somewhere in this forum how I use the Dremel freehand to create this groove.

That post was where I got the idea and it works to good, I almost cut right through the axle. Then I used the round file to give it more radii. /images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif

 

[Kinser Racing]

I have a set from HF not much better than a butter knife on stainless.

Think how bad the cheapies from Lowes are. lol

 

[Chief]

I have a 12 piece swiss needle file set from snap on. #HBFN120A

 

[Kinser Racing]

I have a 12 piece swiss needle file set from snap on. #HBFN120A

Now we're talkin'! Are they lifetime guaranteed like the rest of the Snap On tools?

 

[3phase]

http://www.mcmaster.com/#needle-files/=sds3x5

 

[Eliminator Racing]

I have a 12 piece swiss needle file set from snap on. #HBFN120A

Now we're talkin'! Are they lifetime guaranteed like the rest of the Snap On tools?

I'll have to check that out if it's lifetime that be a no brainer.

 

[Kinser Racing]

I have a 12 piece swiss needle file set from snap on. #HBFN120A

Now we're talkin'! Are they lifetime guaranteed like the rest of the Snap On tools?

I'll have to check that out if it's lifetime that be a no brainer.

I just checked and the cheapest I could find was $80 on ebay. I don't know if they're lifetime warranted though.

 

[Eliminator Racing]

I'll give Snap On a call in the morning and ask about the guarantee.

 

[Chief]

If you buy them off ebay the snap on truck guy may not like to warranty them however, all snap on hand tools should be lifetime warranty. I have no doubt that if I broke one of mine my snap on guy would hand me a new one, no charge

 

[Kinser Racing]

They're $180 from Snap On aren't they?

 

[GravityX]

Files are a wearable item or should I say consumable? If this is the case it may not be a warrantable item, kind of like drill bits. But if you have a good working relationship with your dealer in all likelihood they'll warranty it. You never know.

 

[LightninBoy]

Just want to point out that this thread is another example of the consumer demand for an option for DD4H to cut the bending groove (just cut the groove - don't polish and bend). I suggested that option in the "Feedback" thread. John responded positively then. I hope John plans on implementing this option.

 

[cygnus]

Just want to point out that this thread is another example of the consumer demand for an option for DD4H to cut the bending groove (just cut the groove - don't polish and bend). I suggested that option in the "Feedback" thread. John responded positively then. I hope John plans on implementing this option.

That's a great idea!