Recommendations for Jewelers' files

[Namabiiru]

Back in the early 90s when i first started getting interested in wooden ship-building I ordered a set of jewelers’ files from Micromark and they were nice, high-quality files. After 30 some-odd years of use, they have started to show their age and so I’ve been looking to replace them. I found a set of similar files at Harbor Freight, but they turned out to be the same level of quality you expect from most tools from Harbor Frieght–serviceable, but not great. So I broke down and ordered another set from Micro-Mark. Guess what? No better than the Harbor Freight files. Disappointing, but my purpose is not to bash Micro-mark, but ask if anyone out there has any recent experience acquiring a high-quality set of jewelers’ files, and if, so where do you recommend getting them?

[Uncle-Heavy]

Maybe this could be worth checking out:

Needle Files - RioGrande

They have needle files in different price ranges, the cheapest ones might be the same as
Harbor Freight …

Fine sandpaper glued to small sticks could be an option when you need a very fine cut/grit …

[barnslayer]

Harbor Freight is generally not a vender of quality products. You’ll even do better on Amazon. Just make sure you can return them for free.

The last set I bought were diamond coated. Probably not as durable as a steel cutting surface but a nice blend of file shape and fine sandpaper performance.

[SSGToms]

I got this set from Micro Mark and have gotten great use out of them for ten years -

10-piece Mini Diamond Needle File Set, Medium Grit

[Paska]

https://www.eurotool.com/MINI-NEEDLE-FILE-SET-CUT-2-4–12PC_p_2437.html

I’ve had a set of these for decades, they serve me well. There are many other sizes also available.

[Namabiiru]

Thanks for the suggestions, gents. Do those diamond files have any knurling on the handles. I can’t see any in the picture, but it’s not very clear.

[barnslayer]

Mine only have the diamond coating on the working end. The middle shaft is steel. The handle end is plastic coated.

[SSGToms]

No, the holding end is smooth.

[G.Baran]

Try Hobby Lobby.

[justsendit]

Up to my ears in tools!

I’ve been using these files for over ten years. They are major go-to files (they do have knurled handles). ‘Needle Files 6Pak’

Similar to the previous, but with curves, and they do come in handy at times. I repurposed the handle elsewhere. ‘10-piece Riffler File Set’

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I recently acquired these INFINI Diamond Files (SUPER FINE / FINE / MEDIUM GRIT) and immediately fell in love with them. The tapers are exceptional for reaching into tight areas.

‘INFINI MODEL [ICT-0007] Diamond Taper File 3Way System (Narrow)’

‘INFINI MODEL [ICT-0008] Diamond Taper File 3Way System (Wide)’

All of these files get my personal SEAL OF APPROVAL!

Happy filing!
—mike

[Laurie_Stewart]

My go to file 90% of the time.

Looks to have hardly any file worth using. But I have found it superb. Files down PE & plastic very quickly with an extremely smooth finish.

Flat one side rounded the other. Shaped fat to thin end & has a sharp edge.

Not tried shaving with it yet.

[Namabiiru]

Thanks for the suggestion, Laurie!