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American Made Metal Files

Ricci.Wright
Apparently gone the way of the dodo. I bought five used files last night that are described as American made Nicholson's and Heller's in good working condition. They all have wooded handles attached which is good. I got them for $27.00 so if even one is good it's still a good deal.
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Comments

12 comments

Date Votes
  • Sam06
    Its tough to find any American made tools anymore.

    The H&K meat chopper is doing good so far.
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  • Ricci.Wright
    I don't need no stinking jig. I just free hand them. Each one is different and unique. 😁😁☹☹☹😖😖
    3
  • nononsense
    Files are meant to be in the category of 'perishable' tooling. This means they deteriorate with use and have to be replaced periodically. Most tools used by gunsmiths fall into this category unfortunately, with files and punches leading the way.
    Doesn’t  ‘Grobet’ have a facility in Wyoming,,,,,,,,,I ruin a file each time I build a 1911. The jig for putting a ¼“ radius on the frame ’ears’ for a grip safety is hardened steel. 
    http://www.grobetusa.com/files-swiss-pattern-precision/ 

     Grobet USA™

    750 Washington Avenue

    Carlstadt, NJ 07072 USA

    Toll Free: (800) 847-4188 (USA only)

    Phone: (201) 939-6700

    Fax: (201) 939-5067

    E-mail: email@grobetusa.com


    While my major attention was focused on the 1911 customs, I went through more files than I care to remember. All hand fitting was accomplished with files and a dull file was relegated to the garbage as being a waste of time and effort.

    Currently I'm using Grobet and Pferd for Swiss and American pattern files.
    I don't need no stinking jig. I just free hand them. Each one is different and unique. 😁😁☹☹☹😖😖
    Thus the distinction between a professional and an amateur. Consistency of high quality and execution are the benchmark of a professional. ;):):smiley:

    Best.

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  • Ricci.Wright
    Ok I will write that down.😁😁
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  • Ricci.Wright
    "Also, I heard from Beau Battles that Grobet is in the process of moving there file making operations. The European production is being moved from Switzerland to Italy. The Grobet US is being moved to China. So the quest for good files is going to be even tougher. That file sharpening service might start to look a lot better with the alternative are new files that are dull out of the box."
    I copied this from a post on The Guild of Metalsmiths Forum so I can not speak as to the validity. This was from 2015.
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  • Nanuq907
    Pferd for me.  I'm tired of wasting money on throws of the dice.
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  • 4205raymond
    I have noticed for almost five years or more that Nicholson's files just don't last anymore that I buy in the big box stores. If you go any where near metal that has been slightly hardened or more with them, that is the end of the teeth on your new file. Never use to have this problem. I try to stay away from the real hard stuff.---------------------------Ray
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  • savage170

    I think Simonds files are still made in the USA

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  • mogley98
    Who needs a file when you can have a dremel tool :)

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  • Grunt2
    I bought a metal checkering file from Brownells several years ago to checker the top flats on a pair of octagonal 38\55's...I don't remember the make...but as sharp today as it was new!
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  • Smitty500mag
    I have noticed for almost five years or more that Nicholson's files just don't last anymore that I buy in the big box stores. 
    Those Bastards!   >:)
    6
  • dcon12
    I keep all my files together in the same drawer of my tool box so they can rub together and keep each other sharp. Don
    6

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