When we talk about arts and crafts, everyone knows we’re entering a domain that is technical in nature. So it only makes sense to rely on a buying guide to equip yourself with the necessary information that will allow you to buy the perfect needle file set for exactly what you need. We’re here to help you with that.
Factors To Look For Before Buying Your Needle File Set
You might be wondering, what features matter in a needle file set? Is price the only factor that matters? Do I need a bunch of different filers? Keep on reading so we can break it down for you.
Grip
Let’s talk about the grip first. An ideal set of file sets will have a grip that is not too hard. There’s no denying that working with crafts and landing on a finished product can take days, if not weeks. During this long time frame, if the grip is low-quality or if it's too hard, then your hands will not be happy. This, in turn, will force you to put the project on hold for a few days.
You don’t want that to happen, right? That’s why the grip is one of the most important factors. There are file sets out there with soft grips that work smoothly even when your hands are wet. This is, of course, premium quality, but getting a set with a handle that offers easy use is pretty important.
Portability
Most needle file sets these days come with a bag. This is something you cannot compromise upon. Because some tools, especially small ones, are necessary for almost all types of crafts and work, if you happen to lose any, you might have to buy a whole new set.
In order to avoid this unfortunate circumstance altogether, what you need is a compact bag. The bag will allow you to conveniently store and carry the tools in one place. With a bag, your risk of losing tools goes down by a considerable margin.
Manufacturing
Most file sets tend to be made from steel, but even with steel, there are different grades and types that impact the file set. What you should be looking for is a high-grade steel that provides durability, strength, and longevity to the tools.
There's no denying that when you are working with materials like wood, glass, plastic, and even stone, you need needle files that are sharp and sturdy. A set of needle files can only be sharp and sturdy when the material used to make them is high quality.
You can easily find good-quality needle files, but when it comes to steel, there are multiple varieties and grades that can be quite confusing to understand. These days, carbon steel and alloy are pretty popular. They grant durability, longevity, strength, and sturdiness to the tools, so this type of steel is a pretty safe bet.
Sizes
On the topic of precision, what you need is a set of tools that can conveniently reach narrow places. This, obviously, requires a set that comes with a variety of sizes. The pieces should have different lengths so that you don't feel limited while working; usually, the more variety, the better.
Some People Also Ask
Q: Can I use metal files on wood?
A: There are special files that are designed specifically to work on wood. If you’re looking to specialize in woodwork, it is best to buy files known specifically as woodworking files.
Q: Can files only cut in one direction?
A: Files are like saw blades, so they can cut in one direction. The other side is used to dig into whatever material you're working on.