File life

[Lobo]

How long do you keep your PFERD or Stihl sharpening file for. I'll go about 2 full sharpenings out of one and then throw it away.

Are you keeping yours longer ?

 

[Mange]

If the chains are not to bad, about 25-35.
Keep the file and chain clean and dry while filing, saves it a lot.

 

[bwalker]

I keep them as long as they are still cutting nice.

 

[Toneman]

I keep them as long as they are still cutting nice

Me too!

 

[Ryan Willock]

I normally get 4 full sharpings unless I rock out.

 

[bwalker]

One thing I have noticed that helps file life is to keep them clean( I use break cleaner) and to store them in a manner that protects the file from being impacted by other files or metal pieces.

 

[Mange]

This can not be right, I've never let a file go before 10 filings, you loose bite so fast?
With clean files aswell?

 

[bwalker]

I have had one file last me 3/4 of the way through a Stihl, .325 RS chain.

 

[Butch(OH)]

Never really counted I guess but you are certainly throwing away good files. Most likely very few files are worn out but quit cutting because they packed with the goo mixture of sap,oil and chips. To take the time to de-goo the chain and prep the file or to just pitch them and go onward is personal choice. Did I mention prep the file? A tip from an old draw filing gunsmith here. A piece of ordinary chalk rubbed ligtly on a new or clean file prevets chips and goo from sticking tightly, to clean them spray with brake clean. My current 7/32 file was in the holder when I bought my 036, just started using chain #3.

 

[Mange]

This will be interesting!

 

[MasterBlaster]

I keep a soda straw on my file when it's in the toolbox.

 

[Lobo]

One thing I have noticed that helps file life is to keep them clean( I use break cleaner) and to store them in a manner that protects the file from being impacted by other files or metal pieces.

HUM !! Very interesting !

 

[Lobo]

I keep a soda straw on my file when it's in the toolbox.

Good idea !

 

[keith c raymond]

Ive used plastic tubing 1/8 diameter for files at work and at home . It seems to help them last.

 

[Al Smith]

Soda straw,tubing?Hmm!I just buy them,a dozen at a time,and toss them,when they won't cut any more.I guess I never kept track of how many sharpenings ,but I know it's more than 2.Now,if it's it's Stihl chain,I could see not too many sharpenings.The stuff is hard as hammered h$ll .

 

[Dadatwins]

I never counted either, maybe 10 - 20 depending on length of chain and what it hit. Store the files in the cardboard holders they come in. Definitely more than 2 chains per use. I was taught to turn the file while sharpening to keep a clean edge along the tooth. I sharpen freehand also. To get only 2 chains per file I would check on how the files are stored or technique being used.
P.S. I like that soda straw trick, my next trip to Wendy's I will be stocking up.

 

[MasterBlaster]

These days, I find myself having to sharpen my saw (at the most) once a day. Sometimes just 2 or 3 times a week. It behooves me to not let my files bang around in the toolbox w/o protection.

 

[chainsawworld]

i use the laser brand files and most times i have no problem having a file last the life of one chain. care such as tapping the filings out of the file after each cutter and not throwing the file in the bottom of the tool box after use. i also use the straw method. too much oil on the chain traps the filings in the file too. sometimes i will take a torch and pass it over the file to get the trapped metals out. marty

 

[tony marks]

i use a good file for an complete job .. keep the worn ones for touch up.. tooth last longer that way..sometimes i want a lotto result sometimes, just something that wont do too much.. may get the cutters uneven.. u cant put the metal back in the tooth ..jmo

 

[Lobo]

Well this old dog is indeed learning new tricks.


I will be picking up a steel brush type file cleaner card, as well as a can of brake cleaner and several feet of poly or rubber hose to place some files in.

It never crossed my mind that might be banging/scraping and abusing my files out.