Cleaning metal/diamond file

max6166 · **on:** September 09, 2008, 06:16:09 AM

I just picked up a used Wave.

It has cleaned up very nicely with a toothbrush and soap except for some substance which is stuck between the teeth of the metal side.

The diamond side has come pretty clean, but does some gunk coating a small part of it.

Does anyone have any tips for cleaning files without dulling them?

The file is also bent so that it doesn't open or close properly. Can I bend it back, and if so, any tips on how to do that without breaking it?

Pacu · **Reply #1 on:** September 09, 2008, 06:25:55 AM

Try goo gone or gasoline.

Lion · **Reply #2 on:** September 09, 2008, 06:27:56 AM

For the non diamond side, I'd suggest getting a steel or brash brush. You can find them in hardware stores. They're cheap and look like smaller versions of the brushes used for cleaning grills. One of those would work too, just not as well. The ones meant for files tend to have shorter, stouter bristles that hold up better for file cleaning.

For the diamond side, I'm not sure. Maybe something like Oops!? I have yet to run across gunk that Oops! wont get off. Just don't use it on plastic! Unless of course you want to melt the plastic.

Leo

max6166 · **Reply #3 on:** September 09, 2008, 06:33:19 AM

Thanks. Yes, I'll try something like Goo Gone or Oops. Don't know why I didn't think of that myself. I have tons of the stuff and use it all the time...

The file is also bent quite a bit. So much so that it can't close without a really good tug. Should I just slowly bend it back by hand, or is there a better way?

Pacu · **Reply #4 on:** September 09, 2008, 06:36:10 AM

Aren't files brittle? Maybe send it in and get it replaced/fixed?

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #5 on:** September 09, 2008, 09:28:49 AM

Quote from: max6166 on September 09, 2008, 06:33:19 AM

Thanks. Yes, I'll try something like Goo Gone or Oops. Don't know why I didn't think of that myself. I have tons of the stuff and use it all the time...

The file is also bent quite a bit. So much so that it can't close without a really good tug. Should I just slowly bend it back by hand, or is there a better way?

Like Pacu said, files are really brittle so if you do, do it be very careful and wear safety goggles

max6166 · **Reply #6 on:** September 09, 2008, 07:21:02 PM

Yikes! I didn't realize that...

So is trying to bend the file back into shape just a dumb thing to do? If there is a good chance that I am just going to break it, I won't do it...

Tarrodemierda · **Reply #7 on:** September 09, 2008, 07:30:27 PM

i use ultrasonic cleanser to almost all cleansing,it loses even surface rust but leaves no marks,and by changing between different cleansing liquids,i can remove all from paint to vaselin etc.

appletree_man · **Reply #8 on:** September 09, 2008, 08:29:54 PM

A file card (a sort of stiff short wire brush) is sold to clean files.

kent ct · **Reply #9 on:** September 09, 2008, 11:45:13 PM

Quote from: max6166 on September 09, 2008, 07:21:02 PM

Yikes! I didn't realize that...

So is trying to bend the file back into shape just a dumb thing to do? If there is a good chance that I am just going to break it, I won't do it...

Test it for hardness by running another file across an area with no teeth like one of the edges. If the file just skids across like it was a piece of glass then it is hard and brittle. If you feel the file grab then it is soft and should bend back. A diamond impregnated file should not need to be hard. If you do try, be sure to bend only at the area where the bend is so you don't put a wave into it.

Richard

jdailey4206966 · **Reply #10 on:** September 11, 2008, 04:39:45 AM

brass brush works real well to get the stuff out. One time my file was blackened from being used so much, and a brush wouldn't get it off. I used some brake cleaner and it pulled the dirt and gunk right off and the file looks like new now!

max6166 · **Reply #11 on:** September 25, 2008, 10:38:06 PM

Just a follow up. I finally got around to getting a file brush today. It cleaned the metal file on my Wave right up within a few seconds.

I couldn't get the gunk out with lots of soaking and scrubbing, but a few swipes with the file brush cleaned it up good as new! Thanks to everyone for the tip!

I still haven't been brave enough to really clamp down and see if I can straighten the file out though. It seems pretty brittle and is not responding to moderate force...

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #12 on:** September 25, 2008, 10:39:40 PM

Quote from: max6166 on September 25, 2008, 10:38:06 PM

I still haven't been brave enough to really clamp down and see if I can straighten the file out though. It seems pretty brittle and is not responding to moderate force...

Maybe you should just bite the bullet and send it in to be fixed then mate

max6166 · **Reply #13 on:** September 25, 2008, 10:44:04 PM

I likely will send it in. The question is whether I'll send it in just bent or completely snapped in half from trying to fix it myself....

My brain says it is a bad idea to try it, but something in me really wants to see what will happen.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #14 on:** September 25, 2008, 10:45:20 PM

Quote from: max6166 on September 25, 2008, 10:44:04 PM

I likely will send it in. The question is whether I'll send it in just bent or completely snapped in half from trying to fix it myself....

My brain says it is a bad idea to try it, but something in me really wants to see what will happen.

I think you'll snap it

, if it's not going after applying moderate presure, then it's explode spectacularly