Cleaning files??

Onions · December 12, 2010, 04:55:00 PM

How do ya'll get your files clean? I have a couple of good files, I use them apx. 1 year, then they seemed to be so gummed up, that I can't seem to get BH sharp like I did when the file was new.
I have used file cards, with limited success.
I would like to get more then one year out of a file.
Please help

chris <><

ishoot4thrills · December 12, 2010, 04:58:00 PM

I use a wire brush.

JamesV · December 12, 2010, 05:01:00 PM

For gummy build up on files I have used brake cleaner and a file card. Might soak in paint thinner and then use the file card but I haven't tried that...............James

Buckeye Trad Hunter · December 12, 2010, 05:02:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by ishoot4thrills:
I use a wire brush.

X2

Orion · December 12, 2010, 05:03:00 PM

Chalk them before each use to reduce fouling and extend their life.

gregk · December 12, 2010, 05:03:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by ishoot4thrills:
I use a wire brush.

same here

metsastaja · December 12, 2010, 05:04:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Buckeye Trad Hunter:

QuoteOriginally posted by ishoot4thrills:
I use a wire brush.
X2 [/b]

x3.. I have also just started chalking my files be fore use.. seems to lubricate and slows down build up.

topGUN · December 12, 2010, 05:23:00 PM

Are yall using just regular chalkboard chalk?

Jeff

ksbowman · December 12, 2010, 05:31:00 PM

I use soap stone and it has a slickness to it that seems to lubricate as well and cleans out of the file flutes easily.

December 12, 2010, 05:33:00 PM

I use a monster magnet.

Ray Hammond · December 12, 2010, 05:37:00 PM

Maybe they're worn out?

Yellow Dog · December 12, 2010, 06:10:00 PM

I use a big old stick of chalk that I chalk my box calls with. Builds a buffer to keep the filings from collecting between the teeth of the file and staying there. To clean them out I use a Nicholson file card, it's like a wire brush but much finer. With the chalk base if you load the file up with junk you can get it out with the card. If not, it turns into a solid mass of steel. Not a problem if you want to keep buying new files :mad:

KYArcher · December 12, 2010, 06:59:00 PM

File Card. I chalk my files before use. KY

bolong · December 12, 2010, 07:00:00 PM

I have files I use on broadheads only. I clean them with with an old toothbrush.

JAG · December 12, 2010, 08:10:00 PM

Chalk or soapstone. Makes a file last alot longer.

Ray_G · December 12, 2010, 08:47:00 PM

Definitely use chalk before filing, clean the file and re-chalk as necessary. Gunsmithing supply stores carry large diameter, soft chalk for files.

A trick I learned while gunsmithing is to clean the file teeth with a brass cartridge case. Flatten the case mouth in a vise about a 1/2" inch down the case (I use a .38). Run the flattened case mouth edge across the file teeth - not down the length of the file. Once the teeth cut into the brass enough, it will act like a small comb. The brass is way easier on the file teeth than a file card.

SEMO_HUNTER · December 12, 2010, 09:09:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Ray_G:
Definitely use chalk before filing, clean the file and re-chalk as necessary. Gunsmithing supply stores carry large diameter, soft chalk for files.

A trick I learned while gunsmithing is to clean the file teeth with a brass cartridge case. Flatten the case mouth in a vise about a 1/2" inch down the case (I use a .38). Run the flattened case mouth edge across the file teeth - not down the length of the file. Once the teeth cut into the brass enough, it will act like a small comb. The brass is way easier on the file teeth than a file card.

I had no idea Ray? I had never heard of chalking, using soap stone, or a brass casing........and I have all 3 on hand! That's what's great about this site, some highly skilled individuals hanging out around here.

Friend · December 12, 2010, 09:15:00 PM

Showing my ignorance here.

I had always believed that chalk, normally used for turkey box calls, was oil free and would not be the optimum choice for a file.

Please set me straight.

WESTBROOK · December 12, 2010, 09:33:00 PM

What Ray_G said, I have done the same thing with a piece of aluminum. I use wire brushes too but they are brass brushes. Cards and steel wire brushes can help dull your file.

Eric

beetlebailey1977 · December 12, 2010, 09:41:00 PM

Soapstone works great...and clean them more often with the file card.