What is a file’s profile?

29th February 2020


	What is a file’s profile?


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			The term ‘profile’ refers to whether or not a file narrows towards its point. Those that do are referred to as ‘tapered’ and those that don’t are referred to as ‘blunt’.

			Blunt files
			A blunt file’s cross section does not change from the point of the file all the way to the heel, where it will slope off to form the tang.

			Examples of this include the hand file, which keeps the same rectangular cross section all the way through, and chainsaw files, which most often have a perfectly cylindrical body.



			Tapered files
			A tapered file narrows towards the point. This can happen in width, in thickness, or in both.

			Examples of tapered files include round files and three square files, which taper in both width and thickness towards a true point.

			File width and thickness
			Measurements are not provided for the width or thickness of files. They are only relevant when talking about taper.

			Width A file’s width is measured across its face, as shown. In the case of round files, the width is the widest point across the file.

			Thickness A file’s thickness is the depth of its edge. If the file isn’t flat, thickness is measured as the deepest point of the file behind one of the faces.

			Why are some files tapered?
			Some files are tapered so that they are narrow and/or thin enough at the point to fit into small spaces, or to enlarge holes. For example, a round file can be used to enlarge a small hole.

			Is this an advantage? For some tasks, such as sharpening saws or working in confined areas, this can be advantageous.

			However, for others, such as shaping slots or sharpening tools like axes or knives, it may be preferable to have a blunt file so that the thickness of the file is consistent. This means that you can use the entire length of the tool without worrying about the cutting surface changing shape through the stroke.