Files are inexpensive, handy tools which can be used for dozens of different jobs around the home and in the workshop. They are indispensable for many shaping and smoothing jobs on metal, wood and plastics, and they are often required for sharpening tools and garden implements.
Though files are made in dozens of different sizes and styles, the home handyman need only concern himself with a few basic types. These vary according to size ( length) , shape ( cross section) and coarseness of cut (the kind of teeth it has) .