Files and Stones

Wayne02 · Mar 17, 2009

I like working on my own guns whenever possible and try to educate myself prior to doing any work on them using books/manuals, the internet, and others who have already done the same type of work.

I have come to the point where I would like a good set of files and stones. I have a bunch of files but they are all the largish metal working files that are inappropriate for working on guns.

Some examples off the top of my head include deburing the razor sharp edges and corners at the bottom of the mag well on a Springfield 1911 I have. Or filing the notch wider on the rear sight of a target 1911.

Is there a common set of stones and files that can be purchased as a set?

Thanks
Wayne

Wayne02 · Mar 17, 2009

I like working on my own guns whenever possible and try to educate myself prior to doing any work on them using books/manuals, the internet, and others who have already done the same type of work.

I have come to the point where I would like a good set of files and stones. I have a bunch of files but they are all the largish metal working files that are inappropriate for working on guns.

Some examples off the top of my head include deburing the razor sharp edges and corners at the bottom of the mag well on a Springfield 1911 I have. Or filing the notch wider on the rear sight of a target 1911.

Is there a common set of stones and files that can be purchased as a set?

Thanks
Wayne

john traveler · Mar 17, 2009

You might want to browse the Brownell's and Midway online websites for your needs. Brownell's is the world's largest gunsmithing supplier.

What you want is a good set of swiss needle files in addition to the usual assortment of 1/2" and 1/4" wide mill cut flat, half-round, triangular, and square files with handles. I much prefer American made brands like Nicholson or european-made tools. Eastern european (czech, polish, yugolavian, etc) tools can be very good quality and reasonably priced. For stones, a good start would be a couple medium/fine sharpening stones, ceramic rods, cones, and bars.

The economy assortments available at Harbor Freight are only borderline serviceable. The quality of the tools are okay for hobby use, but lacking in durability for more serious users.

shovelwrench · Mar 17, 2009

If you go to Boride Abrasives website, they have an excellent gunsmithing set of stones.

I have a bunch of borides stones and they are top notch. If you don't want to spring for the gunsmith kit, get a sample kit of the AO in the mold and die polishing section, it's only 12$ IIRC.

Files and Stones

Wayne02

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Wayne02

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john traveler

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shovelwrench

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