Saw Files

About Saw Files

Saw files are specialised hand tools designed for sharpening and maintaining the cutting teeth of hand saws, chainsaws, and other bladed cutting tools. Unlike general-purpose metal files, saw files feature precise tapers, angles, and profiles engineered to restore the correct tooth geometry for optimal cutting performance. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of saw files from trusted brands including Bahco, Draper, and Faithfull, suitable for maintaining everything from traditional hand saws to modern chainsaw chains.

Available in various profiles including taper, mill, double-ended, and specialist chainsaw designs, these files ensure your cutting tools remain sharp and efficient. Professional saw files typically feature ergonomic handles for comfortable, controlled filing action, with different shapes suited to specific saw tooth patterns. Regular maintenance with the correct saw file extends blade life, improves cutting accuracy, and reduces the physical effort required when sawing.

Applications

Saw files are essential tools for a wide range of trades and users:

• Carpenters and joiners – maintaining hand saws, tenon saws, and panel saws for precise woodworking
• Arborists and tree surgeons – sharpening chainsaw chains for safe, efficient cutting
• Groundsworkers and landscapers – keeping cutting tools in optimal condition
• Cabinet makers and furniture makers – precision sharpening for fine woodworking saws
• DIY enthusiasts and homeowners – maintaining garden and workshop saws
• Tool maintenance workshops – professional sharpening and restoration services
• Heritage craft specialists – preserving and maintaining traditional hand tools

Choosing The Right Saw Files

Selecting the appropriate saw file depends on several key factors:

Tooth Pattern and Pitch: Match the file profile to your saw's tooth configuration. Taper files suit standard cross-cut saws, whilst mill files with one or two round edges are ideal for rip-cut patterns. Measure the teeth per inch (TPI) to determine the correct file size.

File Profile: Hand taper files work for general-purpose sharpening, extra slim or slim taper files suit fine-toothed saws, and specialist chainsaw files match specific chain gauges. Double-ended files from brands like Bahco offer versatility for multiple saw types.

Handle Design: Ergonomic handles like those on Bahco Ergo files reduce hand fatigue during extended sharpening sessions. MyToolShed.co.uk offers both handled and tang-only options depending on your preference.

Quality and Durability: Professional-grade files from established manufacturers maintain their cutting performance longer, providing consistent results and better value over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I sharpen my saw with a saw file?

This depends on usage frequency and material being cut. Professional tradespeople may sharpen hand saws after every few hours of intensive use, whilst occasional DIY users might sharpen seasonally. Chainsaw chains typically need filing after every 3-5 hours of cutting or when performance noticeably decreases.

Can I use a regular file instead of a dedicated saw file?

Whilst possible in emergencies, regular files lack the precise tapers and profiles needed to maintain correct tooth geometry. Dedicated saw files from MyToolShed.co.uk ensure proper sharpening angles and tooth shape, resulting in superior cutting performance and longer blade life.

What's the difference between a mill file and a taper file?

Taper files narrow towards the tip and suit general cross-cut saw sharpening. Mill files have one or two rounded edges and parallel sides, designed specifically for sharpening rip-cut saws with larger gullets between teeth. The round edge fits into the curved tooth gullet for proper sharpening.