Preppers, The Overlooked File
Kevin Felts 08.16.17
While metal detecting around an old homestead that dated back to the early 1900s, there were several items that kept turning up. These were bolts, nails, nuts and files. Over the course of several days, my wife and I found half a dozen files, or fragments of files.
What brought this topic up?
A member of Survivalist Boards posted a thread asking about tap and die sets. When you have a bolt with messed up threads, fixing it with a die may be the first thing that comes to mind. However, a triangle or flat file, time and patience can also fix the threads on a bolt. Over the decades, I have no idea how many bolts I fixed with a file.
When it comes to files, most people may think of them being used to sharpen an axe, which is true. However, they can be used for so much more.
Types of files in my collection:
- Flat
- Round
- Half-round
- Triangle
- Rasp
When cutting PVC pipe with a saw, I use a half-round file to get burs out of the inside of the pipe.
After cutting metal with a cutting torch, I use a file to knock the slag off.
Sometimes I use a file to sharpen an axe. However, I found it easier to use a sanding pad on a handheld grinder.
It is not just metal working, files can be used in a variety of woodworking tasks. While building my chicken house, a rasp file was used to help pieces of wood fit better.
This is also an example of the can opener effect. Sometimes we get so focused on the big things, we overlook the small stuff.
