Grobet USA® Swiss Pattern Precision Files - Checkering Pillar

Parallel in width and gently tapered in thickness. Overcut is parallel to file edges, and upcut is 90° to overcut. Double cut on top and bottom; both edges are safe.

Useful for putting serrations on knife edges or for obtaining a checkered design similar to that found on a gun handgrip. Frequently used to create a coarse florentine finish; after initial cut, angle the file 45° or 90° and cut again.

Cut 00 is extra coarse, cut 2 is coarse. Cut 4 closely matches a 26-grade liner.

Length of Cut	Width x Thickness	Lines per Inch	Cut
6"	1/2" x 11/64"	75	00,0,2,4

About Swiss Pattern Precision Files . . .
Manufactured to precise production standards, using a combination of machine cutting and hand craftsmanship to produce the most accurate, best cutting and longest-lasting files in the world. They are made of the finest heat-tempered, chrome alloy steel and have the right feel, action and balance desired by all true craftsmen. Swiss Pattern Precision Files deliver superior performance on all metals. Made in Italy. Simply the best you can buy.

File selection cannot be reduced to a formula or table but is based to a great degree on experience. However, the chart below gives you a great starting point for file selection.

Basic Application	Type of File Recommended
Corners, holes, edges	Three-Square
Corners, holes	Square
Corners, slots	Equalling
Curved surfaces, corners, holes	Half-Round
Curved surfaces, junctures of curved and flat surfaces, corners, holes	Crossing
Flat surfaces	Hand
Flat surfaces, corners, keyways dovetail ways, gear teeth, deburring	Barrette
Flat surfaces, slots	Pillar
Roughening surfaces for hand grips	Checkering
Rounded corners, slots, flat surfaces, junctures between curved and flat surfaces	Crochet
Rounded corners, holes, "V" slots	Pippin
Rounded inside corners, holes	Round Parallel Round Tapered
Slots	Screwhead
Slots	Warding
Slots, wedge-shaped openings	Knife

Keep in mind, there is more to file selection than shape alone. Selecting the correct cut to use is determined by the type of the metal you’re working on, as well as the amount of material to be removed and your desired finish. For example, rapid removal of stock often indicates a cut 00, while working on narrow surfaces would suggest a cut 2 and a fine cut such as cut 4 or cut 6 would be used for final finishing operations.

Types of Files

Swiss Pattern Precision Files: The original Swiss files made in hundreds of shapes and sizes.

Swiss Needle Files: A group of files of various cross-sections with a knurled, round handle. Knurling gives the file a positive, non-slip grip for precision filing.

Escapement Files: Also called small Square Handled Needle Files. A group of files of various cross-sectioned shapes with a length of cut varying from 3/4" to 2-1/2", with square handles.

Rifflers: Originally used and hand forged by die sinkers, die makers, silversmiths, etc., in shapes and cross-sections appropriate to their work. Teeth are cut on small areas on each end and can have a variety of shapes. A long middle portion serves as the handle.