Editing File (tool) (section)

== Use {{Anchor|File card}} ==
{{Main|Filing (metalworking)}}

Files have forward-facing cutting teeth, and cut most effectively when pushed over the workpiece. A variety of strokes are employed to stabilize the cutting action and produce a varied result.<ref name=facts/> ''Draw filing'' is an operation in which the file is grasped at each end, and with an even pressure alternately pulled and pushed perpendicularly over the work.<ref name=facts/> A variation involves laying the file sideways on the work, and carefully pushing or pulling it across the work. This catches the teeth of the file sideways instead of head on, and an extremely fine shaving action is produced.  There are also varying strokes that produce a combination of the straight ahead stroke and the drawfiling stroke, and very fine work can be attained in this fashion.  Using a combination of strokes, and progressively finer files, a skilled operator can attain a surface that is perfectly flat and near flawless finish.

''Pinning'' refers to the clogging of the file teeth with ''pins'', which are material shavings.{{citation needed|date=June 2016}} These pins cause the file to lose its cutting ability and can scratch the workpiece. A ''file card'', which is a brush with metal bristles, is used to clean the file. (The name, "card", is the same as used for the "[[raising card]]s" (spiked brushes) used in woolmaking.){{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} [[Chalk]] can help prevent pinning.<ref>{{harvnb|Lye|1993|p=13}}.</ref>