Comments on: What are Needle Files?

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 17:45:19 +0000

Has anyone used them to make earring posts smaller?

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 18:51:56 +0000

In reply to C.C.

Hi CC, thanks for asking. Yes, a needle file might work well for your beads. I recommend taking a couple of your beads to a hardware store, craft/hobby store, or even Walmart – and ask an employee where you can find files that would fit your beads – and then make sure the file fits inside your bead before purchasing it. 🙂

By: C.C

C.C — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 16:54:22 +0000

I purchased some wooden beads to use on my hair. But the beads are so ruff inside, that they tear and break my hair. Can i use the needle files to smooth out the inside of the beads. Thanks

By: Drake

Drake — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 01:14:19 +0000

I find needle files pretty indispensable. I use them less on my wire pieces, but I still do occasionally find uses for them there. But any sort of hand-cut pieces from sheet will require filing, and needle files help you get into all of those tight intricate areas.

One thing that Zoraida mentioned, but I really want to point out, all files except the diamond-coated ones work only in one direction. Files are meant to be used on the push-stroke. The proper way to use one is to push the file across the piece, and then lift off and return to the start.

A lot of my students try to do the sawing, back-and-forth motion. Never do this. What that does is bend/round the teeth of the file, which will dull them and render them useless.

By: zoraida

zoraida — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:57:17 +0000

Needle files are a very small investment and well worth having if you create wire jewelry. I could not do without them. They smooth the ends of cut wires, tiny scratches and tool marks, reshape cut metal and more. There is very little you need to learn about them. Always use a light touch and file in one direction – away from you. I always use fine steel wool (#0000) after filing to smooth any marks left by the file and smooth cut ends even more. You should definitely keep some in your tool box.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 12:42:14 +0000

I bought a set of diamond files when I first started working with PMC, which also was my intro to jewellery-making (I didn’t even know what a jump ring was at that point). I use my diamond files any and every single time I make any jewellery. As Rae says above, they are different shapes in order to get into different shaped/curved bits. Worth every penny. Close your eyes and pay the money for the best quality. It will save you time and frustration every time you use them and they will last a lifetime.

By: Rae

Rae — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 11:38:40 +0000

I use mine most often for “repairing” beads and findings. I first purchased them because I bought Bali toggle clasps direct from the manufacturer. The clasps were lovely with a curved bar that rested nicely over the round side. Problem was, the cute round bead in the middle of the center dip in the curve made it almost impossible for someone to fasten the clasp one-handed. Since it was too expensive to return, I used my wire cutter with a sharp point to snip out the round bead at the solder point then used a needle file to smooth the area. Can’t even tell where I doctored it.

The various shapes of the files are useful in different situations and tight spots. I have also used them on metal beads that had a larger hole on one end than the other and I wanted the larger sized hole because I was stringing on leather cord. Once you have them, you will find more and more uses for them.

By: Noreen

Noreen — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 00:12:28 +0000

As a crafter, I find these files useful for smoothing edges of ceramic tiles, small wood items, and metal pieces that I am using. They’re perfect for filing the inside edges of things where larger files or sandpaper won’t fit. And I also use them to file the ends of coils I use for making journals.

By: Alicia Rivera

Alicia Rivera — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 22:05:06 +0000

Hi Sheila,
Alicia here. JMJ Content & Social Media Specialist. I happened to have my set of needle files here on my desk as I’ve been working on some aluminum bangles for my daughter, so I thought I’d snap a couple of pictures and answer your question.

Needle files are metal files that are used for smoothing small metal, wood or plastic projects. I’ve even used mine on polymer clay after it’s been baked.

Where a cup bur fits over the end of wire and you twist to get a nice smooth, blunt tip, you simply work the needle file around the end of the wire to get the same results.

You can also use an emery board if you didn’t happen to have needle files or a cup bur.

I actually prefer to use plain old emery boards for most of my projects because I find them a little easier to work around the ends of the wire.