[Mongol]

I have an assortment of files that were previously used on carbon steel; some have even rusted.

Is there any way to clean the files so that they may be used on stainless steel?

I don't have a problem purchasing new files, but if I can reconstitute them for a reasonable price and without it being a pain in my (expletive deleted), I'd rather do that.

My work is primarily stainless steel pipe and I don't really use the files at home, so I'd like to use them at work.

[Otto Nobedder]

Nope. Toss 'em.

If they've been used on carbon steel for most of their lives, you'll never get them clean enough.

I'll use (very hard) carbon steel files on stainless, but only on stainless. Once they've picked up carbon-steel residue, I'm not sure there's any way of clearing it enough to give you the result you're looking for.

Steve S

[Mongol]

Roger.

I'll keep the files for pet projects, though.

I'll most likely just get a decent set of Nicholson files and segregate them, but do you, or anyone else, have any input on something like this: http://www.pferdusa.com/products/201j/index.html

The internet tells me they're expensive, at least according to Amazon http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_ ... %3Acorinox

I don't plan on buying these, just curious.

And thanks.

[rick9345]

This is an old tip (not mine) 1/2 inch copper tube fold to make a handle and flatten one end,stroke the teeth grooves and copper becomes serated and will reach deep into grooves to clean and polish teeth, about 20 minuets ,you will be surprised how sharp and renewed file becomes. Cleans up rust stuck chips, teeth will take on a copper hue and shine. An old brass shell case does the same, need to make a handle.

[Otto Nobedder]

Mongol,

Pferd is a good quality brand, and those are excellent products.

If I were doing food-grade for a living, those would likely be the files I'd choose.

Steve S

[Superiorwelding]

Mongol,
I would not take the chance on re-using those files. For the few bucks those files cost, I don't think I would risk the contamination. I got pricing on the Pferd files and plan on purchasing some in the future for the few food grade jobs I get to do, will give a review and pics on them at that time. I do agree with taking them home and using them there. I have several files at home that are rusty and I only use them for junk material or things that do not matter. I also use them if I need a file to abuse.
-Jonathan

[Mongol]

Thanks for the input, guys.

I picked up a few Nicholson files at Sears today. Will probably grab some Pferds down the road. I don't have a problem dropping some coin on quality.

I don't do any sanitary welding, so I'm not sure how critical having these files would be. My applications are primarily cryogenic with austenitic stainless steel; mostly liquid oxygen and nitrogen.

[Otto Nobedder]

Mongol,

For cryogenics (particularly Oxygen service), you need to worry more about keeping your files clean of oils, greases, and organics than anything else. If you've not seen some of my topics, I work in cryogenics. While my job focuses on LHY, we're a qualified shop for atmospherics, including inner vessel work, so I work to "oxygen clean" all the time.

Who do you work for? (If you can't say publicly, as I'm not supposed to, I'd love to discuss by PM). There aren't a lot of people who do what we do. Braehill has, until now, been the only person here I could discuss this stuff in detail with.

Oh, and a LN2 or LAR system won't care if your file is contaminated with mild steel. Even LOX won't have adverse effects, but it's just "bad practice" for oxygen-clean.

Steve S