Testors Needle File Set

I keep a small brass brush at the bench to clean needle and other small files during and after use. They cut a lot better and last longer if the plastic doesn't build up into "chunks". Another tip for hobby files is to dedicate a set for plastic only. Using them on metal dulls them real fast, especially the HF and similar inexpensive ones.

Great gift surprise jelliott; you'll find lots of uses for them. Happy New Year!

Mike

I use the stiff bristle nylon wheel brush from my Dremel set to clean them.  The wire wheel works better but dulls the file.  And yes, I do replace them about yearly.  I still find it cheaper than having several grades of sandpaper that clog so fast.

I've tried physical and chemical cleaning methods and nothing has worked out. For $4-$6 ish for replacements they are not worth messing with.

I get mine from Harbor freight also, and consider needle files an essential modeling tool.  I find them the best tool for taking care of seams.  While they do clog, they clean with a stiff fine bristol brush or fine wire brush.  They cut better than sandpaper- even cut hardened CA.  The flat ones do most seams, the curved surface ones for a concave seam area.

They cut like coarser sandpaper but leave very fine scratches that are easily cleaned up with fine paper.

I got my file set at Harbor freight for $3.80 -ish and I have no complaints with it.

Yes, Hobby Lobby does carry this for like $10 ish -40% coupon. So $6 ish.

This is a very timely post. My current set of needle files are beginning to wear out and there is paint, glue and other debris in the channels I've not been able to remove. So I'm looking for a replacement set.

My current set came from HF. Anyone know how Testors compares to the HF versions? They physically look identical.

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

Hobby Lobby has some. Noticed they started stocking different model related tools last night.

I'm thinking that is where she picked them up for me.  I had almost bought some myself a few weeks ago and I decided to wait to see if anyone asked me what kind of tools or supplies I might need.  Nobody asked, but my daughter came through for me, so they must have been paying attention.

Hobby Lobby has some. Noticed they started stocking different model related tools last night.

They are really great for mold seam line removal in all those hard to reach spots and on figures and other oddly shaped small surfaces. Enjoy. My family has not given me a hobby related gifts in over 10 years.

Good to know.  I was pretty excited when I got them, not only to see that my daughter (she's 17) actually pays attention to the fact that I am addicted to this hobby as well as the fact that she saw something that I might like or need in my arsenal of tools.

I have a set and really like them... one word of caution- do not use them for pry tools as the metal is a bit brittle. I broke off the tips of the round and triangular files... but otherwise damned good tools that I recommend highly.