And you can also use it to sharpen some tools. The standard mill file is a good all around tool. You can see just how effective it is, you can hear it on plastic. The rat-tail file looks like a rat's tail because it's round, long and tapered . It's excellent for getting in holes and removing burrs in metal that has been bored out.
Files always work best when they're clean.
I like to clean mine with a wire brush . You just take your brush, rake it through the grooves, and it's clean. If instructions for this project aren't listed above, you may be able to find similar projects in the Building and Remodeling Index , or consult our Resource List for helpful publications and organizations. Go to Table of Contents or click here to order this book.