Nicholson Flat Files, Bastard/Second Cut/Smooth
- Flat files, which are of rectangular cross section and have double cut teeth
- Used wherever metal must be removed rapidly and finish is of secondary importance
- Flat files are slightly tapered toward the points in both width and thickness and are cut on both sides
- American pattern
- Flat files are used for rapid material removal and general purpose applications.
- Double cut files consist of two sets of teeth crisscrossing each other at opposite angles. They are used for heavy stock removal.
- Bastard cut files are the coarsest files and have the fewest teeth per inch. They are used for heavy stock removal.
- Second cut files have a medium coarseness. They are used for intermediate smoothing and finishing work.
- Smooth cut files are finer files and have the most teeth per inch. They are used for detailing and fine finishing work.
