The 30 best bastard file brands in 2026
Nicholson, Bahco and Westward lead our ranking of 30 bastard file brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Bastard File brands, ranked
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1
Nicholson
If you are searching for fashionable and luxurious clothing, Studio Nicholson is the place to go! It is a high-end apparel brand that makes some of the classiest pieces for men and women. Dresses and shirts are some of the options from their range of products. They aim to create pieces that fit perfectly and are also highly functional. The brand carries over 20 years of experience that can be easily seen in its clothing.
Website: studionicholson.com |Brands like Nicholson
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Bahco
Bahco is a global brand in the hand tool sector, with goods created and manufactured in Sweden by SNA Europe. Their clients come from all over the world and include skilled artisans, construction workers, landscapers, trade professionals, and DIY enthusiasts. They endeavor to create significant items at reasonable pricing. It develops, manufactures, and sells hand tools for woodworking, metalworking, gardening, construction, and other industrial uses.
Website: bahco.com |Brands like Bahco
Popularity 8.9/10
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3
Westward
From industrial hand tools to tool storage, Westward products are engineered to meet the demands of professionals like you.
Website: westward-tools.eu |Brands like Westward
Popularity 4.1/10
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4
Draper
Humans made tools to help them in works that were otherwise impossible to do. Tool making process dates back to the stone ages when the early humans made tools out of stones and used them for various purposes. Today, with the help of technology, Draper tools are one of the leading manufacturers of tools for various industries. They offer high-quality and reliable power tools used in large enterprises, gardening, plumbing, groundlaying, and many more.
Website: drapertools.com |Brands like Draper
Popularity 3.9/10
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5
Simonds
It’s been nearly two hundred years since Simonds International, a North American manufacturer company acing the machinery and training market. Its products and services are highly competitive and follow quality standards. Its products are trusted and incorporate the latest technicalities in their functioning. The product list consists of tools for wood bandsawing, machine knives, circular saws, etc. It is evolving in its quality and product range at a considerable price. It has made a powerful connection with its customers, who find this brand trustworthy and reliable.
Website: simondsint.com |Brands like Simonds
Popularity 3.8/10
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6
Faithfull
Faithfull Tools has been the top brand for hand tools in Ireland and the U.K. for over three decades. Its philosophy is to manufacture products of the highest quality at the required standard for tradespeople. The brand has produced the best at affordable prices by funneling its innovation into its products. Today, they have extended their reach and offer thousands of products to the DIY market.
Website: faithfulltools.com |Brands like Faithfull
Popularity 3.0/10
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7
HART
HART is your go-to resource for all you need to know about home renovation. They provide you with the most thorough and useful information on all parts of DIY projects, from setting up and utilizing instruments such as saws, drills, and hammers to designing ideas for every space in your house. They're here to give you the inspiration and know-how you need to complete any DIY project you've set your mind to.
Website: harttools.com |Brands like HART
Popularity 1.6/10
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8
Toolman
Toolman helps you achieve the utmost safety by providing protective gear for outdoor occupations like construction, traffic management, repair work, etc. It is a one-stop tool shop for everyday repairing and safety needs. Workers prefer simple utility tools offered by Toolman like rakes and hammers for their physical and simple tasks because of their durability and high quality. The company provides every product required, from drainage and lifting tools to concrete-related items. Toolman is a common choice for people who want affordable and enduring gear.
Website: toolman.ie |Brands like Toolman
Popularity 1.5/10
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9
K Tool
K Tool is a full-service machine shop that prides itself on having our common goods in stock and ready to ship. Furthermore, they attempt to assist clients with their unique tooling and machining requirements by delivering speedy turnarounds. Customers are...
Website: ktoolinternational.com |Brands like K Tool
Popularity 1.4/10
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10
PFERD
Workers required different types of tools for the working. PFERD is a brand that provides various categories of devices for workers. They offer quality tools for surface finishing and material cutting tasks. Their products include milling tools, files, mounted points,...
Website: pferd.com |Brands like PFERD
Popularity 1.4/10
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11
Grobet
For over 140 years, Grobet USA has been selling precision tools to people globally. They have a wide range of items like safety tapes and separating discs that skilled technicians use. Their products make work much easier and safer as...
Website: grobetusa.com |Brands like Grobet
Popularity 1.3/10
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12
Mercer
Mercer is a clothing brand. They specialize in crafting comfortable and sharp clothes. Elegant designs and high-quality material makes up for the Mercer products. They create sophisticated work wears for every occasion. Maternity clothes are also available in their inventory....
Website: ofmercer.com |Brands like Mercer
Popularity 1.2/10
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13
Apex Tool Group
One of the biggest producers of professional hand and power tools in the world, Apex Tool Group (ATG) caters to the industrial, automotive, aerospace, electronics, construction, and do-it-yourself markets. With the best quality services, they absolutely are one of the...
Website: apextoolgroup.com |Brands like Apex Tool Group
Popularity 1.2/10
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14
Williams
Williams - Keller Williams is a genre-crossing musician with a flair for connecting with audiences. He's a natural performer who has captivated music fans worldwide with his explosive live concerts, collaborative studio albums, and one-of-a-kind films. Bringing the finest of...
Website: kellerwilliams.net |Brands like Williams
Popularity 1.1/10
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15
Trojan
Trojan's carefully curated glass screen collection adds an elegant touch to any bathroom. Trojan offers the perfect option for you, whether you want to cover a basic bath screen or construct the perfect shower with a magnificent glass door. Their...
Website: trojan-baths.co.uk |Brands like Trojan
Popularity 1.1/10
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16
Anchor
Anchor is a podcast platform that provides an excellent platform for creators worldwide to share their voices. Anchor allows podcast artists of all sizes to broadcast, market, and monetize their podcasts, which are listened to by millions of people worldwide....
Website: anchor.fm |Brands like Anchor
Popularity 1.0/10
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17
Do It Best
Since 1945, Do It Best has been a brand that sells products focusing on do-it-yourself projects, whether maintaining a garden, preparing for the summer heat, or making a gift for your loved one. The brand contains a section for articles,...
Website: doitbest.com |Brands like Do It Best
Popularity 1.0/10
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18
Disston
Henry Disston started selling handcrafted saws from a rented Philadelphia cellar in 1840. Disston expanded his business to become the world's largest saw maker despite obstacles such as mishaps and confiscating his equipment in a rent conflict during his first...
Website: disstonianinstitute.com |Brands like Disston
Popularity 1.0/10
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19
YATO
Yato makes some of the best quality hand tools across Europe and many other countries that are cost-effective and practical. Their tools include items like Spanners and Pliers used for both personal and professional purposes. They are reliable and efficient...
Website: yatohandtools.en.alibaba.com |Brands like YATO
Popularity 0.9/10
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20
Roughneck
Roughneck started back in 2006. They are a wholesale company that distributes general consumables. All their products are for general use, and they are under contract with 253 manufacturers at the current point to sell their goods. They try to...
Website: roughnecksupply.com |Brands like Roughneck
Popularity 0.9/10
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21
Black Diamond
Longboards, roller skating, and skateboard culture are the main areas of concentration at Black Diamond Sports, a skate business. They feature one of the country's largest selections of longboards and skates. They aim to provide you with the most satisfactory...
Website: blackdiamondsports.com |Brands like Black Diamond
Popularity 0.8/10
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22
Olympia
Olympia is where you can attempt to investigate the convergence of art and everyday life. It is published without pretense or apologies from a tiny town in the Midwestern United States by a socialist, transgender woman. It accumulates information from...
Website: olympiatime.com |Brands like Olympia
Popularity 0.7/10
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23
Sheffield
Sheffield is a six-generation family business producing the best quality knives. William Wilson founded the company in 1887 in the small town of Sheffield, near London. It sells its goods under the "Sheffield" brand name. The firm has never stopped...
Website: sheffieldknives.co.uk |Brands like Sheffield
Popularity 0.7/10
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24
Alfa
Alfa Vitamins help you lead a healthier lifestyle with all the vitamins you need but can not get from your diet. The company was founded in 2000 at the beginning of the millennium, and they continue to grow. Alfa Vitamins...
Website: alfavitamins.com |Brands like Alfa
Popularity 0.7/10
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25
Forney
Being an age-old industry, Forney Industries is among the leading operating companies in the welding and metalworking category. It is a family-owned business producing an exclusive and wide range of products, mainly of metalworking types, such as heating irons, arc...
Website: forneyind.com |Brands like Forney
Popularity 0.7/10
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26
Johnson
Consumer Healthcare, Medical Devices, and Consumer Products make up the three business sectors of the global consumer products and pharmaceutical firm Johnson & Johnson. The company's primary line of business is the development, production, marketing, and distribution of prescription and...
Website: johnsongtr.com |Brands like Johnson
Popularity 0.6/10
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27
Atkins
Traditional weight loss advice was to eat very little for decades. A cardiologist, Dr. Robert Atkins, discovered that eating well, instead of less, improved the health of his patients, not only in losing weight but also in terms of chronic...
Website: atkins.com |Brands like Atkins
Popularity 0.6/10
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28
Hansa
Touchless faucets by Hansa are a better, safer, more sanitary way to wash your hands. Its groundbreaking technology detects movement up to an arm's length away, ensuring that the water only goes on when you place your hands beneath it,...
Website: hansa.com |Brands like Hansa
Popularity 0.6/10
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29
Cal Hawk
Cal Hawk produces a wide range of products for both experts and beginners. Their selection of tools, including electric, lawn, automotive, and other equipment, are ideal for any task and are sure to execute the job correctly. The firm wants...
Website: calhawktools.com |Brands like Cal Hawk
Popularity 0.6/10
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30
Sandvik
Sandvik has been a mammoth presence in the niche of industry hardware since its inception in 1942. It has introduced many products and services throughout its course, which uprooted old industry practices and set new ones. Apart from a comprehensive...
Website: sandvik.coromant.com |Brands like Sandvik
Popularity 0.6/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicholson | studionicholson.com | /shopify | studionicholson | @StudioNicholson | – |
| Bahco | bahco.com | – | – | – | – |
| Westward | westward-tools.eu | /29562974398571 | – | @WestwardTools | – |
| Draper | drapertools.com | /drapertools | draper_tools | @drapertools | drapertoolstv |
| Simonds | simondsint.com | /SimondsInternational | – | – | – |
| Faithfull | faithfulltools.com | /faithfulltools | faithfull_tools | @Faithfull_Tools | – |
| HART | harttools.com | /492626278856394 | harttoolsusa | – | UCFZL1mxIwXiqGDOsv5AKxcw |
| Toolman | toolman.ie | /toolmanltd | – | – | – |
| K Tool | ktoolinternational.com | – | – | – | – |
| PFERD | pferd.com | /PFERD.Werkzeuge | pferdwerkzeuge | – | August Rüggeberg PFERD-Werkzeuge |
Bastard File Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know
When it comes to metalworking, one of the most essential tools in any toolbox is the bastard file. It's a versatile tool that can be used for anything from sharpening blades to removing rust and corrosion. But with so many different options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide on how to choose the right bastard file for your needs.
What is a Bastard File?
Before we dive into how to choose the right bastard file, let's take a moment to talk about what it actually is. Simply put, a bastard file is a type of hand file that's usually around 8-12 inches long.
These files have a rough, coarse texture that makes them ideal for removing a large amount of material quickly. However, they can also be used for finishing work or sharpening blades, depending on the size of the teeth and the level of coarseness.
The term "bastard" refers to the fact that these files are typically of a medium coarseness, falling somewhere between a rougher file (known as a coarse file) and a finer file (known as a second file).
Choosing the Right Size
The first thing to consider when choosing a bastard file is the size that you need. These files come in a variety of lengths, usually ranging from 6 inches to 14 inches.
The length you need will depend on the specific tasks you plan on doing with the file. If you plan on using it for more precision work, a shorter file might be the better option. However, if you need to remove a lot of material quickly, a longer file will be more suitable.
In general, an 8-10 inch bastard file is a good all-purpose size that will work for most applications. If you're not sure what length to choose, this is a good place to start.
Deciding on Coarseness
Another important factor to consider is the level of coarseness you need for the job at hand. Bastard files come in a variety of coarseness levels, ranging from very rough to fairly fine.
The coarseness you need will depend on what you're trying to accomplish. If you need to remove a large amount of material quickly, a rougher file will be more effective. However, if you're looking to smooth out a surface or sharpen a blade, a finer file will be more appropriate.
It's important to note that coarseness is measured in terms of teeth per inch (TPI). The higher the TPI, the smoother the file will be. A rough file might have a TPI of 8-10, while a fine file might have a TPI of 20-30.
Choosing the Right Shape
In addition to length and coarseness, you'll also need to choose the right shape of bastard file for the job at hand. There are several different shapes available, each of which is designed for specific tasks.
Flat Files
Flat files are the most common type of bastard file. They're shaped like a traditional flat file, with a rectangular cross-section that's parallel along the length of the file.
These files are ideal for flattening and smoothing out large surfaces, such as metal sheets or wood panels. They can also be used for shaping and smoothing edges on larger pieces of material.
Half-Round Files
Half-round files have a curved shape that's somewhat similar to a round file. However, they're flat on one side, which makes them easier to use for flat surfaces.
These files are typically used for shaping curved surfaces or creating rounded edges on flat surfaces. They're also useful for filing inside holes or narrow channels.
Round Files
Round files have a cylindrical shape with teeth that run around the circumference of the file. They're typically used for shaping concave surfaces, such as the inside of a pipe or the edge of a hole.
These files come in a variety of sizes, from very small (less than 1/8 inch in diameter) to quite large (over an inch in diameter). The size you need will depend on the size of the area you're working on.
Consider the Material
Another important factor to consider when choosing a bastard file is the material it's made from. Most files are made from high-carbon steel, which is durable and long-lasting.
However, there are also files available that are made from other materials, such as diamond or ceramic. These files are typically more expensive than steel files, but they have the advantage of being more durable and longer-lasting.
Additional Features
Handles
Some bastard files come with handles attached, while others do not. Files without handles are more versatile, as they can be used with a variety of different handles or grips depending on the task at hand.
However, for some tasks (such as filing down a large surface), it can be useful to have a handle attached to the file. This will make it easier to grip and control the file as you work.
Cleaning Brushes
Some bastard files come with a small cleaning brush included. This can be useful for keeping the teeth of the file clean and free from debris, which will help prolong its lifespan.
Safety Features
Finally, some bastard files come with safety features such as a protective coating that helps prevent rust and corrosion, or a cover to protect the teeth when the file is not in use.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a bastard file, there are several factors to consider. Length, coarseness, shape, material, and additional features all play a role in determining which file is right for your needs.
By taking the time to consider all of these factors and choosing a file that's well-suited to your specific needs, you'll be able to accomplish your metalworking tasks quickly, efficiently, and with a high level of precision.
Resources
- The Seven Types of Files Include: Family Handyman
- How to Use a File: Bob Vila
- File Tooth Calculator
