General Tools Swiss Pattern Needle File Set (12-Piece)

13 reviews for General Tools Swiss Pattern Needle File Set (12-Piece)

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   Deon Flatley (verified owner) – August 2, 2022

   This is a very nice files set, and includes configurations not usually found in jewlers’ files. For example, it has a flat file with teeth only on the thin edge (you can make a very narrow cut without worrying about inadvertently widening the slot), and a triangular file with teeth only on one side (again, you can file right up to an edge an not worry about messing up the side of the opening). The handle makes them very easy to handle as well

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   Coleman Funk (verified owner) – July 9, 2022

   This is a basic set of needle files good for softer materials, like plastic, wood, aluminum, and brass. I often use them for cutting notches in guitar string nuts, and other hobby uses. While these are not super-high quality, they are perfectly good for the price, and better than a $5 set. The case is nice, but the handle doesn’t grip quite tight enough.

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   Malvina Koelpin (verified owner) – April 24, 2022

   I have some plans to create a wooden frame such as the one in my photos, and these nicely made files will be key to getting professional results. I am pleased with how quickly they remove wood, particularly those little fuzzy wisps left just after the rough cut on inexpensive woods. My assortment has most of the more desirable shapes for doing just this kind of filigree. The Handle, made of a very nice material, is comfortable for holding, and the knurled brass holds the file firm and secure. Great addition to wood working shop!

4. Rated 3 out of 5

   Melisa Beahan (verified owner) – February 21, 2022

   General Tools Swiss Pattern Needle File Set (12-Piece)True professional grade precision Swiss pattern files are expensive, about 3 times more expensive than these files from General Tool. Anytime you can buy 12 Swiss Pattern files for less than $20, you are not getting a pro quality tool. The questions to ask yourself is what do I need these for? Do I need to pay all that extra money for a pro quality file set? The General Tools Swiss Pattern Needle File set is perfect if you need a particular shaped file for a household task like de burring a worn or a new door key or removing a sharp edge or excess material from a craft project. Also handy for possibly the shaping or smoothing of a piece of jewelry you are making or something like that. I was a Tool and Die Maker and I used a well-known professional Swiss manufacturer’s files in my day to day industrial job. While I have owned, liked and used many General Tool products at my job, I would not have used these files at work. I WILL use these around the house and in my woodworking shop because they are good for that purpose. The set includes a nice comfortable handle which is much appreciated and a convenient zippered pleather carry case. Every homeowner, crafter or hobbyist should have a set of inexpensive Swiss pattern files because when you need one of these there is no other good substitute. Priced under $20 these are worthy of tucking in your tool box for those occasions.Product description: “12 file sizes: warding (flat), round, 3-square, square, crossing, oval, half-round, knife, barrette, slitting, joint round edge and equaling (mill). The set also comes with a Versa-Grip handle with a locking screw chuck that secures the file in the handle. All files have a length of 5-1/2 in. and 1/8 in. Dia. shanks and they come packaged in a zippered case for convenient storage.”

5. Rated 5 out of 5

   Dana Ratke (verified owner) – January 11, 2022

   Just what I needed to replace a forty year old set.

6. Rated 5 out of 5

   Nola Quitzon (verified owner) – September 4, 2021

   I’m very impressed with this kit. The tools all are good quality and the handle fits your palm perfectly. I was worried that the tightening collar would not hold the file tight enough, but it works perfectly. For small work these will function great and with the handy kit everything is in one place making them easy to find. You could take the paper liner out for a more refined look, but I like the easy to see descriptions.

7. Rated 4 out of 5

   George Borer (verified owner) – August 4, 2021

   This 12-piece set of Swiss-pattern needle files is what I call an “economy” set. They’re meant for folks who have the occasional need for needle files. However, since the cost of carbide files is many times that of these economy files, I’ve found that it’s more cost-effective to get the economy files and replace them as they wear out.Swiss-pattern files are also known as “precision files.” They are made to file and hone delicate and intricate parts. The files in this set have a #2 finish, which is a finish grade about halfway between coarse and extra fine. I’ve used a couple of the files to grind the edge on a piece of glass and to remove small burrs from tool steel. They are effective.The set came with a Versa-Grip handle that has a locking screw chuck. The chuck is supposed to secure the file in the handle, but all 12 files in my set are loose in the chuck, even when the chuck is fully tightened. The result is that the files slide back and forth in the handle during use. The shank diameter for the files (the part that fits in the chuck) is spec’d at 1/8 inch (0.125), but I measured them and found that they are slightly undersized at 0.117 to 0.122. The shanks are lightly knurled, however, and I’ve found that I can hold the files with my fingers to manipulate them.Set made in China.

8. Rated 3 out of 5

   Sydni Fadel (verified owner) – July 6, 2021

   12 Piece Needle File Set – No 707475country of origin – ChinaI ordered this file set to fit in my home tool-box.It fits.The first thing I looked for on this set was a flat (un-bladed) warding surface for side-filing.Bingo – see pics showing why: The flat/un-bladed surface does not mar my fret-board when I am smoothing fret edges & sides on my bass.While not a “fine” set of files, it’s a “good enough” set and for that, I’m happy to have them.

9. Rated 5 out of 5

   Noemy Hackett (verified owner) – May 22, 2021

   These files make up a convenient set of files for fine detail work on wood or metal projects. Too often a set of files are just too big to get into small spaces. This set should be in addition to and not as a replacement for larger files. There a 12 separate shapes that fit into a common handle. Fortunately the shapes are printed on the backing sheet to help you determine which will work best and also get them back into their proper location. The files are small, so it may be difficult to determine which file to choose without the guide.

10. Rated 5 out of 5

    Judy Pfeffer (verified owner) – April 29, 2021

    This 12-Piece Swiss Pattern Needle File Set from General Tools is a great addition to my precision tools. I have several needle file sets, but these Swiss Pattern Files are much better for very fine detail work. They cut very well, but are much finer and smoother than American Pattern or even diamond-coated files. The set includes a good handle, though for detail work, I generally like to “feel” the file using only my hand. Included are 12 #2 Single Cut file shapes for just about any fine filing work. Each file is 5-1/2 in. long with 1/8 in. knurled shanks (for use without the handle). It all comes in a nice zippered case with a printed/pictorial description for each file, to keep everything organized. It includes a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

11. Rated 5 out of 5

    Bridget Adams (verified owner) – April 28, 2021

    For all of us that enjoy collecting and restoring antiques especially in my case antique weapons it is almost necessary that you have a set of small quality needle files. This set is really perfect in that it comes with a very convenient padded folding case that organizes and keeps the files on hand when needed. In most cases you will need the different shapes to be able to fit the almost always replacement parts. This set offers quality and versatile convenience. And is one of the best sets I have seen.

12. Rated 5 out of 5

    Damien Spinka (verified owner) – April 14, 2021

    For all of us that enjoy collecting and restoring antiques especially in my case antique weapons it is almost necessary that you have a set of small quality needle files. This set is really perfect in that it comes with a very convenient padded folding case that organizes and keeps the files on hand when needed. In most cases you will need the different shapes to be able to fit the almost always replacement parts. This set offers quality and versatile convenience. And is one of the best sets I have seen.

13. Rated 5 out of 5

    Aiyana Pagac (verified owner) – February 11, 2021

    The files come in a nice zipper case to keep them clean and all together. nice chart to tell you the purpose of each file. Work very well.