General Gunsmith ToolsApex Tool GroupSold by Brownells

Apex Tool Group

American Pattern Hand Files - 2nd Cut, 8''''

Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.

This hand file is suited to general gun work and other metalworking tasks where controlled shaping and material removal are needed.

Basic Gun

Work file for dressing, striking

All-purpose Design

Suited for general metalworking tasks

Parallel Width

Slight taper in thickness

Double-cut Sides

For material removal

One Edge

Is single-cut and the other

$13.99
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SKU: 191058860

Overview

This hand file is suited to general gun work and other metalworking tasks where controlled shaping and material removal are needed. Its all-purpose design makes it useful for dressing, striking off, and refining surfaces during shop work. The file is parallel in width and tapers slightly in thickness, with double-cut sides, a single-cut edge, and a safe edge for more controlled use. It is a practical choice for hunters and outdoorsmen who need a straightforward file for maintenance and fitting tasks.

AI Recommendation

This hand file is suited to general gun work and other metalworking tasks where controlled shaping and material removal are needed.

Why Hunters Choose the Apex Tool Group

Versatile All-purpose

File for dressing, striking off,

Double-cut Sides

Support efficient material removal across

One Edge

A safe edge for controlled

Parallel Width

Slight thickness taper for consistent

Available 8-inch

American pattern size for bench

Key Features

  • Basic gun work file for dressing, striking off, shaping, and metal removal.
  • All-purpose design suited for general metalworking tasks.
  • Parallel width with slight taper in thickness.
  • Double-cut sides for material removal.
  • One edge is single-cut and the other is safe.
  • 8-inch American pattern file, 25/32-inch wide x 7/32-inch thick.

Best Used For

  • General gun work where an all-purpose file is needed for dressing, striking off, shaping, and metal removal
  • Users needing a versatile hand file for shop tasks across different types of metal work
  • Projects requiring a parallel-width file with a safe edge for controlled filing against adjacent surfaces
  • Hunters or gunsmiths doing basic firearm fitting and surface shaping with a traditional American pattern file

Pros

  • Versatile all-purpose file for dressing, striking off, shaping, and metal removal
  • Double-cut sides support efficient material removal across general gun work tasks
  • One edge is single-cut, with a safe edge for controlled filing
  • Parallel width with slight thickness taper for consistent handling
  • Available in 8-inch American pattern size for bench use

Considerations & Trade-offs

  • Designed as a general-purpose gun work file, so it is useful for shaping and metal removal, but it is not a specialized file for one narrow task.
  • The double-cut sides are paired with one single-cut edge and one safe edge, which adds control but also means the cutting surfaces are not uniform on every side.
  • The listed 8" size is relatively compact, which can be convenient for detailed work but may be less efficient on larger surfaces than a longer file.

Suggested Comparisons

  • Mill files
  • Flat files
  • Hand files
  • Metal shaping files

Suggested Accessories

  • File handle
  • File card
  • Bench vise
  • Protective gloves

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this file intended for in gun work and shop use?

It is described as one of the basic gun work files and an all-purpose file for dressing, striking off, shaping, and removing metal.

What cut and edge configuration does this file have?

The product is listed as a 2nd cut file with double-cut sides. One edge is single-cut and the other edge is safe.

What size is the 8-inch version?

The 8" American pattern file is listed as 25/32" wide and 7/32" thick.

Is there more than one size listed?

Yes. The specs also list a 10" American version, which is 31/32" wide and 1/4" thick.

Who makes this file?

The manufacturer listed is Apex Tool Group.