Power files

[Morris]

I suffer with arthritis in the top joint of my index finger which makes cleaning stuff up with emery etc painful. So I invested in a power file from Screwfix.
What have I been missing all these years, what brilliant tools!
Currently cleaning up an English axle case and did most of it in a very short space of time. Only downside is the cheap belts from Screwfix. Any advice on where to get good quality ones?

 

[123hotchef]

I have the evolution one i dont use it nearly enough, I have seen others mention they cut better quality belts into thinner strips

 

[Robotstar5]

Great tools aren't they, I've had one for a few years.
I'm sure someone on here mentioned buying good quality wide belts and splitting them into powerfile widths, works out cheaper

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

https://www.solenttools.co.uk/
This place does me well.

 

[Morris]

Thanks TYA, I'll give them a go.

 

[Wallace]

I have an order in to Abtec4Abrasives at the moment for Zirconium linisher and power file belts, around £5 for 10 + Vat. I cannot vouch for the quality as yet nor the company but they were reasonably priced compared to some companies.

 

[stuvy]

The belts make a world of difference to them there great for polishing down welds that are hard to reach with a grinder

 

[Agroshield]

johnt1102 on eBay. He has been mentioned here before.

The really coarse ones do not last well on a finger sander. I think the radius of the wheel is too small and with the grains so big, they come loose.

 

[123hotchef]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_...asl=johnt1102&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_fosrp=1

 

[MCKDAVID]

I have an order in to Abtec4Abrasives at the moment for Zirconium linisher and power file belts, around £5 for 10 + Vat. I cannot vouch for the quality as yet nor the company but they were reasonably priced compared to some companies.

+1 have used them many times for discs and wheels. maybe not the cheapest, but their service is excellent. They supplied a die grinder with damaged collet (broken), looked like a manufacturer breakage, they just sent another with an apology. Excellent service in my opinion.

 

[Gareth0123]

I use both a Ferm and an Aldi power file commercially in my workshop
Both are the same shape and power, the fingers are interchangeable but the Ferm is about 100g heavier and is better made.

Annually I get through around 100 of each of the (red) ceramic belts in P36 and P60 grit and size 457mm X 13mm which I purchase from Abrasive for Metals they may seem expensive at first glance but the longevity in use far out last standard (brownish) Alu/oxide or (Blue)Zirconium which makes them the most viable and economical option for me.

 

[Gareth0123]

+1 have used them many times for discs and wheels. maybe not the cheapest, but their service is excellent. They supplied a die grinder with damaged collet (broken), looked like a manufacturer breakage, they just sent another with an apology. Excellent service in my opinion.

Abtec are OK but the belts and disc they currently supply just don't have the lifespan of the ones they used to supply.
I gave up with Abtec 4 years ago because they could never supply a complete order, with quantities of 5s. 10s. and 20s that made up my orders of 100s coming in drips and drabs

 

[MCKDAVID]

Abtec are OK but the belts and disc they currently supply just don't have the lifespan of the ones they used to supply.
I gave up with Abtec 4 years ago because they could never supply a complete order, with quantities of 5s. 10s. and 20s that made up my orders of 100s coming in drips and drabs

not had too many problems with their material, although I agree with their partial order delivery. The last twice it's been partial. I think they hold a minimum stock, not really an issue as they pay the delivery for the rest, so no real odds for me. That said the last finger file belts I had were from a local supplier here, I'd run out, all they had what absolute junk, just kept shredding at the joint after a few minutes... took them back, full refund, guy didn't even quibble; reckon I wasn't the only one who took them back.

 

[500e]

Found the Abtec power file belts seem to vary wildly in quality

 

[Ashley Burton]

I bought some Zirconia ones from TST Abrasive Solutions on eBay

 

[Mark 2]

I bought some Zirconia ones from TST Abrasive Solutions on eBay

Aaand?

 

[Ashley Burton]

Aaand?

They worked perfectly well?

 

[Morris]

Thanks for the replies!
I'll pick one out of those and see how I get on.

 

[Mick Annick]

I have an order in to Abtec4Abrasives at the moment for Zirconium linisher and power file belts, around £5 for 10 + Vat. I cannot vouch for the quality as yet nor the company but they were reasonably priced compared to some companies.

I’ve had some from Abtec and they’re fine, just don’t try to file close to the side edge on something sharp, they unravel very quickly

 

[marlinspike]

Yes, great tool. Can't fault my Black and Decker one. Probably the handiest and most frequently used tool in my car restoration project. I get the blue zirconia belts from John on eBay, as mentioned above. Eventually you will wear down the rubber wheel, but the bit on the end is easily replaced - I think I paid about £6 a few years ago. Definitely worth spending a bit more for the better quality belts.