When you got out the red paint, I thought oh no, an all red handle is going to look terrible. But of course you had a clever plan to just do the interior in red, and it looks beautiful. Another awesome job!
Hello Gerald! Lol! Yes, I left that part in to give the viewers a chance to yell "NOOOOO!!!" At the screen!! 😂. I'm so glad you like the end result! Thanks so much!!! 😃👍
Fantastic result - Thanks for the tool history too! Love the red inner. Thought for a second you were going to spray the whole thing red! The mirror finish looks amazing
Hello Adam! LOL I thought it would be funny if I showed the footage of painting the entire handle RED then not showing the removal of the paint! =) I'm so glad you liked the results!!! Thanks very much!!!!
Thanks again Scout. Nicholson file was originally here in RI. Long gone now. I was doing renovation work in their east providence plant and took home the front entranceway floor mat with their logo on it. Every day when I walk into my shop I walk over it. 👍
Wow, what a result, that is amazing. I've been using golf ball handles for years. They also work for missing knobs as well. Thanks for another great restoration and history lesson!
Love watching your videos. I worked at Nicholson file in Cullman Al in the forge shop in the hammer room. I ran automatic hammers that formed your favorite part of the file, the tang 🙂
Hello JAMES!!!!!! That is awesome!!!! Man I would love to pick your brain! I bet you have some awesome stories!!! Did you ever wonder "Why?" Did anyone ever ask? Did you ever work on the Handy File? Nicholson is tops in American Files! Did you ever make some stuff on the hammers for yourself? So many questions! LOL Thanks so much!!!!!!
Those are beautiful. I have never seen file handles like that before. It's a shame that as time goes by, quality just keeps disappearing. Great job as always my friend 👍
Another BEAUTIFUL restoration along with a lot of information on files to put on file! I know crappy joke, but I had to do it!! Also your videos occasionally give me flashbacks! LOL! I did that Golf Ball trick to create a Knob for a shifter on a 1968 International 5 speed tranny truck that was part of Nassau County's fleet back in the 70s. I just grabbed a ball from the park's driving range and did it up! So, these videos provide, tools, history, great restorations and some fun memories! Thank You Sir!
Hello Bill! Golf balls are such an underrated handle!!! Your shifter was a great Idea! A lot easier to drill then a cue-ball and more available!!!!!! I'm so glad you enjoy the videos and appreciate the feedback!!!!! Thanks again Bill!!!!
Hello Phoenix! You have to give the Golf Ball a try!!! It works really well and I know you will like it! It works shockingly well! Thanks so much!!!!!!!
ScoutCrafter I certainly will! I've collected a few too many files these past few weeks. See what you've started! Lol. I share your love of tools and am working on my first vise. An old 1950s Craftsman, heavy but the casting is a little rough. What kind of spray paint do you use? I was looking into getting a custom color spray paint made of acrylic enamel to match the original. Great hobby!!
Hello Steve! If you have a rough casting it's best to use a "fill" primer to help it look better... You can even use a brush on primer and it will improve the look... Years ago they used a substance called White Lead and it smoothed out the surface! Pick a color you like! Don't worry about anyone else! You will have this vise a long time and you will enjoy it more if you like the looks!!!!! My other Vise restoration videos really address a lot of issues you will have!!!! Best of luck!!!! Thanks!!!!!!
Scoutcrafter, what a great video. I LOVE files and what you can do with one. It must be the most underrated tool in the workshop but I wish everyone could be taught how to use one and they would be more popular (no more horrible angle grinding etc). Just ordered another 15 handles to keep up with recent car boot purchases where a 50p file would have been a £10/£15 buy originally. Any file video gets an immediate HUGE thumbs up. Take care and best regards from the UK.
Scout, thank you for yet another great video. As always I love the background info you give along the way. The paint job was very ingenious and really surprised me. I wasn't expecting that. It looks great!! Thank you again!!!
Great video as always, great workmanship and always some information about the product. I agree file makers need to update the way they make files, I'll bet that one you showed with the flat handle is easy to use.
Hello John! I mis-spoke! It's really a corn "cob" I used the term husk which covers the corn! =) Believe it or not it works GREAT!!! Very good grip!! The Golf Ball is good too!! Thanks!!!!!!!!
You were right; they're not cheap at all. Plus, finding them isn't so easy, either. Extremely happy to say that I got my first handle today! Very good condition and it came with what looks like an original screwdriver tip. Got it for $7 at the thrift store. I'd like a few more. Truly unexpected how solidly and rigidly they hold on to the tool.
Nice restoration. I never seen a cast iron universal file handle. I've had good luck with Lutz brand of wood file handles. Golf ball palm grip is cool.
Hello my friend!!!!! Good video interesting I never understood why the form of the file handle, now I see ( the 🌽 handle jajaja the first time I see this) thanks for show us another very good video!!!! Go ahead with the next project!!!!!!
In 50 years of working with files never had any handles on my files don't know why just got used to not having them I suppose, but since I've been at home and teaching my grandsons I got a load of golf balls drilled a 3/16" hole and knocked them on like how you use the nut insert never thought of that . Like the handle you've so brilliantly restored especially the red in side genius I have to say , I'd have a couple of them but never seen them this side of the pond . In fairness up until needing some sort of handle never really looked . Thanks for another great video really enjoyed
Hello David!! Most of my files don't have handles either!!! Small round files are really a joy to use with a handle but for larger ones like you I have learned without handles so it feels normal... The Handy-files are nice with the built in handles! Thanks so much!!!!
Dave, aren't the metal handles fantastic, why oh why did we never get these in the UK ?. I was taught that you always had to have a handle on a file and wobetide the boy caught using one with just the tang to hold onto. The way I was shown to fit the handles was to gently heat the tang and burn it on, works with wooden and plastic handles.
ScoutCrafter thanks as ever for your reply I really appreciate it looking at your video I think I could make something similar could you if possible give me some length and rough width measurements and I'll have ago and gladly let you know and see if possible what I come up with . Sorry to be cheeky not a problem if not I'll judge it of your hand cheers
UK Tony I hated filling at school got caned twice for taking the handles off but I’ve never liked handles on them they just feel to uncomfortable but teaching my young grandsons I’m feared of the trouble I’d get in off the do gooders if they got hurt in some way but if I made one that comes off and fits all like these ones it can be on for the lads and off for me but not when little eyes are on me lol
Thank you ScoutCrafter. I have seen those antique handles. Great video, a restoration project, history lesson, tutorial all in one video. Love the red inside of the handle. Vaughn
SC- I am in Indiana...Corn country. Corn cobs were and still are a great fire starters....used for numerous handles and....back in the day a must in the outhouse! I just remodeled my WPA outhouse...look em up...government issue. We still use it to this day during hunting season. The old timers say...you start in the outhouse with a darker cob, finish with a lighter colored one :-) Or unless you were wealthy or lucky enough to have a Sears and Roebuck catalog!
Hello Shannon!!! I mis-spoke during the filming and said "husk"... afterwards I realized my mistake but I have no idea how to add text to the screen or I would have corrected my obvious mistake! I did a video called "Black Hawk Corn Sheller" where I demonstrated an antique corn sheller and I saved the cobs! I always knew the cobs would come in useful for something!!! You, living in Corn Country would know many uses!!! Great stuff! I also have heard about the sears catalog!!! Thanks very much!!!!!!
Hello McTavish!!! I thought that would be a funny joke! I even fooled my Girlfriend! I too really like the outcome and would love to do one with a yellow interior! =) Thanks so much!!!!!!!
Hello Blackie!!!! I'm so glad you liked the end result! I spent about 25 minutes with a Q-tip and Lacquer thinner cleaning the inside of that handle!! LOL Thanks very much!!!!
I thought all those handles had casting flaws, even the oldest looking one which didn't have clean through holes in the basket part of the handle. When you said you were going to go wild with the paint, I thought you were going to just paint it all red and was going to suggest that it would look absolutely awesome if you could just paint the inside and polish up the outside. BOOM you're already way ahead of me. I hope you pull out that file handle and show it off to friends when they are around. It's a pretty awesome looking tool.
Hello Bradley! You were way ahead of me!!! Lol. It does look awesome like this but if I do another it will be a Canary Yellow inside!!! That will look great too! Thanks so much!!!! 😃👍
I have one I use it everyday. It fits perfectly in your hand, better than anything modern. I want more! Oh yeah, as a machinist you seldomly use one without a handle because that lathe will put that Tang through your palm quickly.
Hello Shawn! Those old file handles were just a classic design! It's funny but years ago you could easily pick one up for $5, however now they are going for much more! I can't figure this market out! LOL Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!
Another great video. I always learn a lot. Just for clarification, the file at the beginning was inserted into a corn cob, the husk is the leafy like covering of the corn.
Hello Jerry!!! Yes! You are right! I realized that after I filmed the segment and it was too late to re-shoot! I wish I knew how to add "Text" to a screen so I could correct my many mistakes... Everyone else does it but I can't figure it out! LOL Thanks so much!!!!!!
When I was a little boy my grandpa always used corn cob handles. Occasionally he would send me to field to pick up some cobs for him. That was about 55 years ago.
Hi James! The funny thing is they work great! Super comfortable too! The old timers were a lot smarter then us! LOL I still don't know why they made files with tangs instead of handles. =)
You sir amaze me! How can you be so passionate about file handles? And why am I so interested? Well done I have a whole chest of tools that has been in my shed that maybe will have a new lease of life
Hello Loxxxton! I love to hear it when people dig out there old tools and clean them up, oil them and put them back in service! It really makes my day!!! Thanks so much!!!!
What a great subject. I often wondered why files are made so stupidly...without a handle. I saw the golf ball trick on another channel but I have yet to implement that idea. I need to because it makes sense.
That inside paint job is HOT! I think it was fitting that you had to use a file to clean-up the forging marks! I have an old wood file handle made by SHUR-GRIP. The metal ferrule has a coil like a spring, but with sharp edges like female threads. (Almost like a helicoil insert) You thread the end of the file in until it grips - a like your golf ball concept.
Hello 357Magdad!! You have to try the Golf Ball, it looks strange and uncomfortable but it is exactly the opposite!!! Works great!!!! I have seen the Shur-Grip type handles! I prefer them to regular the wooden handles! Thanks very much!!!!
ScoutCrafter I did think why has he painted the whole handle red? But at the end it looked great! Your attention to detail is fantastic! I have never seen a file handle like that in the UK I will have to look on EBay.
Superb job as usual, however surprisingly for me I did know about the golf ball . Love the finish on the handle , I’ve not seen any thing like that before. Best wishes
Could you please do a guide on your wire wheels? You always say that the bigger wire wheel does something a little bit different than the smaller/slimer wire wheel. I only use a smaller/slimer wire wheel. I'd just like to understand why you do it lol. Also I love your file handle collection, wish mine was as good. Keep up the good work!!
Hello Mason! The larger the wheel the faster the wires will contact the part you are cleaning, also because it is larger the wire in the wheel has to be stiffer and will remove rust quicker. The larger wheel isn't for all projects but for heavy rust and scale it makes a big difference! Good stuff!!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!
Hello NMC! Don't feel bad! They were popular long before we were born! LOL Not so much any more... They are interesting though!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!!
Hello Derek!!!! Thanks so much!!! Really I think my subscribers are among the best on all of UA-cam!!! Everyone is so helpful and generous with their knowledge! Thanks again, I really appreciate that!!!!
Those are pretty cool. I'm going to keep an eye out for them. I've dug up a few oddball tools in my shop with no manufacturer info and no idea when they were made but I'm going to practice polishing them up to see what happens. The pliers marked DROP FORGED WEST GERMANY are definitely the most interesting. I also need to figure out how to sharpen the wire cutters on them and repair a bunch of nicks and rolled spots on them.
Hello Alan! After your successful Sterling restoration I'm sure you will enjoy the plier clean-up, However it the pliers have a rivet instead of a bolt joining them it's much harder try and get a mirror finish! Sounds like great stuff! Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Alan! Just don't try the belt sander! You can wire brush and polish but the belt sander will leave a line next to the rivet that will be hard to get out! I know all too well!!!!! LOL Learn from my mistake!!! Wire brush and polish is fine!!!
ScoutCrafter I wasn't even thinking about the belt grinder for that part. I DO have to use it on the tips, they're pretty beat up, but I can grind on about 3 feet of slack belt at 800 grit so that oughta take a mirror polish off the buffing wheels pretty easily.
That red on the inside really looks sharp. The last couple of files I have bought have been Nicholson "Axe Files", which have a flat handle instead of the tang. I am going to make some golf ball handles to hold me over until I find some nice old style handles like you have. Great content!!!! Cheers, Joe
Hello Joe!!! You are going to love the Golf Ball handles!!! They really work great!! Handy Files have the handles too they are great! I hate "Tangs" and "Patina" LOL Thanks much!!!!!!
ScoutCrafter my husband David shares my Facebook page and makes the comments. We both enjoy watching your videos - the stories of the tools are as interesting as the restorations.
Ha! About half way through the video, I thought to myself....if this were me, I'd paint the inside and polish the outside of that handle. Whoa-Lah! Great minds think great! Good work!
Never say Scoutcrafter doesn't deliver, thanks. I noticed what you were talking about with the tangs wiggling. For the one with the grooves that you painted, is it possible to turn the file 45 degrees and clamp the tang on the corners? Might keep it from wiggling. Anywho, thanks for the video I greatly enjoyed getting a closer look at these handles. As I said before I gotta find myself one. The golf ball tip is also fantastic, might have to try that on some. -MB
I found a couple nice cast ones like you worked on looking around eBay. Bid only. One had a few days left and was already to $53. The other had 5 days left and was at $7.95. Wonder what they sold for... I think you started a trend! Everyone wants one now!
I was told never to use a file without a handle,I agree manufacturers should make a flat handle on the end,like on a points file.but nowadays nearly all files for sale have fixed comfortable compound handles..We used to either make our own handles from dowel,or buy press on plastic ones like those red ones
I got here late but what a super awesome informative video as always there better and better each time :3 thanks for all the time you put into these and share with us all it's truly amazing
awesome video. love those old file handles. and that makes me think, i need to get some handles for my files, lol. i have a few and none of them have handles.
Hi ScoutCrafter is there a slight angle between the grip and the clamp on the older better quality handle? Would make sense as it would lift your knuckles up off the face of whatever you happen to be filing. Also can you recommend a method for cleaning the files themselves I find that particularly the finer metal files I have clog up after use. Great video really enjoyed this one.
"Give the chooch a file"! I have only heard my family in Chicago use that. What does it mean? That thing was gorgeous, the paint inside was worth the extra effort. I have never seen any handles like those.
I just got my first perfect handle screwdriver. It needs work but I'm excited to get it fixed up. A few questions though first is it worth waiting till the beginning of the month and buy a harbor freight belt sander or if you have a recommendation for one under $200. Second mine is a 4 1/2" German made is there anything else I should know or do please let me know. I don't want to mess up the restoration.
Hello dosetti! Don't feel bad they were popular long before you were born!! Now they are just an antique curiosity... A beautiful design though!!! Thanks very much!!! 😃👍
Very good video, I just discovered you thanks to Old Sneelock and subscribed. I have a old cast iron file handle but it is missing the collar and thumbscrew. I have been using a small pipe clamp as a substitute since I have not been able to find the missing part. Do you have suggestions on a better clamping method?
Hello Tony ! The small pipe clamp- like a stainless steel hose clamp that screws tight? That would work great! (Probably better then the original!). Lol. Old Sneelock is great! He has a lot of cool videos! Thanks so much!! 😃👍
Reticulated handle. Like a reticulated snake. I saw an eBay post calling them that. I’ve always heard them called Birdcage file handles. Cast iron seems to be the popular keyword on eBay.
I've never seen handles like the metal ones. They look very nice, especially the one you restored. I've heard a lot of people saying that touching the "teeth" of the file with bare hands will make the file blunt because of the oils we naturally have on our hands. I find it difficult to believe this. What do you think?
Hello Manolis! They say that oiling a file will help it skip over the surface instead of biting and cutting... So if that's what they are talking about there might be some validity to it, however you have to have some really oily hands for it to make a difference! I'm with you!!! Thanks so much!!!! 😃👍
Hello Iwoot1 YES! That's why so many had bent screws! It was common for people to torque them down with pliers or a wrench!! You have to try the Golf ball! I bet you like it!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!!
nice stuff, everyone should use corn husk handles lol. what you do to protect your tools mineral oil? and do you have experience with the vast variety of wood finishes? also, i got an interesting file hadle you might like ill try get some pics for ya
Hello Pootuis! I mis-spoke! It's the corn cob! Lol I said husk but I couldn't change it... =) a great tool protector is my 50/50 mix of Vaseline and Mineral oil! I made a video titled "Home brew lubricants" Great stuff!!! Thanks very much!!!!
Was not expecting this outcome.. you are an absolute master at what you do Scout. ..quick question, what is your typical search on ebay when hunting down old tools..or what is the main thing your looking for when at flea markets, ect??
Hello Kevin! If you want good deals on eBay try looking under "lots" like "vintage tool lot" or Antique tool lot or Old tool lot... or even Wrench lot, plier lot... I found that you can really get value that way! You might have to spend $50 but if your getting 15 tools you really are getting a good deal!!! The best part of restoring tools is we buy rusty tools and have little competition when buying, nobody wants rusty tools!!!! LOL Thanks!!!!!!
If you start drilling the golf ball, and run into rubber band looking pieces below the outer skin, toss that one away to be safe. Some of the old golf balls had a liquid filled ball in the core under high pressure, and it will come squirting out after you drill towards the center. Best to use a solid core golf ball of course.
You spoke the truth about files, the tangs are ridiculously old school blacksmith. Even the cheapo hacksaw blade uses a pin lock for blade tension. Or the disposable fabric cutting blade has a screw lock handle. That red center with the polished metal outer looks way cool on the handle. A tool should be customized to fit the user. If you are finishing it to remove the forging lines, It makes it look better and feel great in the hand. On a side note ... Almost all the traditional Asian Cooking knives are tang burnt into a wooden handle. An Asian knife sharpening shop will be well versed in replacing the wooden handles too. But it is annoying to constantly reset a knife handle by tapping it on the counter, similar to a file handle when it starts to loosen from age. Asian blades with European handles are probably the best fusion in knife design.
Hello Readyset!!!! You are so right!!! I always wondered why file companies never thought things out! The Handy files with the incorporated handle are very nice! You are spot on about the burning in of the handles, all the top quality knives are burnt in but I still prefer a mechanical bond of some sort, a pin or bolt... Thanks so much!!!
Hello Karen!!!! In a perfect world the handle should butt up to the shoulder of the file, that is easier with a wood handle or deep handle. Not so easy with the golf ball unless you cut the tang short... That stupid tang!!! LOL If you are going to buy a file look into the Nicholson Handy File! It has a handle already!! Thanks so much!!!!
When I was a kid at school they taught us how to use files without handles. Now, as a left-hander! It was the biggest pain of my life. It does of sorts become natural after a while, Yet I would have rather of had the golf ball idea instead!
Hi Cory- I think they are about 5-1/2 inches long... I have big hands and they are perfect size! Not too big and not too small! Really a great design. They always vary in price so just be patient! Thanks so much!!!!
wow great handles sir...I never seen handles like this. specially iron handles... but if I would be a doctor I prefer golf ball handle... :) Cheers...Thnx for vid.
Hello Brian! Yes! Any nut will work but the Grade 8 or golden nuts are harder and should bite better... Yes graded nuts I think would work better! Thanks so much!!!
When you got out the red paint, I thought oh no, an all red handle is going to look terrible. But of course you had a clever plan to just do the interior in red, and it looks beautiful. Another awesome job!
Hello Gerald! Lol! Yes, I left that part in to give the viewers a chance to yell "NOOOOO!!!" At the screen!! 😂. I'm so glad you like the end result! Thanks so much!!! 😃👍
Fantastic result - Thanks for the tool history too! Love the red inner. Thought for a second you were going to spray the whole thing red! The mirror finish looks amazing
Hello Adam! LOL I thought it would be funny if I showed the footage of painting the entire handle RED then not showing the removal of the paint! =) I'm so glad you liked the results!!! Thanks very much!!!!
Thanks again Scout. Nicholson file was originally here in RI. Long gone now. I was doing renovation work in their east providence plant and took home the front entranceway floor mat with their logo on it. Every day when I walk into my shop I walk over it. 👍
Wow, what a result, that is amazing. I've been using golf ball handles for years. They also work for missing knobs as well. Thanks for another great restoration and history lesson!
Hello George! They really do work better then they look! It seems like it would be too thick in the hand but that's not the case!! Thanks so much!!!!!
Love watching your videos. I worked at Nicholson file in Cullman Al in the forge shop in the hammer room. I ran automatic hammers that formed your favorite part of the file, the tang 🙂
Hello JAMES!!!!!! That is awesome!!!! Man I would love to pick your brain! I bet you have some awesome stories!!! Did you ever wonder "Why?" Did anyone ever ask? Did you ever work on the Handy File? Nicholson is tops in American Files! Did you ever make some stuff on the hammers for yourself? So many questions! LOL Thanks so much!!!!!!
Give the chooch a file. LOL. Love the vids - always interesting to watch and see the restoration of older tools.
Those are beautiful. I have never seen file handles like that before.
It's a shame that as time goes by, quality just keeps disappearing.
Great job as always my friend 👍
Another BEAUTIFUL restoration along with a lot of information on files to put on file! I know crappy joke, but I had to do it!! Also your videos occasionally give me flashbacks! LOL! I did that Golf Ball trick to create a Knob for a shifter on a 1968 International 5 speed tranny truck that was part of Nassau County's fleet back in the 70s. I just grabbed a ball from the park's driving range and did it up! So, these videos provide, tools, history, great restorations and some fun memories! Thank You Sir!
Hello Bill! Golf balls are such an underrated handle!!! Your shifter was a great Idea! A lot easier to drill then a cue-ball and more available!!!!!! I'm so glad you enjoy the videos and appreciate the feedback!!!!! Thanks again Bill!!!!
Fascinating! There is so much to learn from your viedos. Thank you for sharing.
Putting the color inside the handle looks fantastic! Great job as usual and a joy to watch!
Hello ArneA! Thanks so much!!! I too was really happy with the way it turned out! I really appreciate that!!!!!
Amazing paint job! Love the golf ball also, looks very comfortable to hold.
Hello Phoenix! You have to give the Golf Ball a try!!! It works really well and I know you will like it! It works shockingly well! Thanks so much!!!!!!!
ScoutCrafter I certainly will! I've collected a few too many files these past few weeks. See what you've started! Lol. I share your love of tools and am working on my first vise. An old 1950s Craftsman, heavy but the casting is a little rough. What kind of spray paint do you use? I was looking into getting a custom color spray paint made of acrylic enamel to match the original. Great hobby!!
Hello Steve! If you have a rough casting it's best to use a "fill" primer to help it look better... You can even use a brush on primer and it will improve the look... Years ago they used a substance called White Lead and it smoothed out the surface! Pick a color you like! Don't worry about anyone else! You will have this vise a long time and you will enjoy it more if you like the looks!!!!! My other Vise restoration videos really address a lot of issues you will have!!!! Best of luck!!!! Thanks!!!!!!
Scoutcrafter, what a great video. I LOVE files and what you can do with one. It must be the most underrated tool in the workshop but I wish everyone could be taught how to use one and they would be more popular (no more horrible angle grinding etc). Just ordered another 15 handles to keep up with recent car boot purchases where a 50p file would have been a £10/£15 buy originally. Any file video gets an immediate HUGE thumbs up. Take care and best regards from the UK.
Hello Tony Files are like scrapers, when you finally learn to master them you wonder why everyone doesn't love them!!! Lol. Thanks so much!!!
Scout, thank you for yet another great video. As always I love the background info you give along the way. The paint job was very ingenious and really surprised me. I wasn't expecting that. It looks great!!
Thank you again!!!
Hello Pops! I'm so glad you liked the end result! Thanks so much!!!!!!
Great video as always, great workmanship and always some information about the product. I agree file makers need to update the way they make files, I'll bet that one you showed with the flat handle is easy to use.
Hello Ernie! Yes, it's called a Handy File and it is great! I prefer them over the terrible tang!!!! =) Thanks so much!!!
Another great restoration. You just amaze me with your knowledge of tools.
Great job!
Hello Frank!!!! You know the Golf ball handle works amazingly well!!!! Cheap too! LOL Thanks so much!!!!!!!!
Great information. I’m learning all the time. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
A corn husk handle is new one on me! I never heard of it until now. Very interesting and helpful tutorial. Thanks for sharing this.
Hello John! I mis-spoke! It's really a corn "cob" I used the term husk which covers the corn! =) Believe it or not it works GREAT!!! Very good grip!! The Golf Ball is good too!! Thanks!!!!!!!!
Finally. ..a sensible use for golf balls!
Hello Vernon! LOL!!!! You will be amazed at how great it works as a handle!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!
First time I've seen a file handle like this. Beautiful. I really want a few!
Hello Felix! The shame is that for some reason they aren't cheap! I wish someone would do a quality remake! Thanks!!!!!!!!
You were right; they're not cheap at all. Plus, finding them isn't so easy, either. Extremely happy to say that I got my first handle today! Very good condition and it came with what looks like an original screwdriver tip. Got it for $7 at the thrift store. I'd like a few more. Truly unexpected how solidly and rigidly they hold on to the tool.
Brilliantly designed.Someone really put some artistic flair into the look of those handles.
Hello Darrin! Absolutely! It was a classic and well thought out design! Still holds up today after 100 years!!!! True artist! Thanks so much!!!!
What a nice job! Really liked the idea on the paint. You sir are an inspiration.
Hello Phil!!! Thanks so much!! I really appreciate that!!!!!!
A Golf Ball Handle.....
What a great idea.
Tony
Nice restoration. I never seen a cast iron universal file handle. I've had good luck with Lutz brand of wood file handles.
Golf ball palm grip is cool.
Great job with the painting. Thanks for sharing the video.
Hello Mike!! I'm really glad you liked the results!!!! Thanks so much!!!!
File handles.....I thought you had three ...early model hand grenades. Never seen one before...and you did a great job again.
Hello Michael! Thanks so much!!!! 😃👍
Love those antique handles and thanks for the golf ball tip. Great idea ! Cheers !
That golf ball handle works great!!! Thanks very much!!!!!
Another great restoration Scoutcrafter keep up the great work 😀👍🏻
Hello Ocelot ! Thanks so much!!!!! 😃👍
Hello my friend!!!!! Good video interesting I never understood why the form of the file handle, now I see ( the 🌽 handle jajaja the first time I see this) thanks for show us another very good video!!!! Go ahead with the next project!!!!!!
Thanks for posting this informative video. Nice to know about the handles for the files. Cheers!
Hello RONS BEERS & TOOLS! Thanks so much!!! Glad you enjoyed the content!! 😃👍
In 50 years of working with files never had any handles on my files don't know why just got used to not having them I suppose, but since I've been at home and teaching my grandsons I got a load of golf balls drilled a 3/16" hole and knocked them on like how you use the nut insert never thought of that . Like the handle you've so brilliantly restored especially the red in side genius I have to say , I'd have a couple of them but never seen them this side of the pond . In fairness up until needing some sort of handle never really looked . Thanks for another great video really enjoyed
Hello David!! Most of my files don't have handles either!!! Small round files are really a joy to use with a handle but for larger ones like you I have learned without handles so it feels normal... The Handy-files are nice with the built in handles! Thanks so much!!!!
Dave, aren't the metal handles fantastic, why oh why did we never get these in the UK ?. I was taught that you always had to have a handle on a file and wobetide the boy caught using one with just the tang to hold onto. The way I was shown to fit the handles was to gently heat the tang and burn it on, works with wooden and plastic handles.
ScoutCrafter thanks as ever for your reply I really appreciate it looking at your video I think I could make something similar could you if possible give me some length and rough width measurements and I'll have ago and gladly let you know and see if possible what I come up with . Sorry to be cheeky not a problem if not I'll judge it of your hand cheers
UK Tony I hated filling at school got caned twice for taking the handles off but I’ve never liked handles on them they just feel to uncomfortable but teaching my young grandsons I’m feared of the trouble I’d get in off the do gooders if they got hurt in some way but if I made one that comes off and fits all like these ones it can be on for the lads and off for me but not when little eyes are on me lol
Thank you ScoutCrafter. I have seen those antique handles. Great video, a restoration project, history lesson, tutorial all in one video. Love the red inside of the handle.
Vaughn
Hi Vaughn! This is up there with one of my favorite projects! I always loved files but hated the tangs! Lol. Thanks so much!!!
SC- I am in Indiana...Corn country. Corn cobs were and still are a great fire starters....used for numerous handles and....back in the day a must in the outhouse! I just remodeled my WPA outhouse...look em up...government issue. We still use it to this day during hunting season. The old timers say...you start in the outhouse with a darker cob, finish with a lighter colored one :-) Or unless you were wealthy or lucky enough to have a Sears and Roebuck catalog!
Hello Shannon!!! I mis-spoke during the filming and said "husk"... afterwards I realized my mistake but I have no idea how to add text to the screen or I would have corrected my obvious mistake! I did a video called "Black Hawk Corn Sheller" where I demonstrated an antique corn sheller and I saved the cobs! I always knew the cobs would come in useful for something!!! You, living in Corn Country would know many uses!!! Great stuff! I also have heard about the sears catalog!!! Thanks very much!!!!!!
great video as always! I have a bunch of old files I have been meaning to send out to be sharpened but never got around to it.
Great vid as usual. I never knew these even existed. Thanks for sharing
Hi Terry! Thanks so much!!!!
gotta say, i was a little skeptical when you started painting it red - i do love that metal finish. imagine my delight at the result! great project
Hello McTavish!!! I thought that would be a funny joke! I even fooled my Girlfriend! I too really like the outcome and would love to do one with a yellow interior! =) Thanks so much!!!!!!!
THANKS FOR THE LESSON .. ANOTHER FINE EPISODE...LOVE THE RED INSIDE JOB...
Hello Blackie!!!! I'm so glad you liked the end result! I spent about 25 minutes with a Q-tip and Lacquer thinner cleaning the inside of that handle!! LOL Thanks very much!!!!
Killer way to paint it that way, great outcome! From NC
Hello David!!!! Thanks so much!!!!! I'm so glad you like it!!!!!
I thought all those handles had casting flaws, even the oldest looking one which didn't have clean through holes in the basket part of the handle. When you said you were going to go wild with the paint, I thought you were going to just paint it all red and was going to suggest that it would look absolutely awesome if you could just paint the inside and polish up the outside. BOOM you're already way ahead of me. I hope you pull out that file handle and show it off to friends when they are around. It's a pretty awesome looking tool.
Hello Bradley! You were way ahead of me!!! Lol. It does look awesome like this but if I do another it will be a Canary Yellow inside!!! That will look great too! Thanks so much!!!! 😃👍
I have one I use it everyday. It fits perfectly in your hand, better than anything modern. I want more!
Oh yeah, as a machinist you seldomly use one without a handle because that lathe will put that Tang through your palm quickly.
Hello Shawn! Those old file handles were just a classic design! It's funny but years ago you could easily pick one up for $5, however now they are going for much more! I can't figure this market out! LOL Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!
Another great video. I always learn a lot. Just for clarification, the file at the beginning was inserted into a corn cob, the husk is the leafy like covering of the corn.
Hello Jerry!!! Yes! You are right! I realized that after I filmed the segment and it was too late to re-shoot! I wish I knew how to add "Text" to a screen so I could correct my many mistakes... Everyone else does it but I can't figure it out! LOL Thanks so much!!!!!!
When I was a little boy my grandpa always used corn cob handles. Occasionally he would send me to field to pick up some cobs for him. That was about 55 years ago.
Hi James! The funny thing is they work great! Super comfortable too! The old timers were a lot smarter then us! LOL I still don't know why they made files with tangs instead of handles. =)
You sir amaze me! How can you be so passionate about file handles? And why am I so interested? Well done I have a whole chest of tools that has been in my shed that maybe will have a new lease of life
Hello Loxxxton! I love to hear it when people dig out there old tools and clean them up, oil them and put them back in service! It really makes my day!!! Thanks so much!!!!
ScoutCrafter my chest has dads dads tools so im gonna dig in UK tools need a new lease of life
Those are cool, I gotta keep my eye out for one of those!
Hello Dominic! They are available but quite pricy!!! I wish they would re-make them! Thanks so much!!!
What a great subject. I often wondered why files are made so stupidly...without a handle. I saw the golf ball trick on another channel but I have yet to implement that idea. I need to because it makes sense.
Hello Wyatt!!! You definitely have to try the Golf Ball! It works amazingly well!! I know you will be amazed!!!! Thanks very much!!!!
That inside paint job is HOT! I think it was fitting that you had to use a file to clean-up the forging marks! I have an old wood file handle made by SHUR-GRIP. The metal ferrule has a coil like a spring, but with sharp edges like female threads. (Almost like a helicoil insert) You thread the end of the file in until it grips - a like your golf ball concept.
Hello 357Magdad!! You have to try the Golf Ball, it looks strange and uncomfortable but it is exactly the opposite!!! Works great!!!! I have seen the Shur-Grip type handles! I prefer them to regular the wooden handles! Thanks very much!!!!
How ironic, had to file the file handle! Beautiful job and I never knew that type existed. Going on the list
Hello Bob!!! I was thinking the same thing!! Just like using a Lathe to build a lathe!!!! It can be done!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!
Just love your tool restoration video
Thanks
Hello Colin!! I'm really glad you enjoy the videos!!! I bet I had you thinking after seeing the whole handle sprayed RED! LOL Thanks so much!!!!!
ScoutCrafter I did think why has he painted the whole handle red? But at the end it looked great! Your attention to detail is fantastic!
I have never seen a file handle like that in the UK I will have to look on EBay.
Never knew file handles were that old, thought they were a recent creation. Liked the Golf Ball Trick.
Hello East Texas!! The Golf Ball works wonderfully!!!!!!!! You will love it!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!
Wow you make me want to have old tools and make them look modern. You are like a tool hot rod guys.
Thanks Joshua! You are so right!!!!!!!!!
Superb job as usual, however surprisingly for me I did know about the golf ball . Love the finish on the handle , I’ve not seen any thing like that before. Best wishes
Hello Kevin! You have to give the golf ball a try! I promise it will amaze you at how well it works!!!!! Thanks so much!!!
Great resto again really like the red on the inside. I have one of those cast handles. I guess I have to clean it up now lol
Hello Bernie!!!! Funny thing is I had all intentions of painting it Black but after the wire wheel I just caved... LOL Thanks very much!!!!
Could you please do a guide on your wire wheels? You always say that the bigger wire wheel does something a little bit different than the smaller/slimer wire wheel. I only use a smaller/slimer wire wheel. I'd just like to understand why you do it lol. Also I love your file handle collection, wish mine was as good. Keep up the good work!!
Hello Mason! The larger the wheel the faster the wires will contact the part you are cleaning, also because it is larger the wire in the wheel has to be stiffer and will remove rust quicker. The larger wheel isn't for all projects but for heavy rust and scale it makes a big difference! Good stuff!!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!
ScoutCrafter thanks for the information!
I enjoy the video sir. First time i saw those file handles.
Hello NMC! Don't feel bad! They were popular long before we were born! LOL Not so much any more... They are interesting though!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!!
Guy makes some of the best content I've seen on youtube, I subscribe only to a few select channels and the fact he doesn't have 100k+ subs is criminal
Hello Derek!!!! Thanks so much!!! Really I think my subscribers are among the best on all of UA-cam!!! Everyone is so helpful and generous with their knowledge! Thanks again, I really appreciate that!!!!
I agree they need a handle, Just think about if the perfect screwdriver handle if that was made on a file. Enjoyed the video
Hello Kevin! Now THAT would be an awesome file handle!!! 😃👍. Thanks very much!!!
THE CORNHUSK! I can't believe you know about that. My grandfather used to do that on his farm. I thought it was just his crazy idea.
Those are pretty cool. I'm going to keep an eye out for them. I've dug up a few oddball tools in my shop with no manufacturer info and no idea when they were made but I'm going to practice polishing them up to see what happens. The pliers marked DROP FORGED WEST GERMANY are definitely the most interesting. I also need to figure out how to sharpen the wire cutters on them and repair a bunch of nicks and rolled spots on them.
Hello Alan! After your successful Sterling restoration I'm sure you will enjoy the plier clean-up, However it the pliers have a rivet instead of a bolt joining them it's much harder try and get a mirror finish! Sounds like great stuff! Thanks!!!!!!!!!
ScoutCrafter It's a rivet. I THINK if I'm careful enough I can get into the inside of the bypass far enough to make me happy with the result.
Alan! Just don't try the belt sander! You can wire brush and polish but the belt sander will leave a line next to the rivet that will be hard to get out! I know all too well!!!!! LOL Learn from my mistake!!! Wire brush and polish is fine!!!
ScoutCrafter I wasn't even thinking about the belt grinder for that part. I DO have to use it on the tips, they're pretty beat up, but I can grind on about 3 feet of slack belt at 800 grit so that oughta take a mirror polish off the buffing wheels pretty easily.
That red on the inside really looks sharp. The last couple of files I have bought have been Nicholson "Axe Files", which have a flat handle instead of the tang. I am going to make some golf ball handles to hold me over until I find some nice old style handles like you have. Great content!!!! Cheers, Joe
Hello Joe!!! You are going to love the Golf Ball handles!!! They really work great!! Handy Files have the handles too they are great! I hate "Tangs" and "Patina" LOL Thanks much!!!!!!
Outstanding job. Your trade mark red really maskes it pop it pop thanks
Hello Betty! I agree! I think the Red really works on this project!!! Thanks so much!!!! 😃👍
ScoutCrafter my husband David shares my Facebook page and makes the comments. We both enjoy watching your videos - the stories of the tools are as interesting as the restorations.
I just made 2 Golf Ball Handles a few weeks ago! I thought it was an Original Idea. Darn it!
Ha! About half way through the video, I thought to myself....if this were me, I'd paint the inside and polish the outside of that handle. Whoa-Lah! Great minds think great! Good work!
Hi Christina!!!! WOW! That is awesome!! It took me quite a while to clean out the inside using Q-tips and Lacquer thinner!!! Thanks so much!!!! =)
Never say Scoutcrafter doesn't deliver, thanks. I noticed what you were talking about with the tangs wiggling. For the one with the grooves that you painted, is it possible to turn the file 45 degrees and clamp the tang on the corners? Might keep it from wiggling.
Anywho, thanks for the video I greatly enjoyed getting a closer look at these handles. As I said before I gotta find myself one. The golf ball tip is also fantastic, might have to try that on some.
-MB
I found a couple nice cast ones like you worked on looking around eBay. Bid only. One had a few days left and was already to $53. The other had 5 days left and was at $7.95. Wonder what they sold for...
I think you started a trend! Everyone wants one now!
I was told never to use a file without a handle,I agree manufacturers should make a flat handle on the end,like on a points file.but nowadays nearly all files for sale have fixed comfortable compound handles..We used to either make our own handles from dowel,or buy press on plastic ones like those red ones
never seen the golf ball handle before.. ill have 1 tomorrow... great vid and work as always..
Hi Darren- You are going to LOVE it! You won't believe how great it works!!!! Thanks!!!!
I love the paint inside chrome polish look outside!!
Hello Greg! Thanks so much! I think it really accentuates the awesome design of this handle! 😃👍
Hi scout do u know how many kind of tools the perfect Handel tool brand made. Thanks again for all u do.
I got here late but what a super awesome informative video as always there better and better each time :3 thanks for all the time you put into these and share with us all it's truly amazing
Hello Lord Venger!!! This one was a little long but there was a lot of info that needed to be presented! Thanks very much my friend!!!!!
ScoutCrafter you are welcome I didn't mind the length of the video it was very educational :3
Nice work. Thanks for the video, sir
so you had to use a file to file the file handle,, that red looks Fantastic.
LOL I was thinking the same thing!!!!!
He used a vice on a vice before too!
awesome video. love those old file handles. and that makes me think, i need to get some handles for my files, lol. i have a few and none of them have handles.
Hello Sean! I hope you try the Golf ball on at least one! You will LOVE it! Thanks so much!!!!!
might have to do that. :-)
Hi ScoutCrafter is there a slight angle between the grip and the clamp on the older better quality handle? Would make sense as it would lift your knuckles up off the face of whatever you happen to be filing. Also can you recommend a method for cleaning the files themselves I find that particularly the finer metal files I have clog up after use. Great video really enjoyed this one.
"Give the chooch a file"! I have only heard my family in Chicago use that. What does it mean? That thing was gorgeous, the paint inside was worth the extra effort. I have never seen any handles like those.
Hello UD! Chooch it's Brooklyn Italian and means "dummy" LOL These handles are always on eBay but very expensive! Thanks so much!!!!!!
@@ScoutCrafter - Chooch is a Chicago thing too, I had an Italian girlfriend from Melrose Park who used it regularly. Same meaning though.
that red paint on the inside was way cool
I love those cast handles. I have a couple
Hello Christopher! They are just a classic design, so much so that they are being bought by non tool owners! Thanks so much!!!!
Way cool handles!
Hello DirtyHarry!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!
I just got my first perfect handle screwdriver. It needs work but I'm excited to get it fixed up. A few questions though first is it worth waiting till the beginning of the month and buy a harbor freight belt sander or if you have a recommendation for one under $200. Second mine is a 4 1/2" German made is there anything else I should know or do please let me know. I don't want to mess up the restoration.
That is a very interesting file handle.
Hello Tommy, Yes these handles were just a classic design that works great!! Thanks so much!!!!
Thank you!
Very good restoration bro 👍👍👍
KK Thanks so much!!!!!
Now I know where I saw one of these before, my grandpa repurposed one of those to replace the handle to an old Franklin stove
That is awesome! It would make a great replacement handle for that stove!!! Great idea!!! =) Thanks!!!!!
Fantastic!!!
Thanks so much!!!!!!!
Ive never seen handle like this before!
Hello dosetti! Don't feel bad they were popular long before you were born!! Now they are just an antique curiosity... A beautiful design though!!! Thanks very much!!! 😃👍
Very good video, I just discovered you thanks to Old Sneelock and subscribed. I have a old cast iron file handle but it is missing the collar and thumbscrew. I have been using a small pipe clamp as a substitute since I have not been able to find the missing part. Do you have suggestions on a better clamping method?
Hello Tony ! The small pipe clamp- like a stainless steel hose clamp that screws tight? That would work great! (Probably better then the original!). Lol. Old Sneelock is great! He has a lot of cool videos! Thanks so much!! 😃👍
Reticulated handle. Like a reticulated snake. I saw an eBay post calling them that. I’ve always heard them called Birdcage file handles. Cast iron seems to be the popular keyword on eBay.
Birdcage! I like that! Thanks!
I've never seen handles like the metal ones. They look very nice, especially the one you restored.
I've heard a lot of people saying that touching the "teeth" of the file with bare hands will make the file blunt because of the oils we naturally have on our hands. I find it difficult to believe this. What do you think?
Hello Manolis! They say that oiling a file will help it skip over the surface instead of biting and cutting... So if that's what they are talking about there might be some validity to it, however you have to have some really oily hands for it to make a difference! I'm with you!!! Thanks so much!!!! 😃👍
I can't believe you left the golf ball the standard "non-red"! :)
Hello Steve!!! LOL, I was able to get RED into this one!!!!! it wasn't easy!!! Thanks so much!!!!!
I have one of these also, but it does not like to stay tight.
Hello Iwoot1 YES! That's why so many had bent screws! It was common for people to torque them down with pliers or a wrench!! You have to try the Golf ball! I bet you like it!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!!
nice stuff, everyone should use corn husk handles lol. what you do to protect your tools mineral oil? and do you have experience with the vast variety of wood finishes?
also, i got an interesting file hadle you might like ill try get some pics for ya
Hello Pootuis! I mis-spoke! It's the corn cob! Lol I said husk but I couldn't change it... =) a great tool protector is my 50/50 mix of Vaseline and Mineral oil! I made a video titled "Home brew lubricants" Great stuff!!! Thanks very much!!!!
Was not expecting this outcome.. you are an absolute master at what you do Scout. ..quick question, what is your typical search on ebay when hunting down old tools..or what is the main thing your looking for when at flea markets, ect??
Hello Kevin! If you want good deals on eBay try looking under "lots" like "vintage tool lot" or Antique tool lot or Old tool lot... or even Wrench lot, plier lot... I found that you can really get value that way! You might have to spend $50 but if your getting 15 tools you really are getting a good deal!!! The best part of restoring tools is we buy rusty tools and have little competition when buying, nobody wants rusty tools!!!! LOL Thanks!!!!!!
Never seen one like that nice
Hello Wayne!!!! Thanks so much!!!! You have to give the Golf Ball a try! You will love it!!!!! Thanks again!!!!
ScoutCrafter thanks i will try it
Hey scout I got your response on the cast iron handle Thank U.
If you start drilling the golf ball, and run into rubber band looking pieces below the outer skin, toss that one away to be safe. Some of the old golf balls had a liquid filled ball in the core under high pressure, and it will come squirting out after you drill towards the center.
Best to use a solid core golf ball of course.
You spoke the truth about files, the tangs are ridiculously old school blacksmith. Even the cheapo hacksaw blade uses a pin lock for blade tension. Or the disposable fabric cutting blade has a screw lock handle. That red center with the polished metal outer looks way cool on the handle. A tool should be customized to fit the user. If you are finishing it to remove the forging lines, It makes it look better and feel great in the hand.
On a side note ... Almost all the traditional Asian Cooking knives are tang burnt into a wooden handle. An Asian knife sharpening shop will be well versed in replacing the wooden handles too. But it is annoying to constantly reset a knife handle by tapping it on the counter, similar to a file handle when it starts to loosen from age. Asian blades with European handles are probably the best fusion in knife design.
Hello Readyset!!!! You are so right!!! I always wondered why file companies never thought things out! The Handy files with the incorporated handle are very nice! You are spot on about the burning in of the handles, all the top quality knives are burnt in but I still prefer a mechanical bond of some sort, a pin or bolt... Thanks so much!!!
That was Sneaky! but not surprising. = ] Clever work! How far on, [up] the 'Tang' should a handle go?
Hello Karen!!!! In a perfect world the handle should butt up to the shoulder of the file, that is easier with a wood handle or deep handle. Not so easy with the golf ball unless you cut the tang short... That stupid tang!!! LOL If you are going to buy a file look into the Nicholson Handy File! It has a handle already!! Thanks so much!!!!
When I was a kid at school they taught us how to use files without handles. Now, as a left-hander! It was the biggest pain of my life. It does of sorts become natural after a while, Yet I would have rather of had the golf ball idea instead!
Hello TheMJQuotes- That golf ball handle works so good! It looks uncomfortable but it is so comfortable you won't believe it!! Thanks so much!!!
Hey scout can u tell me how long is this cast iron handle I'm interested in buying me a couple of the original ones.
Hi Cory- I think they are about 5-1/2 inches long... I have big hands and they are perfect size! Not too big and not too small! Really a great design. They always vary in price so just be patient! Thanks so much!!!!
It came out nice do you know the price originally for those?
Hello Santiago! I couldn't find out, I would really like to know! There isn't too much original info out there on these! Thanks so much!!!!!
wow great handles sir...I never seen handles like this. specially iron handles... but if I would be a doctor I prefer golf ball handle... :) Cheers...Thnx for vid.
Hello Kadir! You will be surprised at how well the golf ball works!!!! It's great! Thanks so much!!! 😃👍
I can imagine sir... :D
Hi Scout. When you say you used a 'hardened' nut with the golf ball, is that what my hardware store sells as "graded?"
Hello Brian! Yes! Any nut will work but the Grade 8 or golden nuts are harder and should bite better... Yes graded nuts I think would work better! Thanks so much!!!
Thanks as usual. I have the best Mom and Pop hardware store less than two miles from me.