What tool to use to cut a notch in a steel beam

Sponsored Links
They are files. If your intention is to turn a round hole into a square one, aren't they going to be too big?
I drilled three holes side by side and the plan is to file it into a rectangle hole. Your right for one hole it would be too big
 
Your holes really should have overlapped. Only thing I can think of now is to use a small four square (rectangular) file or possibly a 3 square (triangular) file to open the holes up by filing sideways. It would probably be best to look for a bastard cut (very coarse, fast cutting) file to get the job done quickly. It needs to be small enough to fit into the holes you have drilled. What size were they?

BTW, as you are a filing novice, I'll tell you now that most files are supplied without handles (Bahco/Sandvik are an exception) and need an appropriate size handle (e.g. a Python handle, etc) to be fitted before use - never, ever use a file or wood rasp without a handle fitted, just gripping the file's tang, because one slip and that tang can go a heck of a long way into the ball of the hand where you have a lot of nerves, so not only painful, but also potentially debilitating
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Sponsored Links
Your holes really should have overlapped. Only thing I can think of now is to use a small four square (rectangular) file or possibly a 3 square (triangular) file to open the holes up by filing sideways. It would probably be best to look for a bastard cut (very coarse, fast cutting) file to get the job done quickly. It needs to be small enough to fit into the holes you have drilled. What size were they?

BTW, as you are a filing novice, I'll tell you now that most files are supplied without handles (Bshco/Sandvik are an exception) and need an appropriate size handle (e.g. a Python handle, etc) to be fitted before use - never, ever use a file or wood rasp without a handle fitted, just gripping the file's tang, because one slip and that tang can go a heck of a long way into the ball of the hand where you have a lot of nerves, so not only painful, but also potentially debilitating

Or past the ball of your hand and end up embedded deep into your wrist where you have masses of veins feeding your fingers and thumb. If you don't die from blood loss you can certainly lose the use of your hand, or even your hand, through nerve/tendon/ligament damage.
I think it's high time manufacturers designed a tang that was shaped like a smooth handle and maybe covered in a latex coating for comfort. There is no need in this day and age to have a sharp tang that you have to cover with a separate handle.
 
I thought that was one of the original USPs for Bahco files - the fact that they come with a handle ready-formed on thev tang.

BTW the point about the tang being tapered is that unless it is tapered it isn't possible to get a tight friction fit in the hole in a conventional wooden handle. Same applies to traditional wooden handles on wood chisels
 
Your holes really should have overlapped. Only thing I can think of now is to use a small four square (rectangular) file or possibly a 3 square (triangular) file to open the holes up by filing sideways. It would probably be best to look for a bastard cut (very coarse, fast cutting) file to get the job done quickly. It needs to be small enough to fit into the holes you have drilled. What size were they?

BTW, as you are a filing novice, I'll tell you now that most files are supplied without handles (Bshco/Sandvik are an exception) and need an appropriate size handle (e.g. a Python handle, etc) to be fitted before use - never, ever use a file or wood rasp without a handle fitted, just gripping the file's tang, because one slip and that tang can go a heck of a long way into the ball of the hand where you have a lot of nerves, so not only painful, but also potentially debilitating
The holes are overlapping and the files have handles. The file set I ordered, see link above to the actual product, include a triangular, flat and half round files, the latter is a bastard cut. I think I'll be okay getting this done
 
Ah well, you did say "side by side"...

...not overlapping
 
If they are overlapping you can probably do the job with a flat file
 
Woody not just by name, then. Do you call it pruning?
 

DIYnot Local

Staff member

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
Sponsored Links
Back
Top