On our McCurdy and Rhodes 56 I had a whole bunch of different files, but that was a 25-ton boat where weight, while important, was less of an issue.
Since selling that boat, along with all my tools, I have found that the three files shown above will do most things, and while I have a few more at home in the workshop, these live in my tool bag on our new-to-us J/109:
- Fairly fine metals file flat on one side and curved on the other
- Four-in-hand
- Rat tail file, quite coarse
I use the middle one by far the most. Makes short work of removing a lot of fibreglass, epoxy or wood, and will even work on aluminum. One of the most common tools I reach for with a lot of functionality for its size and weight.
John, Please put handles on ’em.
Mitchell
Hi Mitchel,
They won’t fit in the bag with them.
And a four in hand that I use most, does not use a handle.
And anyway, it’s a J/109. We performance boat owners cut the handles off our tooth brushes too.
I get it John, I also have owned a ULDB Moore 24 since the beginning of time. My tool kit there nearly fits in my pockets. Weight is an issue that I understand. I also know what those files without handles do to your hands. Maybe a compromise, cut off the spikes! Save your hands and some more weight. It is interesting that on the larger boat we have, I don’t seem to treat weight the same.
I must say, I do always learn from you and your sites.
I’m grateful to be able to reference so much GREAT knowledge and information. Thank you for everything.
Mitchell
Hi Mitchell,
I was kidding about the weight and I’m, sure you are right about the handles, although I have to confess that, except for a larger metals file at my work shop, I have never bothered with adding handles.
And thanks for the kind words.