We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

Carve With Ease Using The Best Needle Files In 2022

  1. kapoua 12 Piece Needle File Kit
  2. KALIM MINI 6 Piece Needle File Set
  3. REXBETI 16 Piece Needle File Set
  4. Preciva 16 Piece Needle File Set
  5. Gaxcoo 10 Piece Needle File Set
  6. Buyer's Guide

Even though the 21st century is marked with technology to not get your hands dirty, every individual should get in touch with their creative side now and then. Some people like to make jewelry, while others get creative with carving, crafts, or engraving. All of this is possible if you've got a trusted needle file by your side. But finding a decent needle file among the countless ones out there is no easy feat. So, we’ve made a list of some of the top needle files on the market to make your choice easy.

Let’s check them out!

Our Top 5 Needle File Sets

kapoua 12 Piece Needle File Kit - Best Overall

kapoua has an excellent metal needle file set in different sets. With alloy metal handles and carbon and alloy steel files, this set is very durable. The set features 12 needle files with 10 different tooth patterns. The product even includes a bonus wired brush that you can use to conveniently dust off the piece you're working on. On top of that, you get a canvas bag that is ideal to store your accessories and valuables. With a size that's perfect for most hands, you can work on your craft without experiencing any sort of discomfort thanks to its ergonomic grip.

  • Well-made tools
  • Tools have a smooth finish
  • May be small for people with large hands

KALIM MINI 6 Piece Needle File Set - Runner Up

Our next pick features needle files that are also crafted from alloy steel. The high carbon steel used in manufacturing these files increases their life and provides strength so that you can cut through any type of material with ease. The tools are ideal for shaping wood, plastic, and soft metals of all kinds. Plus, with a soft and rubberized handle, you'll have a comfortable non-slip rubber grip that works even under wet conditions. What craftsmen need is stability, and these files offer just that. The tools come in a mini size: 6” total length, 4” file length, and 3mm width. Backed by a lifetime guarantee, you can contact the manufacturer and ask for a refund if it doesn't live up to expectations, so you've got nothing to lose!

  • Comfortable rubber non-slip grips
  • Made from high-quality carbon steel
  • Multi-purpose tools
  • Only comes with 6 pieces

REXBETI 16 Piece Needle File Set - Honorable Mention

Featuring a bright orange color, our next file set is by REXBETI, a brand known for providing high-quality tools. This product comes with a 16-piece alloy steel file set; in it, you'll find 12 micro files and 4 large files. These tools are the handiest when it comes to woodworking or making jewelry. You can also use them to work with plastics, mirrors, ceramic, leather, and many other materials. They come with a rugged, compact case that stores them for your convenience, so there's no chance that you lose these tools any time soon. The files are high-quality, made from grade T12 drop forged alloy steel.

  • Tools come in a portable bag
  • Wide variety of files included
  • Sturdy and high-quality
  • Mainly suitable for woodworking

Preciva 16 Piece Needle File Set - Contender

Our next pick features a file set by Preciva. The files come in a gorgeous blue and come with a black carrying case. Altogether, the set comes with 16 files, with 4 of them being flat, triangle, round, and half-round, the other 12 being needle files. Ideal for working with metals, polishing wood, mirror, glass, and other materials, this set also comes with a brush that comes in handy when cleaning or tidying up your workstation or craft. All of the pieces in the file set are made from T12 drop forged high-carbon steel, allowing the teeth to be extremely durable. Moreover, they were coated and mill tempered to further strengthen and improve their efficiency.

  • Come in a convenient carrying bag
  • Made from high-quality carbon steel
  • Durable file set
  • Handles aren't super durable

Gaxcoo 10 Piece Needle File Set - Consider

Are you looking for a convenient set of tools that you can use to work with on wood, plastic, and other soft materials? You’ve hit the jackpot, because the Gaxcoo's files are ideal for delicate work. From light detailed sanding to delicate jewelry engraving, you can use them for all types of light work and filing. The quality of the files is excellent, and since you get many sizes, you can conveniently reach narrow spaces and crevices. The tools come in a set of 10 pieces total with an included rubber handle grip.

  • Includes a variety of files
  • Extremely handy and useful
  • Ideal for delicate work
  • Files are not suitable for hard use

Buyer's Guide

When we talk about arts and crafts, everyone knows we’re entering a domain that is technical in nature. So it only makes sense to rely on a buying guide to equip yourself with the necessary information that will allow you to buy the perfect needle file set for exactly what you need. We’re here to help you with that.

Factors To Look For Before Buying Your Needle File Set

You might be wondering, what features matter in a needle file set? Is price the only factor that matters? Do I need a bunch of different filers? Keep on reading so we can break it down for you.

Grip

Let’s talk about the grip first. An ideal set of file sets will have a grip that is not too hard. There’s no denying that working with crafts and landing on a finished product can take days, if not weeks. During this long time frame, if the grip is low-quality or if it's too hard, then your hands will not be happy. This, in turn, will force you to put the project on hold for a few days.

You don’t want that to happen, right? That’s why the grip is one of the most important factors. There are file sets out there with soft grips that work smoothly even when your hands are wet. This is, of course, premium quality, but getting a set with a handle that offers easy use is pretty important.

Portability

Most needle file sets these days come with a bag. This is something you cannot compromise upon. Because some tools, especially small ones, are necessary for almost all types of crafts and work, if you happen to lose any, you might have to buy a whole new set.

In order to avoid this unfortunate circumstance altogether, what you need is a compact bag. The bag will allow you to conveniently store and carry the tools in one place. With a bag, your risk of losing tools goes down by a considerable margin.

Manufacturing

Most file sets tend to be made from steel, but even with steel, there are different grades and types that impact the file set. What you should be looking for is a high-grade steel that provides durability, strength, and longevity to the tools.

There's no denying that when you are working with materials like wood, glass, plastic, and even stone, you need needle files that are sharp and sturdy. A set of needle files can only be sharp and sturdy when the material used to make them is high quality.

You can easily find good-quality needle files, but when it comes to steel, there are multiple varieties and grades that can be quite confusing to understand. These days, carbon steel and alloy are pretty popular. They grant durability, longevity, strength, and sturdiness to the tools, so this type of steel is a pretty safe bet.

Sizes

On the topic of precision, what you need is a set of tools that can conveniently reach narrow places. This, obviously, requires a set that comes with a variety of sizes. The pieces should have different lengths so that you don't feel limited while working; usually, the more variety, the better.

Some People Also Ask

Q: Can I use metal files on wood?

A: There are special files that are designed specifically to work on wood. If you’re looking to specialize in woodwork, it is best to buy files known specifically as woodworking files.

Q: Can files only cut in one direction?

A: Files are like saw blades, so they can cut in one direction. The other side is used to dig into whatever material you're working on.

bestcovery team.jpg
Our research team searches out the best of everything so that you can confidently pick the perfect products and services for your needs.
Related Content
Go to top