Cleaning files??

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

To clean a plugged file I like to take a small length of soft copper tube. Flatten one end and run the flattened end parallel to the teeth. Go one end to the other, it will clean most of what is plugging it.
Personally I like mineral spirits with a dash of oil for cutting fluid to keep a file from loading up.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Originally posted by Friend:
Showing my ignorance here.

I had always believed that chalk, normally used for turkey box calls, was oil free and would not be the optimum choice for a file.

Please set me straight.

I thought chalk was chalk? Didn't know there were different kinds, except different colors.  

[Pepper]

Originally posted by ksbowman:
I use soap stone and it has a slickness to it that seems to lubricate as well and cleans out of the file flutes easily.

Second on the soap stone, works great.  

[Fischman]

Chalk them, use a file card for cleaning regularly.

[ErikT]

Chalk does work well to help prevent build and extend the life of the file.  I have found that even fine file cards don't work that well on small files.  Try Break-Free gun cleaning solvent in spray can to clean the file.  It works great!

[TRAD101]

I use regular baby powder,works well.

[Friend]

Semo_Hunter, The reason that I mentioned which type of chalk should be used because it does make a differnece when chalking box calls.

Example from box call care instructions:
'Make sure you chalk your box call only with box call chalk, (carpenter's chalk), regular chalkboard chalk has oil in it that will change the tone of your boxcall'

I just believe that chalk with impregnated oil
would be better choice for filing applications.

Another reason for my inquiry is the type of chalk I have on hand is the oil free variety.

[hvyhitter]

I use sidewalk chalk from the dollar store...... it works well enough and use brake cleaner and a toothbrush to clean when needed.

[Ray Hammond]

they still could be worn out. I sharpen grizzlies and I can tell you with chalking I wear out a file in about five to six months.

I do sharpen all year long, and do it every time I hunt...and sharpen heads for visitors to the camp, so obviously mine get more use and are used on harder steel than many broadheads, so your mileage may vary...but if you haven't chalked, and have clogged them up, they could be worn out and need replacing.

I use box call chalk as well. I think soapstone would be awesome and hadn't thought of that. Good idea guys.

[Onions]

Thanks all for the advice. I think I will try to soapstone idea along with the soft copper pipe.
Thanks again....I love the wealth of knowledge here in this site!

chris <><

[macksdad]

Brake cleaner, Wire brush, and the brake cleaner followed by compressed air.

[ron w]

Everyone is right about cleaning and chalking. But Ray Hammond may have it...worn out. If your not using a good quality file and are sharpening hard steel broadheads you file could be ruined in a very short period of time.