Riffler files on steroids

[Charles Lathe]

I'm thinking someone must make files that look like riffler files but are several times larger. I'd like to use them around chainstays and the seat tube on fillet brazed bottom brackets. Does anyone know what these might be called and who might stock them?

Regards, Chuck Lathe
Franklinville, NC

[Craig Ryan]

Charles, I've always wanted to get some files from Otto Frei, but they can get expensive.
Not sure if they are close to what you're wanting.

http://www.ottofrei.com/store/home.php?cat=928

"Habilis files offer the craftsman something really different . . . precision files designed for those "in-between" jobs too big for needle files and requiring finer control than a larger, heavier file can deliver. The distinctive design includes a built-in handle . . . no separate handle to buy. They are shaped for easy handling and balanced for efficient cutting. These strong, durable files are ideal for a surprising variety of uses. Length of cut is 4". Overall length is 8-1/2". From Grobet Swiss Vallorbe."

[cicli polito]

in that naked custom build video that someone posted several moments ago, you see someone from the shop other than sam filing a seatstay bridge fillet with a file that fits your description. maybe give them a shout? it looks like a hooked 6" round pattern.

[gltapley]

I think I have and might at least know one company that still makes rifflers on steriods. Anyway let me tell you my story...many years ago like close to 24 or 25 years ago when I first started playing with building frames. Some friends of mine who were employed at the "shops" at the local National Labratories, Sandia Labs to be exact. Saved some riffler files for me that were going to be tossed, because they were too dull for their purposes, but they thought I could maybe get some use out of them. The files are a mix of Nicholson (some Swiss made but mostly US made) and Grobet. In the years since Nicholson has become a member of the Cooper tool group and cannot seem to make a file to save their lives. I do believe that Grobet is still in business...in searches I have done on the web I have found quite a few interesting riffler patterns at jewlery makers supply houses. Attached is a picture of what I have on the far right of the picture is a riffler that is sold through UBS, one of he cheap Chinese ones. Thinking of files. Snap On tools sells needle files and they are genuine Swiss files.
P4060001.jpg

[Zimmermanbicycle]

Charles,
I bought a bunch of Grobets that I love,I'm in NYC rite now but when I get home I'll check them over for identifying marks and get back to you.
I hope all is well.
-Eric

[Zimmermanbicycle]

Chuck,
I was mistaken,the files are not Grobets but actually are the Hablis files and they work very very well and seem to hold up to a lot of abuse they also fit my oversized mits better than a lot of the little tiny riflers.
I got mine from an industrial supply place in Los Angeles and I believe I paid a lot less than what is listed on the Ottofrei website.
Here's a picture.
When I get home I'll check in about the price.
-Eric

[Chauncey Matthews]

I think I have and might at least know one company that still makes rifflers on steriods. Anyway let me tell you my story...many years ago like close to 24 or 25 years ago when I first started playing with building frames. Some friends of mine who were employed at the "shops" at the local National Labratories, Sandia Labs to be exact. Saved some riffler files for me that were going to be tossed, because they were too dull for their purposes, but they thought I could maybe get some use out of them. The files are a mix of Nicholson (some Swiss made but mostly US made) and Grobet. In the years since Nicholson has become a member of the Cooper tool group and cannot seem to make a file to save their lives. I do believe that Grobet is still in business...in searches I have done on the web I have found quite a few interesting riffler patterns at jewlery makers supply houses. Attached is a picture of what I have on the far right of the picture is a riffler that is sold through UBS, one of he cheap Chinese ones. Thinking of files. Snap On tools sells needle files and they are genuine Swiss files.
P4060001.jpg

This is too funny! Last summer I was going through one of my Dad's tool drawers and I found a very old (but completely unused) set of the same files you pictured. Made by Nicholson, they look just like a set of rifflers on steroids.
The funny part? My Dad retired from Sandia Labs...our files probably came from the same shop!

[Zimmermanbicycle]

Funny,
I'm from NM also and Sandia Labs has one of the all time best surplus yards on earth! I'll have to look for files next time I'm there.
-Eric

[Charles Lathe]

Thanks guys, but, judging from the metal filings and wood grain, these don't look to be much bigger than the Grobet rifflers I already have.

Regards, Chuck Lathe
Franklinville, NC

[Zimmermanbicycle]

Chuck,
just for scale the files are about 8" tip to toe.
-EZ

[timto]

Hey just saw these on flickr. THEY'RE HUGE!! Doug Fattic also had some large rifflers at his shop - maybe musgrave knows?

[gltapley]

I think I have and might at least know one company that still makes rifflers on steriods. Anyway let me tell you my story...many years ago like close to 24 or 25 years ago when I first started playing with building frames. Some friends of mine who were employed at the "shops" at the local National Labratories, Sandia Labs to be exact. Saved some riffler files for me that were going to be tossed, because they were too dull for their purposes, but they thought I could maybe get some use out of them. The files are a mix of Nicholson (some Swiss made but mostly US made) and Grobet. In the years since Nicholson has become a member of the Cooper tool group and cannot seem to make a file to save their lives. I do believe that Grobet is still in business...in searches I have done on the web I have found quite a few interesting riffler patterns at jewlery makers supply houses. Attached is a picture of what I have on the far right of the picture is a riffler that is sold through UBS, one of he cheap Chinese ones. Thinking of files. Snap On tools sells needle files and they are genuine Swiss files.
P4060001.jpg

FYI, The picture was taken on a oak strip floor. Each board is 1.5" wide. That makes the files close to 8" long. There are some very good patterns that are out there for wood working but too aggressive for metal. As a bit of information to those with NM references. Sandia Labs closed their shops down about 10+ years ago...So the auctions that they used to have on older used equipment are not quite as good as they used to be.

[Zimmermanbicycle]

Too bad,that was one of the alltime great surplus yards,4x5 cameras for pennies all sorts of oddball camera and electronic stuff.