wood matchstick under the glass tube about 1/8" from the scored line. Hold one end securely and press on
Despite the lackluster title, the furnishings, individuals could take control of
U.S. Navy publication Basic Hand their lives by being handy. It is the rare machinist,
Tools NAVPERS 10085-A would farmyard engineer, or Old World craftsman who
create a revolution if it were claims to know how to do everything, as they
required high school reading. A nation of gradu- recognize it is a lifetime of learning. The Navy’s
ates would be armed with the basic knowledge Basic Hand Tools is an extremely dense, informa-to change the world around them. Rather than tive, and generous book, as it can save a year in
settling for extended warranties and temporal the handy continuum — one hack at a time.
Exterior files for larger, exterior work. the other side until it snaps. Clean
up the cut with emery cloth wrapped
around a file or block of wood. Be
careful! Ask to see my gory scar
caused by a moment of daydreaming
while glass cutting!
Cutting glass tubing with a three-cornered file.
File cleaner.
181
FLAT: General purpose, most often
used.
MILL: Thinner, finer, single-cut
files for more delicate work.
HALF ROUND: Match the curve radius
as closely as possible to the
curve of the work.
Cleaning Files
Whether you are using sandpaper or
grinding discs, most fine cutting
surfaces lose efficacy when they
“load up” and fine particles clog
the cutting surface.
Pick out the bigger chunks, use the
card to brush with the grain of
the teeth, and then finish with the
brush. Resist oiling files as the
added lubrication will negatively
impact the cutting ability.
Clean Up Bolt and
Pipe Threads
Though technically not a file, I keep
my thread restorer with my other
files if for no other reason than
it looks right in the file drawer!
Each face of the thread restorer has
teeth for a different thread “pitch.”
The thread restorer will not perform
miracles on heavily damaged bolts,
but it does clean up rusty or dirty
threads with a little patience. Work
slowly and continually check with a
nut or female pipe to gauge progress.
I will use a smidge of automatic
transmission fluid to help matters
along when thread-cutting oil is not
available.
Cutting Glass Tube
With leather gloves on, use the
triangular file to score the glass
as you roll the tube. When you have
scored the circumference, place a
