Käsiviila

Käsiviila is a Finnish term that translates to "hand file" in English. It refers to a manual tool used for shaping and smoothing materials, primarily metal, wood, and plastic. Käsiviilat come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and cuts, each designed for specific tasks.

The basic principle of a käsiviila involves a hardened steel bar with sharp, parallel teeth cut into its surface. When the file is drawn across a material, these teeth remove small amounts of the material, gradually shaping or smoothing it. The teeth can be arranged in single cuts, where rows are parallel, or double cuts, where two sets of teeth are angled across each other, providing a more aggressive removal rate.

Common shapes include flat files, round files, half-round files, and triangular files, each suited for different geometries. Flat files are general-purpose, round files are used for creating holes or rounding edges, half-round files offer a flat and a curved surface, and triangular files are useful for corners and notches.

Käsiviilat are essential tools in many trades, including metalworking, woodworking, automotive repair, and general DIY. They are valued for their simplicity, portability, and the control they offer the user in achieving precise results. Proper use and maintenance, such as cleaning the file after use and storing it carefully to avoid damage to the teeth, are important for prolonging its effectiveness.