How Are Needle Files Used in Jewelry Making?

Needle files are small files used to finish and shape metal. They come in various shapes - round, half round, square, triangle, flat and barrett.

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By Megan Coward, Graduate Jeweler Gemologist, GIA, Graduate Gemologist
needlefiles
Needle Files

Needle files are small files used to finish and shape metal. They have a smooth edge on one side so they don't mark the metal when you are filing in tight spaces. They come in various shapes - round, half round, square, triangle, flat and barrett. They come in coarseness of fine, medium, course and extra coarse. Make sure to at least have one in fine and one in coarse. Buying a set of various shapes is a good place to start and additional ones can be purchased as you need them.

  • Gesswein offers starter sets on their website in packs of the desired shapes. Perfect for students and professional jewelers alike.
  • Amazon carries a less expensive set of needle files.

Purchasing handles for your needle files is recommended. The file handles are small and hard to grip. Buying handles for the file ends will make them easier to hold.

needlefile handles
Needle file handles

Gesswein also has a nice selection of needle file handles. Graver-style handles are inexpensive and effective, but any handle is better than none.

Jewelry Needle Files Recommendations

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Megan Coward, Graduate Jeweler Gemologist, GIA, Graduate Gemologist

Megan Coward is a graduate of the GIA with Graduate Jeweler Gemologist and Graduate Gemologist accreditations. She has 20+ years in the retail jewelry industry in various roles including as a diamond buyer and gemstone appraiser.

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