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Understanding Swiss File Cuts & Grades: The Glardon Vallorbe Reference Guide
Glardon Vallorbe Swiss-made precision files are a global standard for consistency and clean cutting action. One of the most important specs when choosing a file is the cut (also called the grade)—a number that indicates how coarse or fine the teeth are. This guide explains how Vallorbe’s Swiss cut scale works and how to choose the right cut for your work.
Things to Know Before Ordering
1) Cut numbers describe tooth density (finer cut = higher number)
A higher cut number means a finer tooth pattern (more teeth per distance). A lower cut number means a coarser tooth pattern (faster material removal).
2) Vallorbe specifies tooth density as Z/cm (teeth per centimeter)
Vallorbe expresses tooth density as Z/cm (teeth per centimeter). To determine Z/cm, count the teeth perpendicularly to the cut. Example from the manufacturer: a 6" file in cut 2 shows 31 Z/cm. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
If you prefer inches: teeth per inch ≈ Z/cm × 2.54.
3) Tooth density depends on file length and file family
A cut number is not a universal “teeth per inch” value across all files. The same cut number can correspond to different tooth densities depending on the file family and length. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
4) Length “L” is measured differently by file type
Vallorbe notes that the measuring points for length (L) vary by file type and you should refer to the diagram for each family. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} In practice:
- Needle / machinist needle / Habilis / diamond families (e.g., LA / LAC / LAM / LAV / LH / DA / DH): length is measured tip to end of tang.
- Precision hand files (e.g., LP / LPV / LQ / RA): length is measured to the shoulder (working length), excluding the tang.
- Rifflers (LR): length follows the riffler diagram (varies from standard tang files).
5) File steel hardness
Vallorbe specifies file steel hardness of 66 HRC. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Vallorbe Swiss Cut Reference (Z/cm)
The table below is the manufacturer’s reference for Z/cm by file family/length and cut number. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} (Values shown in parentheses appear that way in the manufacturer table.)
| File type | 000 | 00 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Precision files, lengths 1" to 3.5" | — | 20 | 25 | 31 | 38 | 46 | 55 | 68 | 84 | 100 | 116 | — |
| Precision files, lengths 4" to 8" | 12 | 16 | 20 | 25 | 31 | 38 | 46 | 56 | 68 | — | — | — |
| Precision files, lengths 10" to 12" | 9 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 25 | 31 | 38 | (46) | (56) | — | — | — |
| Needle files | — | 20 | 25 | 31 | 38 | 46 | 56 | 68 | 84 | — | — | — |
| Escapement files | — | 20 | 25 | 31 | 38 | 46 | 56 | 68 | 84 | 100 | 116 | 156 |
| Habilis® files | — | 18 | 21 | 25 | 31 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Rifflers 150 mm (incl. files for machines) | — | — | 25 | — | 38 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Rifflers 180 mm & 300 mm | — | — | 16 | — | 25 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Quick Definitions
- Precision files: General bench files for controlled shaping and fitting; typically used with a separate handle.
- Needle files: Small-format files for tight areas and detailed work on small parts.
- Escapement files: Very fine files for precision fitting (watchmaking, fine jewelry, miniature work).
- Rifflers: Double-ended specialty profiles for curved, concave/convex, and sculpted surfaces.
- Habilis®: Vallorbe family designed for controlled cutting action and finishing.
Choosing the Right Cut
Use these as a practical starting point:
- Coarse cuts (000, 00, 0, 1): fast stock removal, initial shaping, deburring.
- Medium cuts (2, 3, 4): general shaping, truing, prep work before final finish.
- Fine & extra-fine cuts (5, 6 and higher where offered): precision fitting and final surfacing before polishing.
Tip: For best results, step down progressively (coarse → medium → fine) instead of forcing one file to do everything.
File Handles Note
In our catalog, Precision Files and Machinist Files are typically used with a separate handle—look for our “File Handles Guide” tag on those items. Needle, Escapement, Riffler, and Diamond files in our selection do not use separate file handles (handles are integrated).