The best electric files in the UK 2023

Are you a seasoned handyman or just want to refine a complex job? The electric file could be just what you need. This tool easily reaches inaccessible corners to ensure a perfect finish. The file operates at variable speeds and allows you to work efficiently with less effort, saving time. Read our guide to learn more.

Ryobi R18PF-0 1
8/10

Best value for money

Ryobi R18PF-0

The best electric file in 2021

This cordless electric file can also be used as an electric sander. It is a versatile tool with a variable speed. The Ryobi R18PF-0 can work with a variety of materials and has an excellent grip.

See the price

The Ryobi R18PF-0 offers more than adequate performance. With 260-630 m/min belt speed and a belt size of 1 x 457 mm, this electric file runs on an 18 V battery sold separately. With this electric file, you can perform sanding or finishing work on all types of materials (wood, metal, ceramic, fiberglass ...). In addition, it has a variable speed drive that adapts to each task.

Moreover, the Ryobi R18PF-0 offers a firm and comfortable grip. This electric file has the advantage of being able to work continuously thanks to its locking switch. This means you can work without interruption. It is a cordless tool that ensures freedom of movement. In addition, changing and adjusting the file can be done manually, without tools, and is easy for novices to do.

Silverline Silverstorm 247820 2
7/10

Best value for money

Silverline Silverstorm 247820

The best entry-level electric file

This electric file performs a variety of tasks on materials such as wood, metal, plastic or tile. It has an adjustable arm angle and can perform complex sanding in hard-to-reach areas.

See the price

The Silverline Silverstorm 247820 electric sander file has an adjustable arm angle. This makes it exceptionally easy to use. Changing the belt does not require any tools or equipment that can delay the work to be done. In addition, the existence of the continuous run button allows the tool to be used without keeping the index finger on the trigger at all times.

Another advantage of the Silverline Silverstorm 247820 is that it can sand or polish welds and burrs. This includes deburring, shaping mortises, and even assembly joints. Also, note that this electric file is a semi-professional tool that comes with 2 spare sanding belts and a French user manual.

Bosch GEF 7 E 720 W 3
9/10

Best premium value for money

Bosch GEF 7 E 720 W

The best high-end electric file

The corded Bosch GEF 7 E 720 W electric file has incredible maneuverability. In particular, it has the smallest grip circumference in its class. A particularly effective tool for hard-to-reach areas.

See the price

The Bosch GEF 7 E 720 W is very easy to use due to its handle, the thinnest in its class. You can change the sanding paper without too much difficulty. In addition, it has an infinite adjustment of the working angle. It is a fast tool, with a belt speed of 3.5 to 12 m/s.

Bosch offers here a corded electric file weighing only 2 kg, but with a powerful 720 W motor and an idle speed of 2,800 to 11,000 rpm. This professional tool is easy to adjust and the speed preselection allows you to adapt its operation to the material being worked on. In addition, the working angle of the belt file can be adjusted without a wrench and can be adapted to any working situation.

Holzmann BT 1220 TOP 4
8/10

Tabletop electric file

Holzmann BT 1220 TOP

A great tabletop electric file

The Holzmann BT 1220 TOP has the advantage of an integrated table for large jobs. You don't have to carry it anymore. Note the rounded end of the belt, ideal for shaping and sanding scroll forms.

239 £ on Rakuten

The Holzmann BT 1220 TOP is an electric file and disc sander that is mounted directly on a table. This powerful tool is used for sanding curves, mitre cuts, conventional flat surfaces or right angles. The table is made of aluminum and can be rotated up to 45°. The machine bed is made of sturdy grey iron. It is equipped with a 0 to 90° aggregate sanding belt in horizontal and vertical direction.

This machine has a tongue guide, for precise angle grinding, as well as a constant speed and a vacuum connection. Thanks to the quick release device, a quick and easy change of the sanding belt is possible. If you have big jobs planned, don't hesitate.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best electric file

Any specific needs?

The best electric file in 2021

The best entry-level electric file

The best high-end electric file

A great tabletop electric file

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best electric files

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE
Ryobi R18PF-0 5
8/10
Silverline Silverstorm 247820 6
7/10
Bosch GEF 7 E 720 W 7
9/10
Holzmann BT 1220 TOP 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Ryobi R18PF-0
Silverline Silverstorm 247820
Bosch GEF 7 E 720 W
Holzmann BT 1220 TOP
This cordless electric file can also be used as an electric sander. It is a versatile tool with a variable speed. The Ryobi R18PF-0 can work with a variety of materials and has an excellent grip.
This electric file performs a variety of tasks on materials such as wood, metal, plastic or tile. It has an adjustable arm angle and can perform complex sanding in hard-to-reach areas.
The corded Bosch GEF 7 E 720 W electric file has incredible maneuverability. In particular, it has the smallest grip circumference in its class. A particularly effective tool for hard-to-reach areas.
The Holzmann BT 1220 TOP has the advantage of an integrated table for large jobs. You don't have to carry it anymore. Note the rounded end of the belt, ideal for shaping and sanding scroll forms.
Handling
Power supply
Wireless
Wired
Wired
compact base with wire
Power output
Band speed
630 m/min
457 m/min
1,000 m/min
8 m/s
Polyvalence

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Buying guide - electric file

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How to choose your electric file

#1 - The weight

As this is a manual tool, which requires flexibility in use, it is important to have a portable tool. The weight of electric files with motors can vary considerably, but note that the ideal weight for the best grip is 1-2 kg. You might think that the battery-powered model is heavier than the cordless model, but manufacturers such as Ryobi offer particularly light-weight battery-powered electric files.

#2 - Speed

Speed is primarily expressed in revolutions per minute. This will determine the quality of your sanding. If you want to do a heavy sanding job, set the machine to a high speed. For finishing work, a lower speed will be preferable so as not to damage your work. Typically, the basic electric file model will produce a belt speed of 330 to 1,700 rpm. Today, most of these tools are equipped with variable speed drives. It can help to adjust the speed of the machine according to the material you want to polish and your needs.

#3 - The power

It is recommended to choose a model with at least 400 or 500 W to have enough power, so you will be able to work without much effort. However, note that for small grinding operations such as finishing, it is not necessary to take a very powerful machine, an electric file of 200 W will do very well. Naturally, the power of the equipment will depend mainly on the polishing job you plan.

#4 - Dust extraction

Grinding operations will generate a lot of particulate matter in the air. These dusts can be toxic to the lungs. Therefore, it is recommended that you wear a gas mask when using an electric file to avoid inhaling these particles. However, you should know that some models have a dust removal feature that can clear the work area, limiting the particles in the air.

#5 - The ergonomics of the device

The ergonomics of the device is an essential point to consider. Indeed, the possibility of tilting the head of the tool and being able to play on the sanding angle is an asset that can be indispensable. You can find very successful models that can tilt the arm between 10 ° and 90 ° on the market. This will allow you to work on areas that are sometimes inaccessible. The other parameter to consider is the level of vibration of the device, if the vibration is too high then it could affect the accuracy of your work.

How does an electric file work?

The best electric files 9

The electric file is a power tool used to smooth and finish surfaces. To remove material from a surface, the electric file moves a piece of sandpaper or other abrasive quickly, often in a circular motion.

You can use an electric file for a variety of tasks in many industries, including woodworking and auto body repair. Potential applications for an electric sander include:

  • Removing old paint or varnish from wood
  • Preparing a surface for finishing
  • Smoothing edges of boards
  • Removing excess material from a surface
  • Stripping and preparing floors

The electric file consists primarily of a roller and a spaced-apart pinch roller between which a narrow strip of sandpaper is stretched. One of the rollers is the drive roller, which is rotated by an electric motor, while the belt is tensioned by a tensioning roller.

An electric file is a sander with a long, thin belt that can work at the tip to sand and file deeply. The file is light and easy to use. It can be used without spending more effort than necessary. The special thing about the electric file is that you have to check the brand of the device you are using before changing the sanding belt.

Electric file or manual file?

Electric file

The electric file is a light, easy-to-handle tool that can be used with one hand. With this tool, you will be able to perform sanding work efficiently and quickly. Some models allow you to adjust the speed according to the material being processed. Belts of different widths can also be used. This advantage allows a technician or do-it-yourselfer to handle different types of materials. Use a sufficiently long power cord and you can have a lot of freedom of movement.

Manual file

A hand file is a tool with a handle used for smoothing rough edges. It works like an electric file and can smooth different materials (brass, steel, wood). Hand files are made from high carbon steel and are heat treated to be stronger than the steel or other materials they are to be applied to. They have one very big disadvantage, however: they will require a great deal of physical effort on your part, and, like all manual work, will require a considerable amount of time.

Verdict

The electric file and the traditional manual steel file are both equally effective in reaching inaccessible corners, especially for finishing work. However, the traditional steel file makes you exert effort during your work, while the electric file saves you work time because it is fast and offers excellent quality of work because it is more precise. Thus, in terms of time and quality, the electric file is more cost-effective.

Tips

Always ask for the data sheet

Just like choosing a circular saw, the data sheet is one of the first factors to consider when choosing an electric file. This is necessary, because you need to know at least the capabilities of the equipment. It is necessary to check the power of the motor of the various electrical documents presented. As well as the power (from 260 W, 350 W, and even up to 400 W?). The data sheet will provide you with all this information.

Consider your needs within your budget

Other factors come into play when choosing electric files. If the elegance of the machine is the deciding factor, you can choose from a variety of products with more refined designs. For added convenience, there are ergonomically designed devices. Obviously, the manufacturer's brand is an important factor in choosing the right file. The more well-known brands generally offer better quality, so their products should be of interest to you. However, they may cost more, fortunately, there are many models on the market and you will definitely be able to find the right one for you and within your budget.

Protect your eyes well

Eye protection is an absolute must when working with electric files, whether or not they have a dust collection mechanism. Electric files spin at high speeds and can easily throw small particles into your eyes. You should always wear eye protection when using them.

Make sure the electric file has enough power

When

a machine lacks power, it forces the do-it-yourselfer to put in much more effort. This can give you difficulty when using the machine. In addition, the lack of power will lead you to strain your machine a bit more. This may cause accidents or damage to your machine.

Choose the right sanding paper

Coarse sandpaper is used for the beginning of a project. Fine sandpaper is for the finishing touch when you want a surface as smooth as a baby's. Follow this rule carefully if you don't want to ruin your project.

FAQ

What is the best electric file?

The best electric file depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.

How to clean an electric file

The dust generated during sanding is so fine that it penetrates the file motor and damages it irreparably. When using the file, always check that the motor mechanisms are not blocked, even if they are not intended to be. When using the file, a vacuum cleaner should be used whenever possible. If there is no vacuum cleaner for electric files, it is important to empty the dust bag regularly. During sanding, make sure that the file is always working flat without excessive pressure on the surface and that the sander plate does not hit corners and edges.

Why get an electric file?

First of all, the use of the file makes machining tasks easier. It is used for sanding and is just as effective as an eccentric sander. It sands deep, hard-to-reach areas, rounded and irregular parts, corners and tight spaces. The second name given to it is "mini belt sander" because this tool is used by gunsmiths, handymen or locksmiths to perform adjustment work. Thus, the electric file is mainly used for small and large finishes, and for obtaining a homogeneous work on all worked surfaces.

What are the materials that make up an electric file

The electric file consists mainly of a roller and a relatively widely spaced tension roller, and a small strip of sandpaper is stretched between the rollers. One of the rollers is a drive roller which is rotated by a motor, and the belt tension is provided by a tension roller. The electric file is a thin, thin belt grinder, which can be sharpened to a certain depth and filed to a certain position.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , systemed.fr
  2. , familyhandyman.com
  3. , advice.manomano.co.uk
  4. , thespruce.com
  5. , popularmechanics.com
  6. , homedepot.com
  7. , projects.truevalue.com
  8. , newengland.com
  9. , cf-t.com
  10. , leroymerlin.fr
  11. , amazon.co.uk
  12. , devibat.com
  13. , bricolea.fr
  14. , amazon.co.uk
  15. , testeur-du-dimanche.fr
  16. , bricomarche.com
  17. , ponceuse.ooreka.fr
  18. , internetsansfrontieres.com
  19. , rueducommerce.fr
  20. , li.me
  21. , castorama.fr
  22. , idealo.fr
  23. , g-ta-piece.fr
  24. , darty.com
  25. , guide-outillage.fr
  26. , cdiscount.com
  27. , arbuti.com
  28. , 123bricolage.fr
  29. , li.me
  30. , darty.com
  31. , weldom.fr
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Ryobi R18PF-0 10
Ryobi R18PF-0
Silverline Silverstorm 247820 11
Silverline Silverstorm 247820
Bosch GEF 7 E 720 W 12
Bosch GEF 7 E 720 W
Holzmann BT 1220 TOP 13
Holzmann BT 1220 TOP

Lecteurs

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