Half-round files abrade material from flat or round surfaces. Their flat face makes full contact with level surfaces and linear edges, and their convex face conforms with rounded grooves, holes, and edges. Double-cut teeth on both faces of these files make aggressive cuts. Each face has two crisscrossing sets of diagonal rows of teeth that slant in opposite directions to remove material more quickly and leave a rougher finish than single-cut teeth.

Rectangular files abrade material from level surfaces and linear edges. Also known as flat files, their two flat faces offer a wide area of contact to debur, shape, and smooth workpieces. Double-cut teeth on both faces of these files make aggressive cuts. Each face has two crisscrossing sets of diagonal rows of teeth that slant in opposite directions to remove material more quickly and leave a rougher finish than single-cut teeth.

Rectangular files abrade material from level surfaces and linear edges. Also known as flat files, their two flat faces offer a wide area of contact to debur, shape, and smooth workpieces. Single-cut teeth on both faces of these files run in diagonal rows and one direction to sharpen edges and produce smooth surface finishes. They cut more slowly than double-cut files but leave a finer finish.