# Filing and sanding: shaping and smoothing

> Filing removes metal with files of different cut to shape and smooth; file types, technique and recovering filings.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/filing-and-sanding/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-09-07
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/limado-y-lijado/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

---

Files are the jeweler's precision tool: they shape, correct and prepare the surface for polishing.

![Steps of the technique: Hold, Choose the file, File, Check, Sand, Polish](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/limado-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## Types of file

There are flat, half-round, round, triangular, square and needle files (very fine). The cut is indicated by numbers: lower ones are coarser and higher ones finer.

## Technique

File in one direction, with pressure on the push stroke and none on the return, resting the piece on the bench. Go from a coarse file to a fine one and then to sandpaper of ever finer grit.

## Filings

With precious metals, filings are collected (in a tray under the bench or an apron) to be recycled: they have value.

## Care

Clean files with a wire brush; do not hit them or mix them with other tools.

## Step by step

1. **Hold.** Rest the piece on the bench pin.
2. **Choose the file.** Start with a medium cut and go finer.
3. **File.** Forward and with pressure; lift on the return.
4. **Check.** Look at the surface in raking light.
5. **Sand.** Work through grits 400, 600 and 800.
6. **Polish.** When no marks remain, move to polishing.

## Tools and materials

- [Files](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelers-files/) of several cuts
- Sandpaper and sanding sticks
- [Bench](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelers-bench/) pin
- Wire brush to clean the files

## Common mistakes

- Filing back and forth with the file tilted.
- Skipping sandpaper grits: deep scratches remain.
- Not collecting filings of precious metal.
- Rounding the edges by filing from one side only.

## See also

- [Sawing and piercing: cutting and hollowing metal](https://www.711grados.com/en/sawing-and-piercing/)
- [Polishing and buffing metal](https://www.711grados.com/en/polishing-and-buffing-metal/)
- [Jewelry pliers and tweezers: types and uses](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-pliers-and-tweezers/)