Recommendation for a power file?

[Paul Y]

As it says really.

don't want to spend a fortune but looking for a powerfile to get access to the bits that a grinder can't when I am tidying up my welds.

Looked at this one

www.axminster.co.uk/black-decker-ka900e-powerfile-701847

and this one

www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/Evolution-Evofile-0849713044105-Power-File-Sander-240V

Any thoughts?

P.

[gn3dr]

I have the Black and Decker one. To be honest I thought it was going to be curse word when I bought it but it's great. One of the handiest tools I never knew I needed before I bought it. Wouldn't be without one now.

Lidl now also do one every so often which looks even better because it has a few different fittings for the end.

[skkylinedave]

I have used the Black and Decker one in a professional capacity and it was very useful .

[composimmonite]

I'm on my second B&D. First lasted probably 20 years of DIY before it broke (wore out) so bought another and that is even better than the original !

[Paul Y]

Super Looks like the B&D then.

Must admit I was leaning towards the Evolution one simply because it is 400watts of POWWWWEEEEEEERRRRRRR.

Any advice on what media to use and where to get it from? This is specifically for grinding down welds.

P.

[skkylinedave]

Light blue zirconium ones are good for that . They last a lot longer than standard belts as well .





onlineabrasives.co.uk/products/13mm-x-457mm-zirconium-sanding-belts-for-powerfiles-pack-of-10?gclid=CMDM7O7G8c8CFU06GwodtzAPLA


Don't know if they are the right ones its just so you get a idea .

[bstardchild]

I bought a B&D one it was quite expensive I thought - it lasted 13 months before it died and I was disappointed. I could have been unlucky I guess

I bought a cheap one from Aldi or Lidl (can't remember which one) it's still going strong

[sonus]

Interresting topic as I am also lookimg for a power file. Would the fixed nature of the B&D be a drawback. Is an adjustable 'blade/track' a nice to have or wasted £?

[taurus]

I have hammered my B&D one and it's been great. I use ceramic belts and they tackle rust and welds brilliantly.

[Deleted]

I had a black and decker one. Lasted for years until it got nicked. Just make sure you put the belt on the right way, The belt is spliced together at an angle, so if you always put them on the same way your tracking doesn't alter much. Blue belts seem to last well. Finer grit also doesn't seem to get knocked off as quick as coarse grit either

[lufbramatt]

I've got an Evolution one, great bit of kit, no complaints at all for the price. Would go as far as saying it's one of the most useful tools I've bought. Just been using the screwfix belts (£3 for 10) and they are ok for grinding down welds and get through sheet metal very quickly. Some of them snap on the join but they are fine for the price.

Not sure if you can change the angle of the belt on the B+D one? On the Evo one the whole "nose" of the tool pivots round in relation to the handle. Have to say I've used that feature a lot working under the car to get into tight spots.

[alolympic]

Spent many a (happy🤔) hour underneath the Triumph stripping the undersell with a B&D powerfile. Never let me down. Even using medium grit belts, the thing tears through whatever you put in front of it. There were a few occasions the fixed nature meant I couldn't get the right access though.....