How to File the Edges on a Metal Craft Project

When cutting and shaping pieces of metal for a craft project, the edges of the cut metal are sharp and rough. The edges not only look unfinished, but they also are dangerous. You or the person to whom you are giving the metal craft could be cut by the sharp edges. Unfinished metal crafts can also cling to and cut into any packaging in which they're wrapped. To smooth the edges, file the metal by hand using a tool designed for metal.

Things You'll Need

• Soft cloth or rag
• Tin snips
• Metal file
• Work gloves
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Wipe the edges of the metal craft object with a soft cloth or rag to remove any loose dust or dirt.

2. Use a pair of tin snips to cut off any excess pieces of metal—metal that was cut unevenly or is tarnished.

3. Start at one end of the metal craft object and file the metal edges with a metal file, moving it back and forth gently. Work your way to the other end of the object. Wear work gloves to protect your hands.

4. Wipe the metal edge with a soft cloth or rag to remove any loose fragments.

5. File the metal edge again, if needed, until it is smooth.

6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 for the next edge you need to file down.

7. Lightly sand the metal edges with a piece of sandpaper designed for sanding metal objects.

Tips & Warnings

• For small metal craft projects, use a small metal file or half a sheet of sandpaper designed for sanding metal.

References

• Home Envy: Season 1: Project #24 Chime and Chime Again - Anything I Can Do
• Cut Out + Keep: Scrabble Tile Pendant Tutorial

Resources

• Craft Site Directory: Metal Crafts