General File & Tool Handle Restoration

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email: [e-mail]
Instagram: @357.magdad
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My videos are intended for entertainment purposes only.
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Fair Use: In the rare instance I include someone else’s footage it is covered in Fair Use for Documentary and Educational purposes with intention of driving commentary and allowing freedom of speech.

[@Midas2010]

65 years old and first time I’ve seen these… very cool !

[@357magdad]

They were new to me also!

[@bigvicsworkshop]

Of all the file handles I have come across, I have never seen one of these... pretty cool! I dig it...except Scoutcrafter did a video a years or so ago that real men don't use file handles, so I stopped..LOL But I would use one of those forsure..very nice..good stuff, thanks for sharing magdad!

[@357magdad]

I hadn't seen them before either!

[@lv_woodturner3899]

I have not seen these before. A complex design for something so "simple". Works well. I can appreciate why these are plastic instead of wood these days. They were in good condition, but certainly looks so much better after cleaning and polishing. Well done. Dave.

[@357magdad]

There's a lot goin' on inside the hollow handle!

[@puzzlering1]

Hi MD, hope everyone is well, thank you for a really interesting and informative video, in all my years I have never seen these marvellous, versatile tools and a very useful addition to anybody’s tool kit. I have been working through your backlog of great videos and have posted likes on all of them, I watched a particular one which sticks in my mind: the screw holding screwdriver, again I have never seen them before either, I know I can you saying I need to get out more 🤣🤣🤣 Oh fantastic collection by the way.👏👏👍 I visited my local car boot sale (flea market) recently and found a few interesting items, the main one, were two of what I know now to be Archimedes Screws, amazing to find two of them at one stall. Again thanking you for taking the time not only to post the videos but to find the items themselves Cheers and take care Sam

[@357magdad]

I'm glad you're enjoying my videos Sam! I'd love to see some photos of your boot sale finds! [e-mail]

[@timeflysintheshop]

Those are really sweet handles! Great finds! Nice cleanup! 👍😎👍

[@357magdad]

Thanks!

[@805ROADKING]

Interesting design, never seen one like it!! Didn't know General has been around that long!! Good stuff Bud!!☻

[@357magdad]

Thanks RoadKing! I hadn't seen them before either - thought they would make for a good video!

[@ralphiewigs2208]

Embarrassed to admit that I've had one of these handles (plastic one) on one of my more used files for more than 30 years and I never knew you could tighten the jaws like that. I guess I just jammed it in and it has been functioning ever since. As usual, another great and enlightening video!

[@357magdad]

You're gonna have to take it off that file and play with it now!

[@larrydye6374]

A nice restoration! I've had a couple of these for many years. They were sold by Sears, in the Craftsman line. I appreciate them because they're easy to change from one tool to another. Thanks for the video!

[@357magdad]

Thanks Larry! I'll have to keep an eye out for the Craftsman version!

[@briansworkshop01]

What a fantastic idea And a very handy handle Thanks for sharing your time and a fantastic tool 🍺🍺👍👍

[@357magdad]

Thanks Brian!

[@patjohnson3100]

Beautiful cleanup on very nice and rare American tools. I have to keep an eye out for these. I have never really understood why files didn't come with handles in the first place. After all, other hand tools did.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Pat!

[@richardveilleux2736]

I love these handles! Pick up six of them at a yard sale about three months ago for 50 cent each.

[@357magdad]

Nice find!

[@johnkelley9877]

I haven't used the file handles but they look great. I will check them out. General Tools always has interesting products. The restoration looks great too! Thanks for sharing this.

[@357magdad]

Thanks John!

[@davidcoats1037]

Well done Magdad. Those are good file handles. Of all the handles I’ve snatched up at sales, I’ve only ever found one or two like this. They needed a marketing guy. Take care 😃👍🏼

[@357magdad]

Thanks David! I think you're right about the lack of marketing.

[@Dalesworkshop]

My first time seeing them, but I like them, the convince of changing files is a plus for me. Great find Magdad.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Dale!

[@rollerbald]

Never seen those before MagDad. Very clever invention. Thanks for sharing this.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Bill!

[@setdown2]

Love that file holder and the fact it can hold more then one type of tool...so the end screw cap screws into the body and as you screw it in it pulls back which closes the jaws...yeah ill send your my order for three... Wouldn't that be nice...You should write the company and ask them to get the old line up and running again...just a handy Andy to have in the shop and tool box...🖖

[@357magdad]

It is a cool design.

[@Joseph-ef5mh]

Nice job, Magdad. This is my first-time seeing handle like those as well. I think I'll add a set of those to the toolbox. Though, I'll still keep a lookout for the wood versions. Thanks for showing. 🙂👍

[@357magdad]

It's a shame they had to replace the wood with plastic.

[@ToolsandTime]

Awesome handle for tools and files. Great cleanup on both of those MagDad, thanks for showing them to us!

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching!

[@Aztecs911]

Very cool tool. Would of liked to see the mechanism worked with the tightening part after removed from the wood. Nice clean up.

[@357magdad]

I think the ferrule has to be in place for the mechanism to work.

[@The_Wood]

Great job on the refurb. Is amazing how much better you made them look. Very functional tool accessory as well. ScoutCrafter's opinion aside, a handle really helps with accuracy and fatigue when using a file. Lol! Already looking forward to the next video.

[@357magdad]

Thanks! Flitz did a nice job on the metal!

[@stevewalker7822]

Nice restoration. It's really good when something works the way it was designed

[@357magdad]

It seems like a good design Steve!

[@garyjones2582]

Never seen anything like this before, but very nice... Thx for polishing the end pieces... nice touch...

[@357magdad]

Thanks Gary! Chuck was not gonna let me get away with not polishing the metal!

[@garyjones2582]

@@357magdad Chuck will keep you straight... lol...

[@_BigLife_]

Those definitely look handy and cleaned up nicely. I may have to try that CRC degreaser and well, finally break down and get some flitz.

[@357magdad]

I was using one of these handles this weekend!

[@rogerstlaurent8704]

I am just like the rest of the people in the comment section I have never seen one that is a great design .. Great Video Mr Magdad and Mr Chuck have a great weekend and have a beautiful memorial day .. Looking forward to next Sundays Video

[@357magdad]

Thanks Roger! I thought they were too cool not to share!

[@sftvierendeels]

I've never seen this before. Thank you

[@357magdad]

They were new to me also!

[@michaellindsay8934]

Really a nice clean up Magdad, I've used them for years they work great.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Michael!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Nicely done! I have the newer models and they work OK, I still think the file industry made a huge mistake putting tangs on the end of files. 😃👍

[@357magdad]

Thanks ScoutCrafter! You should do a short show and tell on the new plastic ones.

[@mattadams9577]

When I first saw these I thought how is he gonna make those look any better? Never underestimate the power of MagDad magic. Awesome

[@357magdad]

Thanks Matt! The Flitz brightened the metal up nice!

[@johnfix1]

What a great Handle and nice resto

[@357magdad]

Thanks John!

[@andyc972]

Never seen these before but they look like a great design, and certainly seem effective, my go to here in the UK is the Python safety handle which incorporates a spring like device which grips the tang and stops it splitting the wooden handle, its sold in 4 sizes and is quite inexpensive from some sources ! I had no problem with how these looked when you picked them up, but of course they looked even better after the Magdad treatment !

[@357magdad]

Thanks Andy! Unfortunately my "go to" has been no handle. I just let the end of the tang stab my palm. Hopefully I'll actually use these!

[@paulsardella9324]

No experience with the plastic modern version. but I picked up a Craftsman 9-6775 handle at a yard sale a few weeks ago. Looks like your General handles. I've only used it a couple of times, but I will definitely pick up more if I see them at yard sales.

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching Paul! I was using one of the handles on a project the other day - works great!

[@mrqsysopr]

Nice video 357magdad! I just picked one of these up at the flea market a few weeks ago. It came with a $1 file I bought and I bought it just for the handle. I knew what is was because I have two Craftsman brand file holders of the same design. (Part number 96775, PAT 2479661). General must have made them for Craftsman. My General is made of wood, the Craftman's are hard plastic but have the same patent number.

[@357magdad]

Now that you have three you are officially collecting them!

[@garyryman4947]

Nice. Never saw one of these before.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Gary! I hadn't either, so I thought they would make for a good video.

[@rodneysterling1452]

Magdad ordered a couple of these handles. I`m surprised I have never seen these before being a tool junkie that I`am.

[@357magdad]

Let me know what you think of them!

[@rodneysterling1452]

@@357magdad Update: Received General hands they are good, but Amazon advertisted as them as being natural wood... NOT hard plastic. Oh well I like them. I will keep eyes out for these at estate and garage sales.

[@beerdrinker6452]

Nice video.

[@357magdad]

Thanks!

[@erik61801]

General still makes them. part number 890, theyre 5-20 bucks online.

[@357magdad]

I recommend you watch the video all the way to the end! 😉

[@AaronBelknap]

I’ve never seen those before! How cool are those! Could one apply a “rough” substance to the jaws to really grip files etc? Bed liner, anti slip stick on? Rubber? Very cool!

[@357magdad]

The jaws are slightly serrated, but I like your ideas!

[@AaronBelknap]

@@357magdad that’s even better! I’m always trying to modify my stuff! Mostly ending up not working! LOL!!

[@AaronBelknap]

@@357magdad how about our favorite “tool” heatshrink maybe some good rubbery stuff if the serrations aren’t strong enough……

[@alpine1600s]

Nice. 👍

[@357magdad]

Thanks!

[@liljoeii6091]

Very cool tool thank you for the video

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching Joe!

[@ihrescue]

So many aftermarket file and tool holders do not hold securely. If I found some of those I would buy them.

[@357magdad]

I included an Amazon link in the description to the modern version.

[@TheCleric42]

I can’t afford that Pro Strength degreaser from CRC. Fortunately, I rely on Acme’s Amateur Strength Degreaser!

[@357magdad]

I like the low odor, but I agree that it is pricey.

[@timeflysintheshop]

Hmmm. It wuld be cool to buy some new ones and turn wood handles for them so you can ditch the plastic. 👍😎👍

[@357magdad]

I was impressed with how thin the walls were on the handles.

[@DarrylDigger]

I have a few of these handles and they do not work too well in real life filing.

[@357magdad]

They seem to clamp a variety of files very securely. They've been around for 75 years, so they must be workin' for someone.

[@chadfengel]

I’m a fan of these as well. I have a set of the plastic handled ones, and they’re not nearly as good in my opinion. They don’t feel as good and there’s no screwdriver slot on the end of the cap incase you need it to make it tighter.

[@357magdad]

Thanks! I'm disappointed but not surprised they replaced the wood with plastic.

[@rawbacon]

Like all tool companies General is not what it used to be but historically they were a great brand and made a lot of different items but never really had the prestige that some other brands had. I feel the the name "General" in general just doesn't generally inspire the general public......What's in a name?

[@357magdad]

Marketing wasn't their strong suit...

[@jamesmarkus3077]

General tools is still an American company. Looks like they still make a decent amount of tools in Ohio.

[@357magdad]

The celebrated 100 years in 2022.

[@frankg3072]

The file holders are a pretty ingenious invention and you did a real nice job cleaning them up.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Frank!

[@19Bmiller]

I'm 72 and have never seen these before. Found this so useful that before your video was over I went to eBay saw that they were still being made but found vintage wooden handle ones and ordered a pair. Thanks

[@357magdad]

I'm glad I showed you something "new"! I hope you like them!

[@johnmccloskey8761]

I have one from my dad. Still works. It definitely is not as nice as yours even before your "make over". Always look forward to your posts.

[@357magdad]

Thanks John!

[@GuntersGarage]

Wow, first time seeing one here. Looks like a great design. Makes you wonder how they never took off or at least as seemingly as ubiquitous as the wooden screw in type file handles.

[@357magdad]

They've been around for 75 years, but these are the first two I've seen.

[@shannonelliott6116]

They are still made today....edit...just watched the last part of the video...sorry magdad...nice job!!!

[@357magdad]

Thanks Shannon!

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Not sure I would have cleaned those up. I have never seen those and I am a General fan. I have a few golf ball handles but I don't really like them. The clamping mechanism is the worth there. Nice, Magdad! Thanks for showing us what is out there.

[@357magdad]

I never saw them before either!

[@wayneo7307]

Hi Magdad. Nice Job on Those. And Yes I Think That's A Great Design . I'm Glad They Still Make It Even Though They Went To Plastic. I've Never Seen or Used Them. General Does Make Some Good Tools. And Usually Not Too Expensive.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Wayne. I was disappointed but not surprised they switched to plastic.

[@setdown2]

I went to comment after you said thanks for watching never saw the end till now...🙄...thanks for the post...i think one will due not three...🤭

[@357magdad]

Let me know how you like the modern version!

[@stevenb.182]

I have a grand total of one, of these file handles. I had no idea that it would hold a hacksaw blade !!! Great video !!! (Gotta keep an eye out, for some more.)

[@357magdad]

Thanks Steve!

[@larryborkstrom3580]

I don't know if I like the plastic handle I prefer the wood handle one

[@357magdad]

I agree Larry!

[@larrydemaar409]

Those handles look nice after your restoration and very handy. It is a nice feature that you can change files.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Larry!

[@adiazcroce]

Thank you, greetings from Mexico 🇲🇽!

[@357magdad]

Greetings!

[@westhighlandsshop]

Those are cool, and they seem to work well! Great find and cleanup. Eagle eye at the yard sales!

[@357magdad]

Thanks David!

[@christopherlusk9385]

I have never seen these either. Thanks!

[@357magdad]

They were new to me too!

[@EVILDR235]

I have two I bought appox 40 years ago. Both have white plastic handles instead of wood and are marked Craftsman. Yes they work very well and I wish I had bought more of them.

[@357magdad]

I wonder when the plastic replaced the wood?

[@EVILDR235]

@@357magdad I bought mine back sometime in the 1970's in Commiefornia when I still lived there.

[@davidurfer7632]

What a great design. Simple yet brilliant. I'm sure we'll be seeing these used in future videos. Thanks for the Amazon link. I'll be getting one, only wish it was wood.

[@357magdad]

Thanks David! I was disappointed but not surprised that the wood was replaced by plastic.

[@jackthompson2132]

I have ever seen on of these before and you have 2 😂 Great show today Magdad! You did a good job on them. Thank You for sharing!

[@357magdad]

The lady at the yard sale didn't know what they were either!

[@johnmclaurin]

Excellent video!

[@357magdad]

Thanks John!

[@dolrr54]

Found two old file handles on Ebay. One was a General wood Handle, and the other was a Speed Corp. Bought them both for almost as much as they wanted for a new General plastic handle. Thanks again, Magdad!

[@357magdad]

I hope you like them!

[@paulsto6516]

I have an old wooden one, and I agree, it's well designed. It lives at the end of a large flat file.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Paul!

[@Bloodshed.restorations]

Love the idea of these but guess production costs would be quite high. Came out beautifully and a great addition to any collection, first time I've seen them.

[@357magdad]

The modern version is about $10. Amazon link in description.

[@toolscouter]

Great video. Thanks for sharing how it’s made and works. Have a good one.

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching!

[@noads1035]

Thanks for the review! I have been looking for a ‘universal’ tool handle for my hobby bench. They are available on Amazon for about 10 bucks. Snagged a couple.

[@357magdad]

Let me know how you like the modern ones.

[@shedmanx3640]

I have never seen anything like those handles in Australia in my 66 years. You certainly weaved your magic on them though. Beautiful result.

[@357magdad]

Many viewers commented that they had never seen them before. I guess General could have done a better job marketing them!

[@Jer-Bye]

Great video Magdad! Like those file and tool handles. I don't have any of those but do have a General drill bit sharpener. 😊

[@357magdad]

Thanks! The are nice handles.

[@tonylenge424]

Never seen those before but I like it. I think they would be very useful. Surprised how little wood was there. Thanks for sharing.

[@357magdad]

The walls of the wood handles are really thin. Must have been fun to machine!

[@caroldbrownell9]

What timing. Just picked one up at Zagray with a file on it. Havn't had a chance to clean it up, never saw one before.

[@357magdad]

Awesome!

[@wingnutsworkshop]

That style looks amazing. I gotta keep an eye out at Flea Markets

[@357magdad]

I hope you find a couple!

[@VentoGreg]

Been looking for one of these since your video came, but could not find one out in the wild. So I paid full retail for one this week and liked it.

[@357magdad]

I'm glad you like it! I just found a vintage Craftsman version.

[@lotsabirds]

Here's a question out of left field! Did you ever play a flute? The way you gripped the file handle when you installed the file is exactly how you set up your left hand to play a C flute!

[@357magdad]

I am not musically talented. Mrs Magdad and MagDaughter both played the flute.

[@chuckB9679]

I have never seen these before. I have to pick up 6 of them. Great job! Excellent video!

[@357magdad]

Thanks Chuck! I have an Amazon link in the description for the modern version. You can still find the vintage wood handle versions on eBay.

[@chriholt]

I had never heard of such a thing, but it obviously works great. And a great restoration too!

[@357magdad]

Many viewers have said the same thing Chris! I'm glad I found them!

[@gayle525]

Thank you, I ordered one so I’ll let you know how well it works.

[@357magdad]

Cool! Let me know!

[@stevegorkowski3246]

I ordered 2 of them. A hacksaw blade will stay in one. The other will be in my bag of smaller files. I buy nylon zip bags in garage sales to organize tools.

[@357magdad]

I hope you like the handles Steve! I just found a Craftsman version of one of these at the flea market.

[@stevegorkowski3246]

@@357magdad I know Lutz makes them but I didn't know they are still in production. I think with shipping they are 2 for $12. I go to garage sales and I hope I can find more. I have not seen any for sale used so far. I retired early and the big tool sort and cleaning is going on. I never had time to sort or clean at this level. This winter I want to make leather or canvas tool roll-ups. Your videos are a real short cut to cleaning tools. Still ordering things you use that makes cleanup fast !

[@terrysmith4465]

Awesome, I've never seen one before.

[@357magdad]

I hadn't either. Seems like a good design...

[@charlievanor]

Junk

[@357magdad]

It's OK Charlie, we're all fiends here. Tell us how you really feel...

[@kimbishop4734]

Wish that you could still get wood handles. But, I'll probably still order a couple. I just don't have any good file handles for all of the files that I have. Thanks again.

[@357magdad]

Let me know what you think of the modern ones.

[@kimbishop4734]

@357magdad I got the file handles today. I can only give them 3 stars. They only work on square tangs. They won't tighten on a flat tang. I'm sure that I'd like the feel of wood better, too. I'm not sorry that I bought them, though.

[@357magdad]

@@kimbishop4734 Thanks for letting me know!