Fine-tune metal parts and firearms with confidence using the APEX TOOL GROUP American Pattern Hand File – 2nd Cut, 8" – 06886N. This classic American pattern hand file is one of the foundational tools on any serious gunsmith’s or metalworker’s bench—perfect for dressing, striking off, shaping, and controlled metal removal on a wide variety of steels and alloys. Brownells UK+1
Whether you’re fitting a slide to frame, squaring sight dovetails, cleaning up sharp edges, or refining jigs and fixtures, this 8" 2nd cut hand file offers the ideal balance between fast stock removal and a smooth, controlled finish.
8" 2nd Cut – The Perfect “In-Between” File
The 06886N is an 8" American-pattern hand file with a 2nd cut tooth pattern, sitting right between coarse “bastard” and fine “smooth” files: Brownells UK+1
Length: 8" (20.3 cm)
Width: approx. 25/32" (19.8 mm)
Thickness: approx. 7/32" (5.6 mm) Brownells UK+1
Cut: 2nd cut (medium) – ideal when you need clean shaping without the deep scratches of a bastard cut
In American file terminology, 2nd cut corresponds roughly to a Swiss 0 cut, giving you a versatile “do-most-things” file that can rough in shapes and still finish surfaces to a respectable smoothness. Gesswein Canada
Parallel Hand File with Tapered Thickness
APEX designed this file in the classic hand/parallel pattern, optimized for flat work and precision fitting:
Parallel in width, so your file tracks evenly across flats
Slight taper in thickness toward the point, improving control and access into tighter areas Brownells UK+1
This geometry makes it a favorite for operations such as:
Squaring up recoil lugs, rails, and slide flats
Dressing scope base surfaces and mounting pads
Refining trigger housings, sear engagement surfaces (before final stone work), and small brackets
Double-Cut Faces with a Safe Edge for Precision
The AMERICAN PATTERN HAND FILES 06886N is built with a tooth layout that gives you both speed and precision:
Double-cut sides for efficient, consistent metal removal on the faces
One edge single-cut, offering a lighter, more controlled bite when needed
Other edge left “safe” (uncut) so you can file right up against a shoulder, radius, or adjacent surface without gouging it Brownells UK+1
That combination is especially valuable in gunsmithing, where you often need to remove metal from one surface while protecting a neighboring fit surface or cosmetic edge.
Built for Fast, Uniform Metal Removal
APEX American pattern hand files are known for their uniform tooth geometry and durability, making them ideal for shop use:
Teeth are designed for fast, even cutting across the whole file face, reducing time and effort Crescent Tools+2KTS Tooling Supply Inc.+2
Heat-treated for long life and edge retention, even when working on hardened or tough steels KTS Tooling Supply Inc.+1
Maintains accurate shape so flats stay flat and corners stay sharp as the file wears
If you’re chamfering parts, blending edges, or fitting components by feel, this consistency is what keeps your work looking professional instead of uneven or wavy.
Ideal for Gunsmithing, Fabrication & General Shop Work
Because of its size and cut, the 06886N American Pattern Hand File is a natural choice for:
If you only keep a couple of files within arm’s reach of the vise, this 8" 2nd cut hand file deserves one of those spots.
Key Specs – AMERICAN PATTERN HAND FILES 06886N
From APEX/Brownells product data: Brownells UK+2Primary Tactical+2
Manufacturer: APEX TOOL GROUP
Product Line: American Pattern Hand Files
Model: 2nd Cut, 8"
Manufacturer Part Number: 06886N
Length: 8" (20.3 cm)
Width: ~25/32" (19.8 mm)
Thickness: ~7/32" (5.6 mm)
Cut: 2nd cut (medium)
Pattern: Hand file, parallel in width, tapered in thickness
Teeth: Double-cut sides, one single-cut edge, one safe edge
Why Choose the 06886N American Pattern Hand File?
One of the basic gun work files recommended by gunsmith suppliers for everyday use Brownells UK+1
Versatile 2nd cut pattern gives you a great balance between stock removal and finish quality
Classic American pattern geometry with a safe edge—perfect for precise fitting near shoulders and corners
Backed by APEX TOOL GROUP’s reputation for reliable, professional-grade files
If you’re building out a serious gunsmithing or metalworking toolkit and want a file that will see daily use, the AMERICAN PATTERN HAND FILES 06886N – 8" 2nd Cut Hand File is an essential, shop-proven choice.
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