Achieve precise, professional metalwork with the Standard Pillar File – Swiss Pattern #2 Cut, 4" – UPC 037103242105. Manufactured by Apex Tool Group/Crescent (Nicholson heritage), this Swiss pattern pillar file is a compact, ultra-accurate tool ideal for gunsmiths, machinists, armorers, jewelers, and precision metalworkers who demand control, clean cuts, and safe edges for final fitting and detail work. Brownells+1
Compact 4" Swiss Pattern Pillar File for Precision Work
This model is the 4" (#2 cut) Standard Pillar File – Swiss Pattern, built for close-up detail and controlled material removal:
The short length and narrow rectangular profile make this file ideal when you’re working in tight spaces, narrow slots, tangs, sear surfaces, and small components where a full-size hand file is too large or clumsy.
Similar to a Hand File – But Only Two-Thirds as Wide
Standard Swiss Pattern pillar files are designed to behave like traditional hand files, but with a slimmer, more precise profile:
Similar in shape to hand files, but only about two-thirds as wide Brownells+2Brownells Iberica+2
Narrower width gives you more control and visibility on critical surfaces
Perfect for fine-tuning small flats, shoulders, notches, slides, and rails
This sizing makes the #2 Cut, 4" Swiss Pattern Pillar File a favorite for detailed gunsmithing and small-part fitting, where big files feel bulky and imprecise.
Double-Cut Sides with Safe Edges – Aggressive Where You Want It, Gentle Where You Don’t
One of the key advantages of this file is its double-cut / safe-edge configuration:
This design is ideal when you need to:
Dress a surface that borders a finished edge or tight corner
File inside a slot, dovetail, or rail where one surface must remain untouched
Work on sear edges, extractor cuts, and sight bases without rounding or damaging nearby features
The result is aggressive cutting where you need it and full protection where you don’t.
Swiss Pattern Accuracy – Clean Cut, Smooth Finish
“Swiss pattern” doesn’t just sound fancy—it’s a term associated with precision file geometry, uniform teeth, and high-quality finishes:
Swiss pattern files are known for fine, consistent teeth, ideal for detailed work and high-quality surface finishes GoVets+1
The #2 cut offers a great balance between stock removal and surface smoothness, making it a go-to for final filing before stoning or polishing
Excellent for deburring, reshaping, and cleaning up steel, non-ferrous metals, and even some plastics GoVets+1
This level of precision is why gunsmiths, armorers, and toolmakers rely on Swiss pattern pillar files for critical work.
Ideal for Gunsmithing & Precision Metalwork
Because of its size and geometry, the Standard Pillar File – Swiss Pattern #2 Cut, 4" excels in:
Gunsmithing & firearm work
Dressing sear and hammer engagement surfaces (before final stone work)
Fine-fitting 1911 rails, locking lugs, and slide slots
Cleaning up extractor cuts, sight dovetails, and action raceways
Machining & toolmaking
Deburring and truing small precision components
Fitting keys, pins, and slots
Cleaning edges on dies, fixtures, and jigs
Jewelry, instrument, and fine metal crafting
If you work with small, critical metal surfaces where fit and finish matter, this 4" #2 cut pillar file quickly becomes a daily-use tool.
High-Quality Steel, Tang-Ready for a Handle
Built under the Crescent/Nicholson/Apex Tool Group umbrella, this file uses quality tool steel and a classic tang design:
Rectangular pillar file made from durable steel for long service life and consistent cutting performance General Factory Supply+1
Tang designed to accept a standard file handle (sold separately), improving grip and control during use GoVets+1
Manufactured to tight tolerances so the file cuts flat and true across its full length
Add a comfortable handle, and you’ll have a precision hand tool that feels secure and controllable, even during long bench sessions.
Key Specifications – Standard Pillar Files, Swiss Pattern 037103242105
From Brownells, Nicholson/Crescent specs, and distributor data: Industrial Hardware+4Brownells+4Brownells Iberica+4
Brand / Manufacturer: Apex Tool Group / Crescent (Nicholson heritage)
Product Type: Standard Pillar File – Swiss Pattern
UPC: 037103242105
Brownells SKU: 191398730 (#2 Cut, 4" Standard Pillar File)
MFR / Catalog No.: 39873N / “39873 4 CUT #2 PILLAR FILE”
Length: 4" (10.2 cm)
Width: approx. 23/64" (9.1 mm)
Thickness: approx. 7/64" (2.8 mm)
Cut: #2 (Swiss Pattern) – medium-fine
Profile: Rectangular pillar file
Teeth: Double-cut on sides, safe (uncut) edges
Pattern: Swiss pattern for precision and fine finish
Primary Use: Precision final filing, deburring, and detailed metalwork
Why Choose the Standard Pillar File – Swiss Pattern #2 Cut, 4"?
Swiss pattern #2 cut delivers an excellent balance of control, cutting speed, and surface finish
Narrow, 4" pillar profile gives you access and precision where full-size hand files can’t reach
Double-cut sides and safe edges let you remove material aggressively while protecting adjacent surfaces
Built by a trusted tool maker (Apex Tool Group/Crescent/Nicholson) widely respected in gunsmithing and industrial trades
Perfect for gunsmiths, machinists, jewelers, and detail metalworkers who need a compact, high-precision file for final fitting and finishing
If you’re serious about fine metalwork and gunsmithing precision, the Standard Pillar File – Swiss Pattern #2 Cut, 4" (UPC 037103242105) is a must-have tool that will quickly earn a permanent place right next to your vise.
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