HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not about shaping nails.

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Ramon Amira

Posts: 1025
Joined: Oct. 14 2009
From: New York City

HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not about ...

HELP! This is not about nails – this is about nail files. For the past thirty years or more, I have always used just one kind of nail file – an ordinary cheap file five inches long, made of stainless steel, with a triple cross-cut pattern. Nothing else works for me – emory boards, these sandpaper finish type of metal files, glass, nothing. For me anyway, those things don't file a nail, all they do is smooth a nail. But as your nails grow too long they have to be filed back down to the right length, and – at least for me – only the metal cross-cut file actually files the length down. Mind you, these are just ordinary, inexpensive nail files that cost about two dollars or less, that must have been made and sold for fifty years. But now, suddenly, they have completely disappeared. Nobody makes them anymore. There were three companies that made them – the best was Revlon, then also LaCross, and Trim. Gone! I am left with one old file that I'm clinging to, and I am desperate. To the average person in the street this might seem preposterous, but I am sure that everyone on this site understands how dire this is. Does anyone know of any place that still might have and sell any of those files? Stainless steel, triple cross cut, five inches long, comes to a point on the end. If anyone has a spare one – I don't care if it's used – I would be happy to buy it and pay for mailing. I can pay in cash, or I'll write you two brand new falsetas in any toque of your choice and mail them to you. Or both. Thanks for any help. Many members of this forum live in other countries, so possibly it's still available elsewhere.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 15 2009 10:38:00

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to Ramon Amira)

PC,

When I met with Paco Peña, I was amazed to see that he had a large metalworking file in his guitar case!
(He does use Arldite on his thumbnail though!)

Plus a standard nail file, and some emery paper.

He said that the main thing for him was finishing the nail-edge off on a piece of leather to give it a smooth polish.

cheers,

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 15 2009 10:48:45

Guest

[Deleted] (in reply to Ramon Amira)

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 15 2009 11:49:04

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to Guest)

Well, actually PP's method makes a lot of sense, Shroomy.

If you had to look at your nail ends after filing with sandpaper boards (rather than emery paper) under a microscope, there would probably be a few micro chipped bits here and there.

These chips present a weak point for splits and breakage to occur.

Getting the edge as smooth as possible using leather makes the whole nail act as one unit, with each micro section giving strength and support to it's neighbour, instead of a sudden sharp chip inbetween to provide an inroad to splitting/tearing.

And also less dragging friction on the string.

cheers,

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 15 2009 12:06:32

Doitsujin

Posts: 5078
Joined: Apr. 10 2005

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to Ramon Amira)

I use a combination of my teeth and a metal nail file. No polish at all. I like the nails a little rough because the sound is nicer IMO.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 15 2009 12:36:17

val

Posts: 800
Joined: Apr. 4 2007

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Post has been moved to the Recycle Bin at Nov. 8 2010 12:20:02

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 15 2009 13:34:33

Guest

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 15 2009 13:37:33

at_leo_87

Posts: 3055
Joined: Aug. 30 2008
From: Boston, MA, U.S.A

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to Ramon Amira)

i've read that metal nail files are horrible because they cause micro-tears in the nails.

i use a glass nail file then work my way through a 4 step buffer, ignoring the first step.

glass nails WILL file down your nails. maybe you just have to use a back and forth motion. or be a little more aggressive.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 15 2009 16:11:06

Andy Culpepper

Posts: 3023
Joined: Mar. 30 2009
From: NY, USA

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to Ramon Amira)

GSI glass file and 800-1000 grit sand paper.

A glass file will take off nail no question about it. I also use mine to shave down frets

. And I have thick nails.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 15 2009 16:35:56

Ricardo

Posts: 14873
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to Ramon Amira)

True emory boards deteriorate. I usually break a long one in half, and rub together the two on one side to get a finer grit, keep one in the case, one in my pocket or jacket. I file everyday for shape and tone, so I dont need a ruff file to get nails way down.

Answer to the question, I am sure you will find the metal file in some drug store in your area, but it may be a part of a nail kit or something. I recommend to check out Scott Tenant about nail shape and filing. I was like you years ago, but changed my mind after trying what he suggested with fantastic results.

Ricardo

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 15 2009 17:03:55

Guest

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 15 2009 18:07:16

Ramon Amira

Posts: 1025
Joined: Oct. 14 2009
From: New York City

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to val)

Thank you. If you can find that - a thousand blessings upon your head. And okay - instead of writing two falsetas for you, I'll just send you a couple of Sabicas'.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 15 2009 20:05:32

mark indigo

Posts: 3625
Joined: Dec. 5 2007

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to Doitsujin)

quote:

I use a combination of my teeth and a metal nail file. No polish at all. I like the nails a little rough because the sound is nicer IMO.

i use a chainsaw and an angle grinder for mine

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 16 2009 1:33:23

val

Posts: 800
Joined: Apr. 4 2007

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 16 2009 14:48:47

Ramon Amira

Posts: 1025
Joined: Oct. 14 2009
From: New York City

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to val)

quote:

I'll ask round friends. Like me, they're of the antique variety and who knows what's lurking at the back of their drawers!

Thank again, Val. I met some women and I tried to find out what was lurking at the back of their drawers, and they bopped me over the head with my Contreras blanca.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 16 2009 20:40:05

Pimientito

Posts: 2481
Joined: Jul. 30 2007
From: Marbella

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to Ramon Amira)

quote:

Nobody makes them anymore. There were three companies that made them – the best was Revlon, then also LaCross, and Trim. Gone!

I dont know if this is the reason but I got fed up of having my nail files confiscated every time I got on a plane (because lets face it, if you are going to hijack a plane, then a nail file really is the best weapon to smuggle on board) so now I only keep emery board in the guitar case. I imagine there a piles of confiscated nail files out there somewhere thanks to airport security.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 17 2009 0:10:51

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to Pimientito)

quote:

(because lets face it, if you are going to hijack a plane, then a nail file really is the best weapon to smuggle on board)

Or a 2mm Allen wrench..

(see Aarongreen's post in Off Topic April 09 "Are you a terrorist")

cheers,

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 17 2009 0:58:55

mark indigo

Posts: 3625
Joined: Dec. 5 2007

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to Ramon Amira)

quote:

I met some women and I tried to find out what was lurking at the back of their drawers, and they bopped me over the head with my Contreras blanca.

you're lucky they didn't try to strangle you with a g-string....

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 17 2009 2:03:21

Pimientito

Posts: 2481
Joined: Jul. 30 2007
From: Marbella

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to Ron.M)

The worlds gone crazy hasnt it. Imagine the depth of paranoia needed to be one step ahead of a terrorist plan to grow long hair, buy an expensive Concert guitar and hold up a flight using nothing more than a nail file and a chord of G7.
(never ever mention that you know some arabic chords

)

I mean would it be easier to cut off your own leg 2 months before the flight and threaten the cabin crew with a titanium prosthesis?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 17 2009 5:43:42

kozz

Posts: 1766
Joined: Feb. 26 2009
From: Eindhoven NL

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to Pimientito)

quote:

I mean would it be easier to cut off your own leg 2 months before the flight and threaten the cabin crew with a titanium prosthesis?

LOL

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 17 2009 5:58:47

Gummy

Posts: 495
Joined: Nov. 27 2005
From: North Carolina, USA

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to mark indigo)

quote:

you're lucky they didn't try to strangle you with a g-string....

Then you couldn't get any "Air on the g-string"

Sorry...

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 17 2009 6:03:05

Ramon Amira

Posts: 1025
Joined: Oct. 14 2009
From: New York City

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to mark indigo)

quote:

you're lucky they didn't try to strangle you with a g-string....

Well yes, if it was a guitar g-string. But the g-string I think you're referring to - what a way to go!

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 17 2009 6:15:47

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to Pimientito)

quote:

I mean would it be easier to cut off your own leg 2 months before the flight and threaten the cabin crew with a titanium prosthesis?

Hmmm...if you actually used it to cause injury, would it still technically and legally be "kicking" someone, especially if it still had a shoe on the end?

Tricky one for the lawyers at the trial.

cheers,

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 17 2009 6:17:10

Pimientito

Posts: 2481
Joined: Jul. 30 2007
From: Marbella

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to Ron.M)

It cant be as bad as throwing a shoe at someone WITHOUT a leg attached......

(The CIA are on high alert for flamenco musicians with missing limbs as we speak)

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 17 2009 6:28:49

ToddK

Posts: 2961
Joined: Dec. 6 2004

RE: HELP! NAIL FILE. This is not ab... (in reply to Ramon Amira)

Go to a nail salon and buy one of their high quality coarse files.

Then get some micro mesh from GSI. I use 3200, 4000, and 6000.

You have to get over your psychological attachment to that metal monstrosity.

TK

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 17 2009 6:46:08