“Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points

[shew01]

Page 346 in the Service Bulletins says “If the points are burnt or pitted they should be dressed down with an oil stone. Do not use a file.”

I’ve seen similar references elsewhere for Model As. Why would Ford not want to use a point file?


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[J Franklin]

Maybe the file in the farmers garage was a bit corse compared to a points file or oil stone.

[Kurt in NJ]

It can chip the contacts--- i use a diamond knife sharpener

[David R.]

I would assume the smoother the surface, the less likely for pitting to begin, hence the reasoning for oilstone instead of file.

[shew01]

Originally Posted by J Franklin

Maybe the file in the farmers garage was a bit corse compared to a points file or oil stone.

Hmmm... Actually, that sounds plausible. :-)


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[shew01]

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Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ

It can chip the contacts--- i use a diamond knife sharpener

The ones I found on Amazon looked too big to use on a car. Can you post a link to what you use?


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[shew01]

Originally Posted by David R.

I would assume the smoother the surface, the less likely for pitting to begin, hence the reasoning for oilstone instead of file.

Is an oil stone the same thing that some folks call a hone?


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[Beater]

emery paper was the go to in my day

[Mike V. Florida]

Yea they meant a standard file. the "modern" points file is more of a burnishing tool.

[redmodelt]

Besides you have a better chance of keeping the contacts parallel using a points file.

[Purdy Swoft]

I use a narrow strip of adhesive type sandpaper that I can fold over , stick together so it sands on both sides , like a file that is flexible . This works best for me .

[Badpuppy]

Originally Posted by shew01

Is an oil stone the same thing that some folks call a hone?

Yes. Oiled stone or honing stone.

[burner31]

I have and still use the same point file I've used for at least the last 50 years, no problems yet.

[PeteVS]

I was told years ago not to use any kind of abrasive (sand paper etc) because it will leave crap embedded in the contact surfaces. FWIW

[emf]

Originally Posted by Beater

emery paper was the go to in my day

Not sure I would use emery paper anywhere electrons are flowing. (points, armatures, etc) Emery is conductive and may short out to ground if grit accumulates. Sand paper would be a better choice if a good fine file can't be found...


Frank

[captndan]

If you're stuck out on the road use what eve you have. If you're in town don't be so darn cheap. Go buy a new set.

[Aok]

My 2 cents I have worked on 40's 50's mopars (Dodge Plymouths) for many years and have got a . Lot of vehicle's running by cleaning the points with a point file. Ok not a Model A but a similar animal.

[J Franklin]

Originally Posted by captndan

If you're stuck out on the road use what eve you have. If you're in town don't be so darn cheap. Go buy a new set.

Sometimes the "new" stuff isn't as good as repaired "old" stuff.

[redmodelt]

Filing the points can reach a point of no return! LOL The points on my 48 had been filed so many times in the past that they were down to the base. I finally had to bite the bullet and get new ones. Most of the time you are just removing the deposits from one side anyway, then giving a quick wipe out with a match book cover to get oil off.

[Terry, NJ]

I use a diamond, Nail file. I got it in the Dollar store for, you guessed it, 1buck. It's slimmer than a metal file. Emery paper would be fine except Emery is a conductor. I don't want a conductive dust floating around inside the distributor.
Terry