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Old 05-16-2021, 05:10 PM   #1
Marcus
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Default Points (ignition) file

Going though my toolbox today, I noticed a tool that might be of use to the 'Barn family: NAPA makes a Points (Ignition) File, part number 2153. I use mine regularly on the various cars, trucks and hot rods - hope this is helpful.
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Old 05-16-2021, 05:40 PM   #2
Anteek29
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Default Re: Points (ignition) file

Great suggestion...I need one...thanks!
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Old 05-16-2021, 05:52 PM   #3
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Default Re: Points (ignition) file

Should be one in every tool box, had the same one since the mid '60's...it's almost broke in.
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Old 05-16-2021, 06:30 PM   #4
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Default Re: Points (ignition) file

Hey, I got one too !

"How should breaker points be dressed down ? Breaker points should be dressed with an oil stone,; never with a file"

'Know your Model A Ford' by Murray Fahnestock 1930
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Old 05-16-2021, 06:32 PM   #5
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Points (ignition) file

Yep, go them. Common in mechanics boxes in the day.
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Old 05-16-2021, 06:45 PM   #6
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Default Re: Points (ignition) file

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Hey, I got one too !

"How should breaker points be dressed down ? Breaker points should be dressed with an oil stone,; never with a file"

'Know your Model A Ford' by Murray Fahnestock 1930
Forget the oil. I use water. The stone lasts just as well and does a better job.
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Old 05-16-2021, 06:47 PM   #7
Gene F
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Default Re: Points (ignition) file

I have a point file someplace. Don't think I have ever used it.
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Old 05-16-2021, 08:48 PM   #8
mass A man
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Default Re: Points (ignition) file

When I had to use a point file, the points were pretty much history anyway. It will get you going again but soon let you down since the ignition points were protected by a very thin coating of platinum. once you file that off, you're down to the unprotected base metal. If you need to clean the points, a VERY fine stone, or a very fine "flex-stone " burnisher strip. The point faces need mate up perfectly when closed for great results.
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Old 05-17-2021, 12:20 AM   #9
Blue-Truck-Nut
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Default Re: Points (ignition) file

The last one of those files I purchased was not a good purchase, wore out with minimal use, back to using a hand me down from grandpa.

However, an emery board nail file works very well, and if you don't have a female companion complete with her hand bag full of accessories along, you can purchase a 10 pack for a buck at most dollar stores.

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Old 05-17-2021, 06:39 AM   #10
Kevin in NJ
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Default Re: Points (ignition) file

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Originally Posted by mass A man View Post
protected by a very thin coating of platinum. once you file that off, you're down to the unprotected base metal.
The point blocks are made of Tungsten if I recall properly.

The point blocks can be made of different alloys as I have some very low cost NOS aftermarket point sets on a card. The point blocks have turned grey with and oxide coating. While the jar full of used Ford script and Standard brand points I have are still clean and shiny even though they are used.

Which I will point out that points only need to be replaced when the wear block is gone or the contacts are really bad. They do not go bad with time so most people should be able to get 50-60 years out of their used point set that came with the car.
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Old 05-17-2021, 07:54 AM   #11
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Forget the oil. I use water. The stone lasts just as well and does a better job.
do you remove the points to do so?
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Old 05-17-2021, 10:46 AM   #12
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Default Re: Points (ignition) file

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I have a point file someplace. Don't think I have ever used it.
Ditto
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