What is a recommended practice for maintaining file edges?

Cleaning file edges after every use is a recommended practice because it helps to maintain their effectiveness and prolong their lifespan. Files can accumulate debris, metal shavings, and other materials during use, which can clog the teeth and reduce cutting efficiency. By cleaning files after each use, you ensure that they remain in optimal condition, allowing for smoother operation and better results in your work. This also helps prevent dulling and wear over time, contributing to consistent performance.

Effective cleaning can involve using a brush specifically designed for files or utilizing a cleaning solvent to remove any buildup. This routine maintenance is crucial in any metalworking or woodworking environment, where the precision of tools can significantly impact the quality of the finished product.

The other options, while they may have merit in specific contexts, do not address the fundamental need to keep the files clean for functional longevity and efficiency. Storing files with other sharp tools can lead to damage; limiting their use to wood ignores their versatility; and merely sharpening them frequently is insufficient if the files are not kept clean.