The distances between the cuts on a smooth file are the same for a 6 and a 12-inch file.

The distances between the cuts on a smooth file are the same for a 6 and a 12-inch file.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if file is 10 inches
• D. Depends on manufacturer

Answer: (B)

To understand this, know that the distance between the cuts on a hand file is described by its teeth-per-inch (TPI). The TPI is chosen for the file’s length and intended use, so shorter and longer smooth files are not simply scaled versions of each other. A 6-inch smooth file and a 12-inch smooth file are typically made with different spacings between their teeth to give each length appropriate cutting action along its reach. Because of this, the spacing between cuts is not guaranteed to be the same for different lengths. So the statement is false.

To understand this, know that the distance between the cuts on a hand file is described by its teeth-per-inch (TPI). The TPI is chosen for the file’s length and intended use, so shorter and longer smooth files are not simply scaled versions of each other. A 6-inch smooth file and a 12-inch smooth file are typically made with different spacings between their teeth to give each length appropriate cutting action along its reach. Because of this, the spacing between cuts is not guaranteed to be the same for different lengths. So the statement is false.