Hardness testing with files consists essentially of cutting or abrading the surface of metal parts, and approximating the hardness by the feel, or extent to which, the file bites into the surface. The term "file hard" means that the surface hardness of the parts tested is such that a new file of proven hardness will not cut the surface of the material being tested.

Application This SAE Recommended Practice describes the technique of using a file for testing the surface hardness of miscellaneous iron and steel parts as designated by engineering specifications. In presenting this procedure, it is recognized that it is subjective and that it must be used with considerable judgment on the part of the operator. File hardness tests may be used when case depth is too shallow for conventional indentation hardness methods, to detect the presence of a soft surface condition on hardened or case-hardened parts, or to check the hardness of sintered parts that may not respond predictably to indentation hardness methods. The method is useful in production control.

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