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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

emery paper was the go to in my day

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

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

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

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

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

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 .

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

Yes. Oiled stone or honing stone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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. :)

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

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