Ring filers

Is there any difference between the manual and electric ring filers? Does one give a better surface than the other? Is the electric one just for shops that do a lot of file fit rings and the manual model is fine for the "hobbyists". Thanks.

I have a BHJ electric grinder and I still use a "new" $5.00 mill file clamped in a vice for gapping rings. It's faster and easier however, you'll probably need tough fingertips.

These days, I use the electric one for filing one end of rear main seals, LOL.
(It has an indicator so, I know exactly how much I shorten it).

joe due to lack of experience I like the manual ones. I still managed to wreck a couple of rings on the way learning. It was easier for me to sneak up on the correct gap and to make sure the end was square.
..... get a diamond knife hone to remove the tiny burr too. AND get a solid ring compresser not the pos we used back when. goes a long way to prevent scores in the cylinder and broken rings,,,,,bob

zbob wrote:joe due to lack of experience I like the manual ones. I still managed to wreck a couple of rings on the way learning. It was easier for me to sneak up on the correct gap and to make sure the end was square.
..... get a diamond knife hone to remove the tiny burr too. AND get a solid ring compresser not the pos we used back when. goes a long way to prevent scores in the cylinder and broken rings,,,,,bob

Me too bob.  

We do it by hand as well. Doesn't take very long and yes, get a solid ring compressor like mentioned above.

Will do guys, thanks a lot.

I use a manual one also it belongs to Rick aka 557mazda take me a little bit to get my rings to fit cut a little off check take a little more off recheck until I get the gap I need