What is the best way to clean chips from a file?

Using a file card is the best method for cleaning chips from a file because it is specifically designed for this purpose. A file card typically has stiff bristles that effectively dislodge and remove debris and chips that get lodged in the teeth of the file. This helps maintain the file's cutting performance and longevity.

Rinsing with water is not effective as it may leave moisture on the file, leading to rust or corrosion. Wiping with a cloth could remove some debris but may not reach the chips embedded in the file's teeth, and it doesn’t provide the thorough cleaning that a file card does. Blowing off with compressed air can dislodge some chips but may not be effective for chips that are tightly pressed into the file, and it could also spread debris into the surrounding area rather than removing it from the file itself. Therefore, using a file card is the most efficient and appropriate way to ensure that a file remains clean and functional.