The Pferd needle file is 5-1/2" long, and has a triangular shape (also called three-square) and medium diamond grit for precision filing of angles, grooves, corners, and dies in fine work. The file tapers slightly toward the point to ease access into small areas. The file has diamond grit on all sides for removal of hard, brittle material such as hardened steels, hard metals, glass, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced plastics. The grit has been electroplated to the file surface for durability. The file can be used with a needle file holder (sold separately).

Hand files are used to remove material and smooth and shape workpieces. They have forward-facing cutting teeth and cut when pushed over either a stationary or rotating workpiece. Single-cut teeth are single rows cut diagonally across the width of the file. Double-cut teeth have two sets of rows cut in opposite directions. American pattern files have three coarseness grades. Coarse, also known as bastard cut, is suitable for efficient, heavy material removal where finish is not a concern. Medium, also known as second cut, offers average material removal and finish quality. Fine, also known as smooth cut, provides the smoothest finish. Swiss pattern files have eight coarseness grades, from 00 (coarse), 0 (medium), and 1 to 6 (fine to finest), offering a smoother finish than equivalent American pattern files. For Swiss pattern files the length of the tool is the length of the blade, not counting the tang, which is the pointed end fitted for a handle; for American pattern files the length of the tool is its entire length, including the tang.

Pferd manufactures abrasives and cutting tools for grinding, finishing, and cutting. The company, founded in 1799 in Germany, has its U.S. headquarters in Leominster, MA. It meets International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 9001.