Needle and shaping rasps are long, thin rasps with an integral handle. They come in multiple shapes, including rectangular, tapered triangle, half-round, triangular and square. Capable of fitting into tight spots, needle rasps remove material quickly to prepare for smoothing and finishing the ragged edges with needle files. Needle rasps serve many purposes, including cleaning and reaming old dowel holes, dressing tenons, shaping keyholes, and making models and musical instruments.

Slightly larger in size, shaping rasps are best suited to large carvings or sculptures, or for use in shaping cabinet components. For more specific shaping operations, a chairmaker’s rasp is designed for shaping the crest rail or seat of a chair, or working any large concave surface.