What hand tool is specifically used to remove small amounts of metal?

The tool aptly suited for removing small amounts of metal is the file. A file features a rough surface designed to shave or abrade metal, making it ideal for smoothing edges, shaping metal pieces, or refining surfaces. Files come in various shapes, sizes, and grades, allowing for precision work in metalworking.

While the saw is primarily used for cutting through materials, such as wood or metal, it does not allow for the fine control and finesse needed to remove small amounts of material. The chisel, on the other hand, is a cutting tool typically employed to carve, shape, or split hard materials but isn't designed for the same level of surface refinement provided by a file. The hammer, primarily used for driving and striking, does not have the functionality to remove material in a controlled manner. Therefore, the file stands out as the appropriate choice for tasks requiring the removal of small amounts of metal.