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Thread: Nut Files

  1. #1
    Forum Member NeoFauve's Avatar
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    Nut Files

    How many of you have your own set of nut files?

    I have just two guitars with nut issues, and have no plans to build or refurb any guitars.

    One slot on my Tele's nowhere near deep enough.
    And I have a basket case 12-string acoustic that needs a new nut, badly. It has other issues, but a good nut would make it playable in tune, at least up to the 5th fret.

    Actually, my lap steel needs a nut too.

    Is it worth $80+/- to have a set that I might not use beyond these 3 tasks?
    Or do I find a new repair guy?
    I haven't needed one in years, and the shop I used to go to closed. I don't know where to find the ace who worked there.
    "Well, I used to be disgusted, now I try to be amused..."
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  2. #2
    Forum Member FrankJohnson's Avatar
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    Re: Nut Files

    I don't yet....but you don't need all of them Neo.....


    One of the thinnist......and maybe a early/mid thick to start (poor description.....but I hope you know what I mean)

    I borrow a couple here and there....but will be picking up those two (whatever size they actually are).........eventually.


    Worth having.........in my meager opinion.....

    along with one or two files for minor fret touchup
    Kenny Belmont
    >:^{I)>

  3. #3
    Forum Member rudutch's Avatar
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    Re: Nut Files

    I have a set of needle files and a stewmac file for the E / B strings
    the stewmac stuff is not cheap
    do I look like I know what I'm doing?

  4. #4
    Forum Member FrankJohnson's Avatar
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    Re: Nut Files

    Needle files are good for some stuff, but no substitute for nut files.....

    feather files are handy too, but I don't have any of those either.....I do have needle files though
    Kenny Belmont
    >:^{I)>

  5. #5
    Forum Member Don's Avatar
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    Re: Nut Files

    I use about $65 worth of nut files (they were cheaper back when I bought them!). They're the $13 "Gauged Nut Slotting Files" from StewMac. You might get by with 3 of their double edged nut files.

    With a .013", .016", .028", and .049" I can cut a nut for any electric and even acoustic guitars.

    They are well worth it. I cut a pretty decent nut. I'm not bragging about my skills, I'm bragging about my nut files. They're incredible!

    I don't remember if it was on this forum or another where someone quoted someone else as saying "cheap tools are seldom a bargain".

    Words to live by. There's nothing like the right tool for the job. It'll make you look like a master!

    Also, I don't know if you've seen what nut work costs these days. As long as you're handy with them, those nut files will more than pay for themselves with the work you've got lined up!

    Hell, dress or cut a few nuts for your bandmates and friends and the nut files will pay for themselves in beer!

  6. #6
    Forum Member Guitar_Mc's Avatar
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    Re: Nut Files

    I've got the $64 set from Warmoth.
    http://www.warmoth.com/supplies/supp...seaction=files

    Well worth it in my opinion.
    Music will always find its way to us, with or without business, politics, religion, or any other bull$hit attached. - E.C.

  7. #7
    Forum Member chuckocaster's Avatar
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    Re: Nut Files

    i have the three double sided files, a feather file, and the double sided bass file that does .085 and .105. i actually don't do most of my own nut work, i can, i just rarely have the time or patience. what i do have them for is when i need to run it thru a slot real quick on a guitar that has hang up issues.
    "don't worry, i'm a professional!"

  8. #8
    Forum Member Don's Avatar
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    Re: Nut Files

    Quote Originally Posted by Guitar_Mc View Post
    I've got the $64 set from Warmoth.
    http://www.warmoth.com/supplies/supp...seaction=files

    Well worth it in my opinion.
    That looks like a good way to go.

  9. #9
    Forum Member curt1lp's Avatar
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    Re: Nut Files

    I have a set of the Norman Nut Files.

  10. #10
    Forum Member NeoFauve's Avatar
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    Re: Nut Files

    Quote Originally Posted by Don View Post
    With a .013", .016", .028", and .049" I can cut a nut for any electric and even acoustic guitars.
    Do you tilt them side to side to get the different widths?

    I probably will get some.
    Just have to decide whether to go with the double-sided or not.
    The Warmoth 2-side set covers a good range, but the small one's a little large.
    Stew's has a small graduation per file. 3 of those would just about right for D'Addario .010's.

    Guitar_Mc-Do the Warmoth files have radiused edges?
    "Well, I used to be disgusted, now I try to be amused..."
    Elvis Costello

  11. #11
    Forum Member Guitar_Mc's Avatar
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    Re: Nut Files

    Quote Originally Posted by NeoFauve View Post
    Do you tilt them side to side to get the different widths?

    I probably will get some.
    Just have to decide whether to go with the double-sided or not.
    The Warmoth 2-side set covers a good range, but the small one's a little large.
    Stew's has a small graduation per file. 3 of those would just about right for D'Addario .010's.

    Guitar_Mc-Do the Warmoth files have radiused edges?
    Yes.
    I actually asked them that before I ordered mine.
    Music will always find its way to us, with or without business, politics, religion, or any other bull$hit attached. - E.C.

  12. #12
    Forum Member NeoFauve's Avatar
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    Re: Nut Files

    Thanks.
    "Well, I used to be disgusted, now I try to be amused..."
    Elvis Costello

  13. #13
    Forum Member Don's Avatar
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    Re: Nut Files

    Quote Originally Posted by NeoFauve View Post
    Do you tilt them side to side to get the different widths?
    Yes, though the files only cut on their narrow edges.

  14. #14
    Forum Member sliding-tom's Avatar
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    Re: Nut Files

    I have a complete set since I started to make my own nuts / service them. They are also handy for notching bridge saddles on guitars that need them. I guess what I've spent on tools I have saved in service cost.

  15. #15
    Forum Member NeoFauve's Avatar
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    Re: Nut Files

    Quote Originally Posted by Don View Post
    Yes, though the files only cut on their narrow edges.
    Really? In the pictures they appeared to be abrasive in the sides, like an emery board.
    "Well, I used to be disgusted, now I try to be amused..."
    Elvis Costello

  16. #16
    Forum Member Don's Avatar
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    Re: Nut Files

    The sides are smooth on mine and I wouldn't want it any other way.

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