nut files

rb1591 · #1 01-29-2018, 07:01 PM

Please recommend a reasonably priced set of nut files. This is for my own guitars and will be infrequently used.

Thank you

Mr. Jelly · #2 01-30-2018, 05:34 AM

When I was looking at nut files I found the "real" files and cheap files. From what I read about cheap files is that they will work for a person that won't use them very much. They won't last that long. I lucked out my son had some "real" nut files I could use.

srick · #3 01-30-2018, 05:39 AM

Last year I splurged on a basic StewMac set and I am so happy that I did. If you want to go cheap, you can use welding tip cleaners which are small ridged lengths of steel wire: they are sold for practically nothing (under $10) https://www.amazon.com/US-Forge-Weld.../dp/B000UVR0NO

I used these for several years until purchasing the StewMac files - pretty quickly, I realized that I had wasted a lot of time with them. They cut slowly and poorly; they don't leave a straight slot because they bend while filing. Seeing as a properly cut nut is one of the most important parts of your guitar's playability, the StewMac files are worth it.

best,

Rick

redir · #4 01-30-2018, 07:32 AM

This topic comes up often and what you will find is that people like myself have been using regular old needle files for 25 years now and those that swear by the tried and true nut files. You can get professional results with needle files if you pay attention to what you are doing. After a while it becomes second nature. But for someone who is not going to do this professionally it can be done with cheap needle files which you might use for something else in the future.

ChalkLitIScream · #5 01-31-2018, 05:58 PM

Ive also used the tip cleaners as files and have been able to complete 2 nuts from bone.

You can get away with the D A and E strings as they are thicker, but the thinner gauged tips will bend and will be rendered useless.

Going the cheap way, Ebay has about a $15 nut file set which will cover all but the high e string. Then Id advise buying a single 12 or 13 quality file (as Ebay does not have any thinner files than 0.016 (B string).
Youd be able to get it all for 30-40 bucks that way.
These things are expensive man, about $70 plus shipping to get those nice professional ones from Japan. Close to 100 from Stewmac.

Looking for a set of used files so if anyone has any, do PM me. 11-52 or 12-53.

Any other recommendations welcome. Do needle files exist in gauges thin enough for the high strings?

charles Tauber · #6 01-31-2018, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChalkLitIScream

Do needle files exist in gauges thin enough for the high strings?

Before gauged nut files, people used needle files to create "V" shaped groves for nuts. Some needle files come to a knife-edge, suitable for even the smallest diameter string.

I slitting saw is very useful for the high e and can be used for the B. One inexpensive option is an X-acto knife handle and X-acto saw blade. They work very well for roughing slots in and for cutting slots for small diameter strings.

ChalkLitIScream · #7 01-31-2018, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charles Tauber

Before gauged nut files, people used needle files to create "V" shaped groves for nuts. Some needle files come to a knife-edge, suitable for even the smallest diameter string.

I slitting saw is very useful for the high e and can be used for the B. One inexpensive option is an X-acto knife handle and X-acto saw blade. They work very well for roughing slots in and for cutting slots for small diameter strings.

Found that V shaped slots caused string binding, and feel flat bottomed slots may generate unwanted buzz or lose some energy transfer.

charles Tauber · #8 01-31-2018, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChalkLitIScream

Found that V shaped slots caused string binding, and feel flat bottomed slots may generate unwanted buzz or lose some energy transfer.

Neither has been my experience.

redir · #9 01-31-2018, 08:28 PM

I've never had a problem using the knife edge needle file either. Just roll it so you can round off the bottom. But for the first two plain strings the V is almost perfect. Honestly I would not want to set up a guitar with exact gauge nut files anyway, I'm not even really sure if that is what is intended. I think all guitars should be set up for 13's unless perhaps its a custom and you know the guy wants to play with 11's. In that case I'd still make the firs tslot wider then 11.

LouieAtienza · #10 01-31-2018, 08:59 PM

The "knife edge" razor file doesn't come to a perfect point, there is a tiny radius there, and as others say, if you rock it back and forth, you can create whatever width you want. Been doing it exactly as Charles describes - slot with saw, finish if necessary with file.

I also don't buy the "energy transfer" thing. Most bridges have not slots for strings, yet there is no loss of energy transfer. Plus, what happens when you fret a note? There are no slots on the frets either.

dhalbert · #11 02-01-2018, 01:43 PM

I bought this set: http://www.philadelphialuthiertools....e-set-3-files/. $54. Not as much as the Stew-Mac set, and seems fine. I am not a professional. I've successfully used these to touch up several nuts, and they've been much easier to use than makeshift substitutes.

rodmbds · #12 02-03-2018, 08:59 PM

I've successfully used the V shaped needle files and finished with the tip cleaners. That being said, I did it on my nylon guitar, where the strings are much thicker than on a steel or electric, at least the lain ones.

On my electric I use a plastic nut and the tip cleaners work just fine. Didn't seem to affect tone that much, at least to my ears.

Quickstep192 · #13 05-21-2018, 11:07 AM

Has anyone used the Grizzly files?

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Nut-...yABEgKZ-vD_BwE

kjaffrey · #14 05-21-2018, 04:29 PM

The Grizzly files are good quality and are also carried by LMI and are used by lots of professionals.

BT55 · #15 05-21-2018, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhalbert

I bought this set: http://www.philadelphialuthiertools....e-set-3-files/. $54. Not as much as the Stew-Mac set, and seems fine. I am not a professional. I've successfully used these to touch up several nuts, and they've been much easier to use than makeshift substitutes.

+1 on these files. First Quality tools provide first quality results. Cheap is cheap and you can get along with cheap but the results are not the same. You spend a lot of money on guitars - what’s $100 for a full set of files that you’ll use forever?