Let's talk tools.

[Benjy_26]

Just wondering, but do y'all use guitar specific tools, or do you use normal tools that you can get at Lowe's or Harbor Freight?

Currently, I'm on the hunt for some hex keys, and was wondering if there's a recommended supplier, or if y'all just use whatever's available locally to you.

Thanks!

 

[playas]

Local is easiest

 

[Mincer]

Its a combination. Some guitar tools are so specific that they have to be bought from a luthier supply. Other things I just pick up when I need them. I am not an especially handy guy, so I don't need the best.

 

[Liam1963]

Both, hand tools (screwdrivers, hex wrenches, etc.), I purchase at the local hardware store. String height gauges, radius gauges, etc. come from a luthier supply company.

 

[Securb]

Hex keys I would get at Home Depot. There are a few tools that I purchased at Stew Mac but they are much more expensive than your hardware store

 

[ehdwuld]

I have only broken one hex wrench and it was part of a Harbor Freight pack
​​​​​​They cost the same at Home Depot or Lowe's

I like Harbor Freight tools
Just some stuff you may want somewhere else

get a set of metric deep well sockets
And a one quarter inch drive ratchet for tuners

Amazon has fret rockers and Baroque fret crowning tools, I just got the version 3 last week

Don't get those cheap nut files!!

You will want the ones from stew Mac

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Mostly regular garden-variety tools. Ordered a fret rocker and string height gauge from Amazon.
I've gone to Harbor Freight for tools, hardware & storage boxes.
As has been said, if you aren't doing this for a living cheap tools are good enough.

StewMac is expensive; the only things I bought there have been specific-use items: a knob puller, fret end file, emery cord for smoothing nut slots.
And a can of nitro lacquer clearcoat which probably could've been had cheaper from ReRanch.

I'd love to have a set of good quality nut files. But that'd be $80 from Stew-Mac vs $12 on Amazon, for something I rarely need.

 

[Chistopher]

Most things you need to adjust on a guitar can be done with normal tools. Generally if what you're doing requires specialized tools it's best to leave it to a professional. Stuff like installing a zero fret or routing out a recessed Floyd pocket

 

[GuitarDoc]

Mostly regular garden-variety tools. Ordered a fret rocker and string height gauge from Amazon.
I've gone to Harbor Freight for tools, hardware & storage boxes.
As has been said, if you aren't doing this for a living cheap tools are good enough.

StewMac is expensive; the only things I bought there have been specific-use items: a knob puller, fret end file, emery cord for smoothing nut slots.
And a can of nitro lacquer clearcoat which probably could've been had cheaper from ReRanch.

I'd love to have a set of good quality nut files. But that'd be $80 from Stew-Mac vs $12 on Amazon, for something I rarely need.

Amazon actually doesn't even have any decent nut files. Go the distance and get a good set from StewMac.

 

[jeremy]

like most have said, its a mix. a hex wrench is inexpensive and can be found at lowes or your local hardware store. for more specific things, im willing to spend fair money on a quality tool. i have plenty of things from stewmac, lmi, etc... take care of the tools and they can last a long time. if you are doing fret work on ss frets, youre going to chew through files but thats the nature of the beast. id still rather do the work with a good file than fight with something