Nut Files. Cheap on Ebay!

[Gearjoneser]

I'm about to buy these, and since this seller has a bunch of them available, I'm letting you guys see these too.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=7266&item=3781486407&rd=1

Question to luthiers.....are these worth buying? I was gonna buy the expensive Stew Mac files, but that'll cost me a whole lot more.
Can I buy these ones on Ebay cheaper elsewhere?

 

[FretFire]

Re: Nut Files. Cheap on Ebay!

I have one of those and it works fine. They seem to have started rusting fairly quickly though.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Nut Files. Cheap on Ebay!

It says the smallest one is 16. Is that the proper size to cut a slot for a high E 10 or 11 gauge? Are the edges rounded, so the slots are seated properly?

 

[theodie]

Re: Nut Files. Cheap on Ebay!

I am pretty skeptical about them but, I am damn happy with my stewmac files though. I guess it would come down to how often you need nut files. If you use them often or at least once every 2 months for example, I would get real nut files.

 

[Curly]

Re: Nut Files. Cheap on Ebay!

this may sound dumb, but I didn't think SS rusted!

those are awefully cheap, so I guess if they work at all they're worth it

I have a nice set that I got from Warmoth - they're $64:
files

just an FYI, I was cutting a bone nut, and broke one of the tips on a harder spot ... bone can be a little inconsistent, and I found out the hard way :blackeye:

 

[Curly]

Re: Nut Files. Cheap on Ebay!

It says the smallest one is 16. Is that the proper size to cut a slot for a high E 10 or 11 gauge?

no .. should be same size or just under

I think Erlewine's book has a good section on cutting a nut

 

[FretFire]

Re: Nut Files. Cheap on Ebay!

Well then the one I have isn't made of stainless steel , because they're rusting.

 

[theodie]

Re: Nut Files. Cheap on Ebay!

They may be OK if you just need to deepen the occaisional slot just a tad. Thats probally about all they are probally good for. I wouldnt try to slot a complete nut from scratch with them and expect great results.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Nut Files. Cheap on Ebay!

They may be OK if you just need to deepen the occaisional slot just a tad. Thats probally about all they are probally good for. I wouldnt try to slot a complete nut from scratch with them and expect great results.

That's what I was thinking. I can just imagine the other files sliding out and marring my headstock, as I'm trying to use only one. I'd probably unscrew the handle, and use them individually. Maybe I will just spend the money and get the professional ones. Up until now, I usually only do minor slot deepening or widening, but it's time to start getting into cutting from blanks.

 

[Alvin Lee Fan]

Re: Nut Files. Cheap on Ebay!

Stop! Don't buy those. What they are is really welding torch tip cleaners. You can get the exact same things at Home Depot for $3.99 any day of the week. I bought a set and they work fine for tweaking an existing nut, but you couldn't start with a new blank with these.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Nut Files. Cheap on Ebay!

I had a suspicion that these "torch tip cleaners" were something I could buy at the hardware store for $4. I didn't buy them from this 'get rich quick Ebayer', but I may see if they have them down the street for a few bucks.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Nut Files. Cheap on Ebay!

Per Dan Erlewine, I made my own files. Glue a length of guitar string, in whatever guage you need, to a wood dowel. Boom, instant nut file!

Skeptics take note, I used a set of files I constructed in this manner to make a bone nut from scratch, and it worked great.

 

[Curly]

Re: Nut Files. Cheap on Ebay!

Stew Mac's nut ruler is a great help cutting a nut

 

[XSSIVE]

Re: Nut Files. Cheap on Ebay!

Per Dan Erlewine, I made my own files. Glue a length of guitar string, in whatever guage you need, to a wood dowel. Boom, instant nut file!

Skeptics take note, I used a set of files I constructed in this manner to make a bone nut from scratch, and it worked great.

that's similar to what i do when i get a new guitar and go from 9's to 10's or 11's i use left over strings either glued to wood or just rub them through for a bit and it works just fine.

-Mike