Nut files

[JB_From_Hell]

Three of my guitars could greatly benefit from new nuts. For what that will cost, it seems like a set of nut files would be a better investment. Any recommendations?

Also, how exact does the file need to be? For instance, many sets start with a .012". Is that close enough for 9 or 10 sets? None of them seem to follow traditional string sizes. If I use 10-52, should I piece together a set with the exact sizes I use?

 

[Demanic]

Re: Nut files

I would think that the file would be slightly larger than the string diameter that it's filing for, to prevent binding. What you have to watch are the depth, angle and width of course.

 

[ChAoZ]

Re: Nut files

I have a .010" nut saw to start the slots, and a full set of Hosco files, next I will get a bass file set to cover 8 strings and basses
Not cheap but soon pay for themselves - some tools you can substitute but nut files are not one of them

 

[XSSIVE]

Re: Nut files

Here ya go, you can get a 9-42, 10-46 or 11-48, single files or a custom set if you email them ...

http://www.japarts.ca/Uo-Chikyu/Uo-Chikyu-Products-Nut-Files.asp


Get the files that match your gauges or are as close to them as possible and if you get some binding or pinging sound from the plain strings you can gently tilt the file to open the slots width wise (tiny tiny amounts or you can ruin the nut going to wide) or what I usually do after using the files is take some 400 grit sandpaper and fold it onto itself and run that through the slots since it will smooth out any file marks and ever so slightly open the slots to stop any string binding without making them too big which is just as bad as too tight.

 

[DESERTRAT1]

Re: Nut files

I've replaced three of my guitar nuts with Graphtech Tusq XL. They come already slotted and I sand the bottoms to get the proper height. No files needed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmUAuRs3Og0