JJW Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 I need to file my nut but I don't know what size file to use for each slot, doesn't anyone know where to get some cheap one that are the correct size? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorks5stringer Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 If you need to file each and every slot, the easier option is to just take the height off the bottom of the nut, leaving the slots alone. Just make sure you sand the nut on a level surface, maybe marking the height you wish to take off all round the nut. If you just need to file one or two slots then a file corresponding to the width of the string should do the trick! If you are just filing the D and G, buy a welders tip file set from ebay: [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281717234055?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281717234055?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT[/url] Old strings are also quite abrasive and have been used by many. Much more info is in the Repair & Technical Lounge below Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJW Posted August 24, 2015 Author Share Posted August 24, 2015 Hi Thanks for the help. I didn't think to sand the whole nut but should I use an electric sander or hand sand. Also how can I remove the nut, is it glued down, what should I do? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabag Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 (edited) Sounds like you are not going to be taking too much off the nut to be bothering using a sander, and besides, using an electric sander to shave such a small item ( remember you have to hold it as well ) is fraught with the danger of sanding it uneven. For such a quick small job, simply put the nut upside down in a vice. I'd use some wood each side of the nut so you dont mark or crush it too much in the metal jaws. Then use a fine grade flat file and make sure to keep the file square. You'll be much more accurate with a flat file because its slow and takes a very small amount off at a time, unlike a sander. Nuts are not generally permanently glued, unless a previous owner has done that. You could heat up the nut with a heat gun, but be careful on how close you get. You dont want to destroy it. If its a normal nut ( i.e. not been permanently glued ) it should come off ok. In fact many a nut i've removed has not even needed that. Just a gentle tap with a lightweight hammer, and i mean gentle Edited August 24, 2015 by fleabag Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twincam Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 Or even easier idea is too use a set of roundwounds of the same size as your current strings to file the nut slot it takes a while and you have to be careful not to mark the fretboard, this is good for small adjustments. You can also use the strings your using just give them a clean after. Best to wear gloves else you will get blisters and the string cutting the nut gets hot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Number6 Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 [quote name='Twincam' timestamp='1440498268' post='2851209'] Or even easier idea is too use a set of roundwounds of the same size as your current strings to file the nut slot it takes a while and you have to be careful not to mark the fretboard, this is good for small adjustments. You can also use the strings your using just give them a clean after. Best to wear gloves else you will get blisters and the string cutting the nut gets hot! [/quote] You can protect the fret board with masking tape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorks5stringer Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 The nut should just tap off (with a piece of wood to absorb the force inbetween) in the direction of the headstock. Always hand-sand, I've just put a piece of abrasive paper on a level surface, marked the bottom of nut all the way around for height to be removed, and holding the nut level just taken the bottom off the nut by pressing down and rubbing, if that makes sense, checking level regularly. It should not take long, BTW when you re-glue your nut back on, just use a tiny drop of glue and use the strings as clamps to hold it down until set. Either PVA or Superglue is fine, if you use too much glue then the next time the nut is removed it could take a piece of fingerboard or neck with it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twincam Posted August 26, 2015 Share Posted August 26, 2015 [quote name='Number6' timestamp='1440503322' post='2851293'] You can protect the fret board with masking tape. [/quote] Indeed also mask off the neck side a little bit, just in case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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