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Files for nut slots?

Posted by Sean Murphy on July 26, 2019 at 7:32pm in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts

I've been using a triangle file to create slots in my nuts for my strings, but I'd like to be able to do proper nut slots at some point.

However, I'm not quite ready to drop ~$100 for a set of StewMac nut slot files.

I've seen some cheapo "nut files" that are apparently really fuel-jet cleaning files; do those work? Are they reasonable substitutes for proper nut slot files for guitar work? Is this overkill for CBGs?

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Replies

  • Paul Craig July 28, 2019 at 5:11pm

    I've used the tip cleaners before and they work, just takes time.

    Stewmac sells 4 string uke nuts that are already slotted and they work great, but I just use a brass or steel bolt for a nut nowadays. Just file a half round slot for the bolt deep enough for proper string height and the grooves are already done. ;)

  • BrianQ. July 28, 2019 at 12:57pm

    I’ve seen those in Home Depot, they’re pretty much same as the cb gitty one, but half the price $3.97?  You’ll eventually need this tool anyway if you make your own nuts/bridges? And, no it’s not too much to file nut slots on a cbg? if you care enough to put quality in your instruments, then it’s only natural to go the extra mile.good luck to ya’ :)

  • Derek Rose July 28, 2019 at 10:33am

    Many of us, me included, use the torch tip cleaners from Home Depot. They are in the welding tool section by the power and hand tools. Made by Lincoln Electric and around $5. 

    Torch Tip Cleaners - Home Depot

    They work great for shallow slots. But for cutting deeper slots or making a lot of cuts for doing multiple nuts (if you are doing a batch)  they can be tedious to use, so I snip them out of the metal casing and use a jeweler saw to hold them for improved stability and easier on your hands. I use a cheap jeweler (frame) saw similar to this:

    Small frame jeweler saw - Ebay

    • KOOL DOG HOOCH > Derek Rose July 28, 2019 at 4:22pm

      Well aren't you the smart one! LOL Damn good idea using a jewlers saw, something else i gotta buy.

  • Lonman July 28, 2019 at 9:33am

    harbor freight also has the fuel jet files. I use them as well

    • KOOL DOG HOOCH > Lonman July 28, 2019 at 9:42am

      What section of harbor freight & how much were they? I've asked in two stores and either they didn't know or these stores didn't carry them. I personally looked in the welding, no luck.

  • KOOL DOG HOOCH July 28, 2019 at 4:35am

    You are so right about the fuel-jet files. They can be purchased at any welding supply shop. <$20

  • Lonman July 27, 2019 at 11:18am

    I have feel gauges that I used a Dremel cutting wheel to cut small notches spaced very close to each other, thus making various slotting files for many string gauges. check this video out:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslelQBTwP0

  • Lazylefteye July 27, 2019 at 5:23am

    What about these:

    https://www.cbgitty.com/tools-templates/cigar-box-guitar-nut-and-br...

    I have a very similar set that seems to work just fine.

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