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Fret Wire Glue

Posted by Esteban Celis on February 21, 2010 at 10:41am in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion
What kind of glue would you recommend to bind well the fret wire into the neck? I am using SM fret wire but I guess my saw is a little to think so I need to bind the wire into the slots...

I have read some people using elmer's and others superglue. I thought using "Duco Cement"

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Replies

  • Skeesix February 21, 2010 at 2:06pm
    I would invest in the right size saw, but it sounds like you've already cut the slots for this project with a saw that's too big? There is a guitar technique of cutting the slots too wide, then using epoxy.

    Elmer's and superglue are used if the slots are the right size. They are mainly for making sure the fret ends stay down on a curved fretboard.

    I use thin superglue, which you run alongside the frets after they're installed. As someone else indicated, the glue will suck into the slots. If you get too much on there, you can scrape it off with the non-cutting end of an exacto blade (the part that you would stick into the handle).

    Duco is mainly acetone which causes binding to melt into wood. It's really not a glue at all. It would have no effect on metal frets.
  • Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates February 21, 2010 at 1:17pm
    If you use the right saw and do the fretting right, you should not need glue. Superglue is what I have seen used.

    -WY
  • Wade February 21, 2010 at 12:16pm
    I like super glue. It is thin and will "suck" itself into the fret tang.
  • Mark Werner February 21, 2010 at 11:42am
    I experimented with a number of adhesives. Superglue does not bond well to metal. The initial bond will seem strong, but eventually they may pop off.
    I've had best results with "JB Weld", a two-part epoxy. It's readily available at most hardware stores. You have to work quick, as the stuff sets up pretty fast.
    I just mix enough for half-a-dozen frets, and work it into the pre-cut slot with a toothpick. After it sets a bit, you can easily rub off any excess.

    Other glues may work as well; I haven't tried the "Gorilla Glue" line of products.
  • Phil Delpierre February 21, 2010 at 11:09am
    Estaban, Elmers will only bind 2 pieces of wood together, as it needs to soak into the grain. Superglue would be your best best since the fretwire is not porous.
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