How to use Nut slot files? Recommendations please

ToneControl

I want to start tweaking my cheaper electric guitars

Does anyone know which sets to buy?
There are so many different ones on amazon

Edit: I bought some StewMac ones

Now I need to learn how to use them

PhilKing

My original set, which I used for years, were Ibanez branded and had 3 double sided nut files and 3 double sided fret files.  I got them when I attended a guitar repair course with Stephen Delft in the 70's, so I'm sure that the exact set doesn't exist, but the nut files looked just like this, which I can find in a search online https://www.ebay.com/itm/264924302309?mkevt=1&mkcid=28&chn=ps

downbytheriver

PhilKing said:

My original set, which I used for years, were Ibanez branded and had 3 double sided nut files and 3 double sided fret files.  I got them when I attended a guitar repair course with Stephen Delft in the 70's, so I'm sure that the exact set doesn't exist, but the nut files looked just like this, which I can find in a search online https://www.ebay.com/itm/264924302309?mkevt=1&mkcid=28&chn=ps

Item won’t be sent to the UK...

ToneControl

@ICBM can you advise please?

PeteC

Ive been very pleased with a set of hosco.    Pricey but a good investment 

ToneControl

PeteC said:

Ive been very pleased with a set of hosco.    Pricey but a good investment 

I think I will have to pay for decent ones, can't see anything cheaper that looks convincing

PrecisionGuided

The decent ones are all expensive. The cheap ones may look similar but are rubbish.
Best I've used are the Japanese  UO-Chikyu - HiroshimaNutfile 

Bought mine from  https://www.guitarsupplies.nl/nl/searchlist?q=UO-Chikyu+  

Nine files  0.010 inch, 0.013 inch, 0.017 inch, 0.026 inch, 0.036 inch, 0.046 inch

0.067 inch; 0.087 inch, 0.106 inch cover guitar and bass4 and cost approx £140

So not worth buying for a single nut tweak, but essential if doing a lot of fettling.

The StewMac diamond ones look very good too.

Whistler

I started off with 6 from StewMac and then bought other sizes as other guitars needed them. You are likely to have nut files for life so I wouldn't worry too much about the cost when you think of how often a new set of strings is needed, just to use one example.

Devil#20

If you know somebody with a Stu Mac account then tack on an order for some from them next time they order something. 

FelineGuitars

Hosco tapered electric guitar set would do it

https://www.northwestguitars.co.uk/hosco-3-pack-of-nut-files-for-electric-guitar/

10/26

13/36

17/46

Jazzthat

FelineGuitars said:

Hosco tapered electric guitar set would do it

https://www.northwestguitars.co.uk/hosco-3-pack-of-nut-files-for-electric-guitar/

10/26

13/36

17/46

I was looking at them too. Unfortunately not in stock .

PhilKing

The Hosco set are exactly the ones that I have in the Ibanez packing, along with their fret files too.  I guess they've gone up through the years.

ToneControl

Jazzthat said:

FelineGuitars said:

Hosco tapered electric guitar set would do it

https://www.northwestguitars.co.uk/hosco-3-pack-of-nut-files-for-electric-guitar/

10/26

13/36

17/46

I was looking at them too. Unfortunately not in stock .

same here

ToneControl

I've ordered some Stewmac ones
the reviews were better

prowla

Find out whether you need tapered ones or flat-edged.

ToneControl

Now I need to learn how to use them

Fuengi

ToneControl said:

Now I need to learn how to use them

I have done a few with my Hosco set now. I'm happy with the results and the nuts seem to compare ok to my pro set-up guitars - my Strat set up by Simon Jones is my template for all things.

The capo third fret method works great for me. I like to fold a business card in half lengthwise and slide that in the headstock side of the nut, it both protects the headstock and gives me an angle to work to.

I check often and go lightly. When I get close I slow right down and use a really light touch. Don't forget, you can always take more off, harder to put it back! 

Take your time and enjoy it.