Any trick for avoiding chip-out/splinter when installing frets on an ebony fingerboard ?

[docteurseb]

While I'm not working on an electric guitar this time the problem is the same: I have a new ebony fingerboard already slotted, fret wire pre-radiuses (slightly over-radiuses).
Tap the two ends first and then gently hammer the fret in. In most cases that goes smoothly, but there's always so far a fret or two that end up tearing out/splintering/chipping the wood.

Ebony is easy to fix I'd really like to avoid having to remove the fret(s), fill with ebony dust/superglue, re-radius and attempt again.
Is there any treatment I could do to minimize this before installing frets ? 3rd time might be the charm on a new fingerboard...

 

[stratamania]

Perhaps try using a file to chamfer slightly the top of the fret slots and check also the depth is sufficient for the fret.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

Perhaps try using a file to chamfer slightly the top of the fret slots and check also the depth is sufficient for the fret.

That’s my trick too, small triangle file with fine grit, very gentle pressure.