fret files

[bpmorton777]

anybody here use the standard files you find at a hardware store for dressing the fret ends? I have SS frets on this thing and not too crazy about using up a bunch of $20 fret files from StewMac on it when the cheapy $6 files might do well.

Brian

 

[blue313]

For dressing the ends of SS frets I use diamond files.  The kind that women buy for their nails work pretty good and don't wear at all.

 

[bpmorton777]

thanks for the info!!.

went down to the drug store to see if they had any. closest thing I could find was saphire files. not sure how they would hold up to SS frets. took a look on the internet and the prices range from about $6 all the way to about $30. not sure what you get for your money or what to look for when shopping for these.

Brian

 

[Patrick from Davis]

The triangle files from the hardware store will work, IF you have a way of removing the teeth at the corners of the triangle.  A belt sander in a shop is a good way, if you do not heat up the file too much.  That is basically what the Stew Mac triangle fret file is.  You can still ding a fret board with it, there is a bit of technique involved.  I got one of the Stew mac ones because the shop I had access to closed, and it works fine.  I don't use it much so it should last.
Patrick