Best tool for removing frets?

Cryo · #1 02-17-2011, 04:12 AM

I am thinking about removing the frets from my 5string electric. What is the best tool to use that won't scratch up my fingerboard? Please be as specific as possible. The pliers I have don't seem to have enough grip, so am looking to buy. Also, any recommendations for fill material and sealant after removal are welcome. Again, please be specific - brand, etc would be most appreciated.

Play that groove string!

stepswork4me · #2 02-17-2011, 05:13 AM

Read here... Defretting ?
It's in the stickies for Hardware and Setup. Also, you should do a search there.

Cryo · #3 02-24-2011, 12:48 AM

Thanks. Too much trouble.
Will just keep my 4-string fretless.
I saw that one could get a fretless neck for a p bass.
Anyone have luck with using mighty mite products?

Play that groove string!

JLS · #4 02-24-2011, 11:48 AM

Hoo boy. Be glad you didn't step in that!

groooooove · #5 02-24-2011, 11:51 AM

i did it a number of times with a soldering iron (to heat the fret first) and needle nose pliers. it was not that easy, and it was a very crappy rosewood board that chipped a bunch when pulling out the frets.

invest in a fret removal tool..

btp · #6 03-03-2011, 06:44 PM

It all depends on whether you are willing to tolerate some chipping of the fingerboard when you remove the fret. Frets have little cleats in the sides, so they will tend to cause chipping when removed. If you have zero tolerance for chipping, then don't even try: get a fretless neck.

But if you can tolerate some cosmetic imperfections, then a very effective tool is a cheap 1" chisel. ("cheap" because you may ruin the chisel in the process and it does not need to be very sharp). Just work the chisel under the fret, a little at a time, starting at the edge of the fingerboard, one side at a time, and use it to pry the fret out. Work carefully and you'll get less chips; work fast and you'll get more chips.

Then, for that truly professional look, fill the slots (and chip marks) with Bondo (auto body filler). It won't be pretty, but it will work perfectly and last for years. It's all a question of what you can tolerate, cosmetically speaking.

Samsound · #7 03-03-2011, 07:05 PM

Yeah, I was going to say, "if you have to ask..."

SMILEYSIXX · #8 03-03-2011, 07:10 PM

What would Jaco say? Use a butter knife.

Joospocks · #9 03-03-2011, 07:15 PM

My haphazardly performed defret job is still very playable (though the 1st and 2nd positions have some buzzing). I used a putty knife to pry the frets out from the side in a crude fashion, and there was some rosewood chipping that filled in no with problems. I'm guessing a very careful person who has experience defretting a couple basses could make a final product that plays very well.

1958Bassman · #10 03-03-2011, 07:36 PM

Look for a tool called an 'end nipper'. Think of a side cutter with the opening at a right angle to the handle. They're straight across but usually have a bevel at the outside, which should be ground or sanded off so the cutting edge is at the outside of the curve. Otherwise, Stewart-MacDonald would have fret removal tools.

walterw · #11 03-04-2011, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1958Bassman

Look for a tool called an 'end nipper'.

when you find one, examine it from every angle, then put it back on the shelf

BrandonBass · #12 03-04-2011, 12:35 AM

Nail clipper, worked like a charm

BluesMan1 · #13 03-04-2011, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrandonBass

Nail clipper, worked like a charm

Wow..never thought about that. Did you knock the frets loose first?

elizdaavis · #14 03-04-2011, 12:17 PM

You will have to use a fret removal tool..

-----------------------------------------------------------
Hip Hop Songs

PJMiDi · #15 03-04-2011, 12:25 PM

I used a butter knife with excellent results. It took a while but it was not that difficult.(I've only done two defrets both with a butterknife)

Pilgrim · #16 03-04-2011, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cryo

Thanks. Too much trouble.

That may be the single wisest post on TB today.

Done WELL, it takes substantial time and effort.

And there's no point in doing anything like this if you don't do it well.

Play that bass.

spywebco · #17 03-04-2011, 12:54 PM

OMG am I tired... I thought I just saw best tool for removing farts....

Pilgrim · #18 03-04-2011, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spywebco

OMG am I tired... I thought I just saw best tool for removing farts....

That would be 4/70 air conditioning.

4 windows open, 70 MPH.

lethargytartare · #19 03-04-2011, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1958Bassman

Look for a tool called an 'end nipper'. Think of a side cutter with the opening at a right angle to the handle. They're straight across but usually have a bevel at the outside, which should be ground or sanded off so the cutting edge is at the outside of the curve. Otherwise, Stewart-MacDonald would have fret removal tools.

Yup.

Cryo · #20 03-05-2011, 03:39 PM

I visited my local music supply store last week. They were having a sale on Mighty Might and other necks. 50% off. There were a couple of unmarked fretless necks included for discount. For a p bass or a j bass, this looks like the best way to go to get to fretless without buying a new one. Too bad i had sold off my old Fender last year.

Play that groove string!