A Cheap Nut Repair That Actually Works!

Zooberwerx · #1 01-21-2007, 04:52 PM

I ordered a replacement graphtech nut for my Cirrus 5 directly from Peavey ($7.50). It arrived pre-slotted and profiled within 99% of spec. Unfortunately, when I installed it, the D slot was cut too deeply resulting in a nasty buzz between the fretted note and nut. The other 4 slots were okay so reshimming the entire nut would have been overkill (and a pain in the a**). I found a repair suggestion, tried it with success, and thought I'd pass it on.

Peavey suggests filling the slot with a mixture of graphite dust and superglue, then refiling to the desired depth. Working with this mixture is difficult at best so I opted to use straight super glue. I filled the slot flush to the top of the nut (waaaay too much), allowed a few hours dry time, and then reshaped it with a set of cheap exacto hobby files and fine-sanded the repair with 320 grit emery cloth. The results are surprisingly good and I did have the foresight to leave a little extra material to allow for "fine tuning".

Just thought I'd let you know!

Riis

Turnaround · #2 01-21-2007, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

Peavey suggests filling the slot with a mixture of graphite dust and superglue, then refiling to the desired depth. Working with this mixture is difficult at best so I opted to use straight super glue. I filled the slot flush to the top of the nut (waaaay too much), allowed a few hours dry time, and then reshaped it with a set of cheap exacto hobby files and fine-sanded the repair with 320 grit emery cloth. The results are surprisingly good and I did have the foresight to leave a little extra material to allow for "fine tuning".

Sometimes the superglue doesn't stick well to the nut material. It works for a while then comes off. But, what the hey, it's a lot easier to deal with than shimming the nut or replacing the thing entirely. It's not what I would do for a customer because of it's unreliability, but for a DIY not a bad way to go.

JimmyM · #3 01-21-2007, 07:54 PM

Super glue's been used as a nut filler ever since it came out. I have a nut that was filled with super glue 20 years ago and re-filed, and it's still holding up. The problems with super glue usually stem from someone building it up too high in one shot. You have to do it in layers.

Turnaround · #4 01-21-2007, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I have a nut that was filled with super glue 20 years ago and re-filed, and it's still holding up.

Was the nut a GraphTech? I have had problems getting cyanoacrylate stick well to GraphTech. No problem with bone, but some plastics...

JimmyM · #5 01-21-2007, 09:05 PM

The nut in question was made of Corian. Yeah, I can dig what you're saying about Graphite nuts. I have one on one of my basses and it doesn't look like anything will stick to it. So what do you do to build them up?

Zooberwerx · #6 01-22-2007, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turnaround

Was the nut a GraphTech? I have had problems getting cyanoacrylate stick well to GraphTech. No problem with bone, but some plastics...

Good point. Peavey suggested I first score the slot with a razor, I guess to get a better grab point. The roundwound D string had left enough of an imprint so the superglue stayed put. Yes, a thin coat is all you really need. I was able to finish filing the repair without dislodging the adhesive. FWIW, I now have my 1st fret gap close to spec. Will the repair hold up? HIIK! I'll keep you posted.

Riis

Turnaround · #7 01-22-2007, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

The nut in question was made of Corian. Yeah, I can dig what you're saying about Graphite nuts. I have one on one of my basses and it doesn't look like anything will stick to it. So what do you do to build them up?

I shim them from below if I don't just replace them. Of course then you usually have to refile all the slots, but it's often just a little bit of filing, not like having to cut a new nut from scratch.

mje · #8 01-24-2007, 09:03 AM

Another technique is to put a dab of baking soda in place, and then wick in a drop of superglue. The glue cures instantly, thanks to the alkaline soda, and the soda also adds some strength. You can build up all kinds of shapes this way.

Zooberwerx · #9 01-24-2007, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mje

Another technique is to put a dab of baking soda in place, and then wick in a drop of superglue. The glue cures instantly, thanks to the alkaline soda, and the soda also adds some strength. You can build up all kinds of shapes this way.

I've heard of this technique being used for wood repair (gouges, stripped screw holes, etc). I've also noticed that some of the "thicker" super glues do not readily permeate powdered substances like baking soda, graphite dust, and sawdust.

Riis