Heres some cheap nut files that actually work very well

[Super4]

The price of good nut files is, as we all know, extremely expensive nowadays.
I'm not paying these prices, I simply refuse to be ripped off (come on, 4 measley files are not worth what they're asking...maybe in clown world but not in my world, never).
Enter a very good alternative that costs approx' AU$20 for 4 files that will do 45-105 nut slots (probably around $15-ish US dollars).
They cut extremely well and wear very well too and cost stuff all.
Round diamond files purchased on Aliexpress.
They have a good coating of cutting material that doesn't come off easily, they come in their own plastic tubes/cases and they save you an absolute fortune.
The 4 i ordered have the following diameters...1.2mm, 1.7mm, 2.2mm & 2.8mm and cut 45-105 slots beautifully.
Here's some photos, not the best but you can see them fairly clearly if you zoom in.

Bit of nut dust falling off the 2.8mm file (a quick blow and they're clean).
They work perfectly and actually take off a decent amount of material when more pressure is applied.
They cut the slots evenly and have a nice rounded bottom so the strings sit nice and snug.
Save yourself HEAPS and check out Aliexpress for "round diamond files".
And no, I've got nothing to do with Ali, just thought TB people could save a LOT of money on files that do just as good a job as far more expensive files.
They are honestly an excellent alternative.

 

[Frank Bird]

The price of good nut files is, as we all know, extremely expensive nowadays.
I'm not paying these prices, I simply refuse to be ripped off (come on, 4 measley files are not worth what they're asking...maybe in clown world but not in my world, never).
Enter a very good alternative that costs approx' AU$20 for 4 files that will do 45-105 nut slots (probably around $15-ish US dollars).
They cut extremely well and wear very well too and cost stuff all.
Round diamond files purchased on Aliexpress.
They have a good coating of cutting material that doesn't come off easily, they come in their own plastic tubes/cases and they save you an absolute fortune.
The 4 i ordered have the following diameters...1.2mm, 1.7mm, 2.2mm & 2.8mm and cut 45-105 slots beautifully.
Here's some photos, not the best but you can see them fairly clearly if you zoom in.

View attachment 7319202
View attachment 7319203
View attachment 7319204
Bit of nut dust falling off the 2.8mm file (a quick blow and they're clean).
They work perfectly and actually take off a decent amount of material when more pressure is applied.
They cut the slots evenly and have a nice rounded bottom so the strings sit nice and snug.
Save yourself HEAPS and check out Aliexpress for "round diamond files".
And no, I've got nothing to do with Ali, just thought TB people could save a LOT of money on files that do just as good a job as far more expensive files.
They are honestly an excellent alternative.

Are these the ones or similar https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...id=axfjiardqmacaqgr19937d68b49d947298d4bc70c8 Is Aliexpresss reliable for delivery? I’m in Australia.

 

[Super4]

Hi Frank,
They look to be very similar.
Here's a link to the sellers page that I purchased the files from.
Hope it works.....

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mMunPN3

And yes, I've never had a problem with delivery...im also in Australia.
Delivery time is normally around 10 to 12 days which isn't too bad.
Ive only had a missing postal item once in around 20 purchases and I was refunded quickly without a problem
Cheers

 

[Super4]

Oh, just to add.....the postal tracking system they use is excellent...right to your door, every step of the way.

 

[Water buffalo]

The price of good nut files is, as we all know, extremely expensive nowadays.
I'm not paying these prices, I simply refuse to be ripped off (come on, 4 measley files are not worth what they're asking...maybe in clown world but not in my world, never).

It depends upon your situation.

I agree with your statement, if you will be using these every once in awhile.

However. If you plan to use nut files on a regular basis, i.e., as a tech or a builder, it would be wise to buy the best files that you can afford. I own several sets, some over 20 years old. The right tools make life easier.

Looking at the files that you purchase, I agree. I'm sure they will do the job just fine, but if you used them several times weekly, I would think that they would become an issue. It comes down to ergonomics.

YMMV.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

sounds interesting…

One of the first things I learned as a professional luthier is to never cheap out on nut files. Given my workload, my expensive files have more than paid for themselves. Heck, a lot of times my work is fixing the work of some hobbyist with cheap files. YMMV

 

[arakiri]

yea jewelers needle files!! another cheap alternative i been using and its common amongst oldschcool luthiers in my country, were tool availability hasnt ever been the best, is to use old strings on a small saw frame. works great

 

[KevInDaBassment]

This has been on my mind recently, but I decided that finding a tech who can file it for me would be better than trying it myself

 

[Melt in the Sun]

That is a really great price if it works well. For a one-off nut adjustment - awesome. It looks far easier than the drill-bit-wrapped-in-sandpaper trick that I have used in the past (which also works well if you're patient). Add in a $5 set of feeler gauges and you have everything you need.

 

[Super4]

sounds interesting…

One of the first things I learned as a professional luthier is to never cheap out on nut files. Given my workload, my expensive files have more than paid for themselves. Heck, a lot of times my work is fixing the work of some hobbyist with cheap files. YMMV

As you're a pro luthier, your statement makes sense 100%.
And there will never be a short supply of people who just "dive in" and stuff things up.
I'm sure people don't understand what slow and steady means, especially nowadays.

These files are perfect for people who only file a nut on the odd occasion ALTHOUGH, their longevity is very good and they would definately hold up for quite some time.

As a luthier, being able to recoupe your money on more expensive files definately makes it far less painful and a far better choice but for those that do this as a hobbie, the files above are more than adequate and won't tear a giant hole in your pocket.

Appreciate your reply, thank you.

 

[Super4]

This has been on my mind recently, but I decided that finding a tech who can file it for me would be better than trying it myself

I was thinking like that too but i took the dive and it all worked out beautifully.
Slow and steady wins the race!

 

[Super4]

That is a really great price if it works well. For a one-off nut adjustment - awesome. It looks far easier than the drill-bit-wrapped-in-sandpaper trick that I have used in the past (which also works well if you're patient). Add in a $5 set of feeler gauges and you have everything you need.

Hi Melt,
These files work VERY well.
The slots they cut are precise & accurate and the strings seat beautifully.
You'd probably get a feeler guage and 4 files for approx US$20.
Can't beat that and they honestly do a top job.

 

[Super4]

Just a quick apology.....
In my first post, it seems like I'm attacking anyone who purchases expensive nut files.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean it to come across that way.
They certainly have their place, especially in the luthier trade where their cost will be negated fairly quickly.
If I have offended anyone, please know that it wasn't intentional...im just a grumpy old sod that gets revved up over prices nowadays LOL.

 

[Frank Bird]

Hi Frank,
They look to be very similar.
Here's a link to the sellers page that I purchased the files from.
Hope it works.....

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mMunPN3

And yes, I've never had a problem with delivery...im also in Australia.
Delivery time is normally around 10 to 12 days which isn't too bad.
Ive only had a missing postal item once in around 20 purchases and I was refunded quickly without a problem
Cheers

Another Australian Thanks for that link. It worked. It is good to hear that Aliexpress is reliable. I may get those files. I think it’s great you pointed out a cheaper tool to do something for non professionals

 

[Super4]

Another Australian Thanks for that link. It worked. It is good to hear that Aliexpress is reliable. I may get those files. I think it’s great you pointed out a cheaper tool to do something for non professionals

Thank you Frank, appreciate it mate and glad to hear the link worked.
Yes indeed, another Aussie...im on the Vic NSW border, amongst the gum trees and lots of plum trees, a sheep or two and a kangaroo,
clothes line out the back, verandah out the front
and an old rocking chair LOL.
Cheers mate

 

[Frank Bird]

Thank you Frank, appreciate it mate and glad to hear the link worked.
Yes indeed, another Aussie...im on the Vic NSW border, amongst the gum trees and lots of plum trees, a sheep or two and a kangaroo,
clothes line out the back, verandah out the front
and an old rocking chair LOL.
Cheers mate

I’m in the Hunter region

 

[KevInDaBassment]

I was thinking like that too but i took the dive and it all worked out beautifully.
Slow and steady wins the race!

Bruh, you should see me try and hang a picture on the wall without a level...it's pretty sad.

My mother regrets not getting me glasses when I was a kid lol

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I went down this Nut File Rabbit Hole myself, HARD, a few years ago, and tried most of the common alternatives, none of which work all that well, after which I sucked it up and bought a set of Stewmac Nut files. they work as advertised, but it's painful getting so outrageously soaked for what amounts to feeler gauges with teeth filed in two edges, that's really all they are, and just as easily made. I build a bass on average once every 2-3 years, so the justification to buy Stewmac files was.... iffy.. at best. Sigh. Buy Once/Cry Once, I guess. If these files work for occasional nut adjustments or replacement, might be a good option for most players.

 

[Super4]

I went down this Nut File Rabbit Hole myself, HARD, a few years ago, and tried most of the common alternatives, none of which work all that well, after which I sucked it up and bought a set of Stewmac Nut files. they work as advertised, but it's painful getting so outrageously soaked for what amounts to feeler gauges with teeth filed in two edges, that's really all they are, and just as easily made. I build a bass on average once every 2-3 years, so the justification to buy Stewmac files was.... iffy.. at best. Sigh. Buy Once/Cry Once, I guess. If these files work for occasional nut adjustments or replacement, might be a good option for most players.

Hi Gil,
If I was building or repairing basses on a regular basis, the StewMacs would be the go too...still painful though (I get really peeved paying ridiculous prices for things that should only cost half of what they're asking).
These Aliexpress files truly are very good for cutting/adjusting nut slots so for the occasional job, they're brilliant.
I've used them several times now and have also used them on a brass nut and they are still cutting like new...which to be honest, really surprised me as I thought the brass nut would blunt the files a fair bit but it doesn't seem to have done so.

I've stumbled across some very cheap diamond files that are performing way beyond my expectations...that's why I've shared them with TBers - ridiculously cheap and seem to be quite robust too.
PERFECT for the person who likes to work on their own nuts LOL...."Ma, John's been using those stupid files on his nuts again, were going need an ambulance this time : )

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Thanks for posting this, I'm always looking for ways to make an expensive hobby a little cheaper. I've gotten pretty good at re-purposing tools that work perfectly well at half the cost. Just adding the word "Luthier" to the name of a tool tends to double the price. For instance I recently noticed that the 'Gunsmith Hammer" in a small Lyman gun tool set I have is virtually identical to some of the expensive "Fret Hammers" for sale online with removable hammer faces in brass and delrin. I think I paid less for the whole Lyman set than a single Stewmac "Fret Hammer". Stewmac has a nasty little habit of advertising their products on Amazon as "Free Shipping", but all they do is take the catalog price (which does not include standard $11.00 shipping fee) and add that $11.00 to the Amazon price so.... no Free Shipping. Why engage in such transparent BS? That flat rate $11 shipping (might be more now) applies regardless of the weight or size of the package, so thats what you'll pay for a couple screws or a 5 lb tool. The quality of their tools is excellent, no argument there, but most of what they sell can be had for far less elsewhere if you are willing to search the web. They are usually my source of last resort, and only when I need something that simply can't be had elsewhere. One thing about the Stewmac files: they quickly clog on brass nuts, you have to file card them evey couple of strokes. Did you find that with the diamond files? I've heard of tricks like applying talcum powder as a lubricant of sorts, haven't tried it.