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What min tools do I need for fret job?
- Thread starter CptanPanic
- Start date
Complete Refret, or fret leveling/crowning? Pretty big difference. In my opinion a Fret Job usually is considered a leveling/crowing of some or all frets. A ReFret is usually a ReFret.
Off the top of my head:
You should anticipate needing to replace the nut as well - you can get by with an assortment of needle files, or you can drop some extra $ on a set of nut files. Buy a few nut blanks - they're fairly cheap, and you're likely to not get it right the first time.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] is one of the better refret pictorials I've found, but there are many others out there. Plow through a few take plenty of notes before ordering anything.
- Fret puller
- Fret end nippers
- 3 corner file with smooth edges for finish filing fret ends
- Fret crowning file (or, the 3 corner file can do double duty if you've got the touch and patience)
- Mill file to rough file fret ends
- A flat surface with some mass/heft to it for truing up fingerboard (piece of marble threshold, large jack plane, etc) and to level frets
- Assorted fine grade sandpaper, doublestick tape, etc
You should anticipate needing to replace the nut as well - you can get by with an assortment of needle files, or you can drop some extra $ on a set of nut files. Buy a few nut blanks - they're fairly cheap, and you're likely to not get it right the first time.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] is one of the better refret pictorials I've found, but there are many others out there. Plow through a few take plenty of notes before ordering anything.
- Jun 28, 2005
- 1,015
- 18
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- Disclosures
- Builder,mcdcustomguitars
StewMac.com has a kit of basic tools. IMO, not practical for one job. Read about the possibility of "down bow" from refretting.
If you have a pillar drill then you can use it to press the frets in.
until I got stewmac's fret pressing caul I used a T-bolt in the drill to press the frets in.
files, (for tops & ends) a block of wood with wet & dry sandpaper.
a crowning file can be had from ebay for very little.
until I got stewmac's fret pressing caul I used a T-bolt in the drill to press the frets in.
files, (for tops & ends) a block of wood with wet & dry sandpaper.
a crowning file can be had from ebay for very little.
I think you guys forgot one of the first basics, a fret saw. 
Well and of course a good rule or caliper to layout the frets.
Dirk
Well and of course a good rule or caliper to layout the frets.
Dirk
