Nut files

[Ron Frazier]

I have a set of double edged nut files and cant figure out the sizes of each edge. I never got directions when I bought them. I have tried to measure and everything I try tells me nothing. The sizes are written on one side bet what is the secret?

I have a full set of the flat ones and use them daily. I bought these when they first came out.

Robro Ron

[danove]

If the files are from stewmac, I had the same thought when they arrived.
It was not too obvious, but there is that slash to direct things.

[thefishinmusician]

take a stroke or two, and use feeler gauges to measure..that should get you in the ballparque.

[Ronnie Nichols]

I've experienced the same problem. You'd think that if they manufactured such a precision tool, they'd have enough forethought to mark it properly. If I wanted to gamble on the size of the slot, I'd just use a regular mini file. I like the idea that Craftsman tools had to mark their sockets with a laser in BIG numbers.
Ronnie Nichols

[Ron Frazier]

Large print is good as my 74 year old eyes need it! You would think that a simple arrow would tell what size is where. I have had them since they first came out and I have measured and guessed but I still don't know. I have the same problem with Harbor Freights diamond knife sharpeners They are 3 grits and three colors but no way to tell which is witch!

Robro ROn

[Tom Krebs]

I used a sharpie and wrote the size on each side.

[Ron Frazier]

I would to if I could figure out which is which.

Ron

[Nick Anthony]

those files suck ...allparts sells much better ones trust me try those..i futzed with the stew mac ones for years and finally someone turned me onto the allparts set and wow what a difference

[Ron Frazier]

I need to look into the Allparts set . We buy wholesale and they are still to high priced but they have things you cant find elce where.

I like my flat files fine since I learned to lube them so you can push them through the nut. If it is not to deep they are OK but most are cheep guitars and I just want to lower the strings. I now lube the cutting edge by wiping the file on the back of my head in my hear and it has enough oil and works fine. I guess it doesn't heart any as I have been doing it for over 10 years.

Robro Ron

[Ron Frazier]

I need to look into the Allparts set . We buy wholesale and they are still to high priced but they have things you cant find elce where.

I like my flat files fine since I learned to lube them so you can push them through the nut. If it is not to deep they are OK but most are cheep guitars and I just want to lower the strings. I now lube the cutting edge by wiping the file on the back of my head in my hair and it has enough oil and works fine. I guess it doesn't heart any as I have been doing it for over 10 years.

Robro Ron

[Tom Krebs]

Ron. If you don't have a dial caliper to measure: You could also cut slots and fit different strings in the slots to gauge.

[Ron Frazier]

We use dial calculators at the music store we own. I have to replace one string and the only way for me to tell if it is a medium or what is measure the string. We sell lots of single strings. We buy from Martin guitar by 48 to the package. Either one gage or sets. I only use these to restring guitars as I don't like to unwrap the packaged ones. I have had some people feel the string and tell me what size it but not me.

I have slotted a piece of plastic and color the slat and use another file to see if it is bigger or smaller but to no luck. I guess the last thing is call Stew-Mac and ask them.

Thanks for all the answers I am still confused.

Robro ROn

[Ron Frazier]

I called Stu-Mac today and ask them this question and they said to cut a grove and use a feeler gages to see what size it is. I still cant figure it out. I Told them that a set cost $140.00 and would think they would tell you how to use the thing. The guitar tech told me he would check and call me back but he hasn't yet.

Frank what is your idea on this?

Ron