Nut Files.

[hamerhead]

I need some. What do you recommend?

[Studio Custom]

Not letting them drag onto the ground to the point they require so much maintenance. 

[hamerhead]

I get tired pushing the wheel barrow.

[DaveL]

I'm not a big fan of people screwing up their nuts...    nothing worse than buying what looks like a mint guitar

and the prior owner boogered with the nut...

 

  I actually like this stuff,  abrasive cord (sold at stew mac)  it can soften/smooth out the slots a little at a time. 

 

 

http://www.stewmac.com/Materials_and_Supplies/Sanding_and_Polishing/Sandpaper_and_Finishing_Papers/Mitchell_Abrasive_Cord.html

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

Hosco. No compromise. Well worth the £75 I paid for mine...

[hamerhead]

I'm cutting a new nut for a new neck for a new project. It won't be boogered until after I'm done.

I'm doing this for my own amusement. I have a ton of parts laying around so I'm gonna burn up a few. I've always shied away from filing nuts but in this case I DGAF.

But having the proper files would be helpful.

[Armitage]

 

My nuts are just fine as they are!

[Jeff R]

I like the double-sided StewMac files with the red handles and the black handle tips. Those handles are very comfortable, big enough to get good grip, small enough to not get in the way. AKA very easy to control motion (very important).

[kizanski]

33 minutes ago, Jeff R said:

I like the double-sided StewMac files with the red handles and the black handle tips. Those handles are very comfortable, big enough to get good grip, small enough to not get in the way. AKA very easy to control motion (very important).

YOU'RE a nut file.

[velorush]

1 hour ago, kizanski said:

YOU'RE a nut file.

A title certainly preferable to "nutphile."

[murkat]

initial cutting the groove (it is about equivalent to a Hi E 10), the fish file cuts to center, nice V cut~

https://www.amazon.com/Luhr-Jensen-Original-Hook-File-Handle/dp/B003KHC9MW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1497537722&sr=8-2&keywords=hook+file

 

These are okay, flimsy as the width gets skinny. nice U shape cut, consistent~

http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_for_Nuts_and_Saddles/Gauged_Nut_Slotting_File_Set_for_Electric_Guitar.html

 

These have been around forever, the file taper can be a lil goofy. Getting use to them can be a somewhat of a challenge to get the right cut.~

http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Files/Double-edge_Nut_Files.html

A set of diamond jeweler files will put the final trim on the slot to a T~

https://www.amazon.com/SE-73810DF-10-Piece-Mini-Diamond/dp/B0019N6CV8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1497538173&sr=8-2&keywords=jewelers+files

 

I use all four items listed above.

[django49]

Sounds like something the Banger Sisters maintained.

[Biz Prof]

If you want to DIY in pure cheapskate fashion, try starting the slots (already marked for string spacing and depth) using the narrow cutter harvested from an aluminum foil box (you might be surprised at how sharp and tough these are) and grafted into a thin piece of scrap wood. Then use the files from a set of welding torch tip cleaners (about $3) to widen/deepen the slots and to set the break angle. Pure ghetto, but it works. 

[hamerhead]

Wow! Thanks for all the tips and links (and comic relief).

I'm currently leaning toward the StewMac or Hosco double-sided files. I love the more cost-effective ideas, but the caveman in me knows the lesser quality stuff doesn't stand a chance. I should probably pick up a spare nut........

 

ETA: In his typically awesome fashion, Mr. Steve Haynie kindly offered to send me his set of StewMac files to use. While it's an incredibly generous offer, the one thing I've learned from my inlaws is that you never - EVER - borrow (or loan out) tools.  But Thanks, Steve! You're what makes the HFC a great place to hang out.

[Duplex Dave]

I agree with Murkat and Jeff R, we always have an assortment depending on the job. I like the StewMac U shaped that are sized for the string gauge on electric guitars, and the Hiroshima files for acoustics. The .010" gauge file is very flimsy and easily broken, use 2 hands. X-Acto has a small back saw that I use to start the slots. 

The most important part is not how you cut the slot, but cutting the correct angle, not gouging your peg head in the process, getting the spacing correct, and then not cutting a slot too low else you will be starting over.

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

Go with the Hosco ones! Bought mine a year ago and use them all the time. They should last a lifetime. My repair shop page if anyone is interested; https://www.facebook.com/ngoneseven/