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Hi, Getting close to needing fretting tools for my 000 kit. A bit confused on the sizing....are nut files sized to string size and are they always named after the string size, or can the file sizes be hard to compare to strings? Looking at Lee Valley to save shipping to Canada, they have these nut files, how to select for medium gauge strings?

Nut-Slotting File, 0.012"
Nut-Slotting File, 0.016"
Nut-Slotting File, 0.024"
Nut-Slotting File, 0.028"
Nut-Slotting File, 0.032"
Nut-Slotting File, 0.036"
Nut-Slotting File, 0.040
Nut-Slotting File, 0.042"
Nut-Slotting File, 0.046"
Nut-Slotting File, 0.056"

this a Lee Valley crowing file size.. Medium Fret File, 2.68mm (0.105"), will this work typical acoustic kit frets?

are finger board sanding blocks a reasonable alternative to the stewmac style fret levelling device?

are there are there reasonably priced readers out there and how do you know which angle to get?

This fretting stuff seems a bit confusing, any advice would be appreciated! tns.

Don't obsess too much over this. While proper nut files are a big help and may produce a better result, one can make a functional nut with only a 3-corner file.

As far as nut file sizes...my experience is limited, but I find that a file a few thou wider than the string diameter seems to be about right. If the fit is too perfect, the string will bind in the slot.

Check the Stew-Mac sire for sets of nut files to see what they include in a set:

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/T ... wlEALw_wcB

If you get the light gauge set you can make the slots wider, but not the other way around.

On the other hand, a good set of needle files has what you need too, and they can be used for other things. They require a bit more care and patience for a novice, but will work fine.

Maine - how do you use a 3 corner file to make nut slots? How about the .012 slot for the high E string?

Ed