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Do I really need these? If I'm going to use slotted bridge pins do I need these tools. I purchased a few bridges and they don't have slots, just raw holes, and I'm going to make a bridge too.
The guitars I have don't seem to have purpose made slots, just wear from years of use.

Scrap hacksaw blade and needle files have worked well for me. Go slow.

It depends on how many you do. I do a number of set ups in a week so I did spring for them and it does the job. The key is the blades teeth , it limits tear out. I use to use rifler files and a ground down saber saw blade. If it works , and you like the results stay with it.

Guys I think Alain is asking if he needs to cut the slots in the pin holes? Are they necessary?
My understanding it it increases the break angle at the saddle, which is suppose to be a good thing right?

I use a cut down jig saw blade with a wood handle I made for it. Finish up with needle files. Works well for me.

Kevin

The debate over whether to slot the bridge, pins, or both can get rather lengthy...

and I meant coping saw blade, not hacksaw... :) coffee was still not hitting my brain at the time of that post.

There is a big flaw in the break angle theory , the angle across the saddle has less to do that the common thought about this. Alan Caruth did a study , The engineering of this is the ball connection and the saddle height , then you need to figure the centroid of the bridge this can then allow you to figure the force involve , and this is an over simplification .
What makes this so difficult is that in essence , every bridge is different. The most important thing is the ball ends are well seated. There are many variables , so don't over simplify it about just the break angle , over all string height has a sweet spot of about 1/2 inch off the top. More than that you can over drive the top and too little you will have a thin bridge and loose the potential the guitar can give you.

Thanks guys. Ya I just wanted to know if a slot was necessary. It sounds like everyone files a slot of some kind. If anything I guess it would provide a smooth travel for the string to help prevent snagging and string breakage. I assume the countersink is not enough. I'll put a slot (ramp).

I do slot my bridges.

John. Do you slot them all the way down then use solid bridge pins or just make ramps?

John,

Do you also slot the old style Martin pryamid bridges as well?