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I cut the frets too short so they dont go to the edge of the binding. and after playing it I realized it.
so I am refretting.

I dont like the idea of hammering the frets back in my finished guitar.
can I clean out the fret lines in the fretboard so the fretwire goes in easy?
and then glue in the fretwire?
if so what type of glue?

You could make a curved caul to fit the back of the neck, then use Channel Locks to squeeze in the frets.

For glue, I've used StewMac's low-viscosity #10 CA glue for frets. It wicks into the joint readily.

You probably realize that you'll need to cut the tang off the very end of the frets so they will overlap the binding. StewMac makes a special tool to do that, or it can be done with a file and patience.

For us amateurs, removing the tang of the fret is easy with a wire nipper - the same one that you ground the face down on to put the cutting edge as close to the face as possible. A snip along the back of the fret, then one to remove the piece, then a few swipes with a small file and your done. Try a couple before you get into it - it may help to remove half of what you need to with the nipper, then the rest, then file to avoid distorting the overhanging fret section. I have used a block of hardwood with a slot filed in it to hold the fret while I file:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ruby1638/ ... 776959267/

Look at this shot and a couple after it. My daughter does refrets all day and hammers them in with a lightweight, plastic tipped hammer, starting in the center and working out. Takes about 5 -7 taps. Only some of the time does she use her "Jaws II" from StewMac.

Ed

If I am going to glue the new frets in then can I open up the fret slots so they go in easier?

jartzh wrote:If I am going to glue the new frets in then can I open up the fret slots so they go in easier?

I would not do that. It's the barbs and the glue that hold the fret in place.