Blues Creek Guitars - Quick Tip - Nut Files

Another Quick Tip from Blues Creek Guitars and John Hall. This time a discussion on nut files.

[@bonnywoodinstruments]

Good advice 👍

[@MrSomchiman]

Thanks for sharing.

[@tippie53]

the nut files can be found at most places. I had a set from Stew mac and gave them away the decimal files I got a LMI and I am pleased with them. They are my go to file. Pillar files I get at industrial tooling shops like McMaster Carr or MSC. They are not cheap but they are what you need if your getting into set up work. A good tool is an investment a cheap tool is a cost.

[@richardstevens4230]

Watched this because I plan to get an old 12 string and use the 5th and 6th courses as unisons, so I will make sure to get a radius on the file. Makes sense. A string is a circle, so it will fit better in a curved slot. Thanks

[@williamemilceleiro9857]

Hacksaw blade is reasonably straight too. Works great. If cut into 3 pieces you have 6 different edges (use grinding wheel for different thicknesses). Cheers!!

[@bassmana2z686]

Thanks for an interesting and informative video.

[@melodicdreamer72]

I just got a set of nut files from StewMac and put them to use on the fairly rough Yairi DY-84K that I also just got; actually was the reason I got them in the first place. The Yairi guitars are very well made, but all of the ones I have come across have some basic setup issues that keep them from being great from the factory, and the nut is one of them. Coupling that with my ideal string gauge and action setup being low, the nut must to be touched in order to get both of those to happen. The files worked very well! I was able to knock down somewhere between 10 and 25/1000" from the heights of all the strings and get a fit that wasn't too tight or too loose. Someone else down below in the comments said they didn't care for theirs, but the results I had gotten were exactly what I was shooting for - fast and accurate. Well...that's my take on it.

[@vKarl71]

Your videos have been very helpful. Thank You! Would appreciate very much your telling us exactly the names/models of the files you like. (Not that it isn't fun to go hunting all around for hours trying to find something that might be the right one but...you know, some people don't have the time.)

[@steviiiii]

yes - you spent the whole time leading up to these and then leave us hangin..!! LOL

[@Arcturian1111]

Love how you goofed on Stew Mac, there way overpriced.

[@navigator3744]

Hosco makes three different types of nut files. First : the three double edged nuts files to a set with the colored handles; Second: the longer files with the red tang; and third: the compact, black nut files which require the holder. Which set would you recommend to a non-professional who only works on his own guitars? I've read that the double-edged three files to a set files cut the slots too wide. Is that true or were they probably talking about the cheap amazon/ebay knock-offs? How are the files with the red tangs used? It seems they don't require a holder, but what about the thin files for the high "E", "B" and "G" strings? How do you use those? ?

[@bluescreekguitars3346]

yes I find the double sided files were tapered and can make the slot wider I like the number files they are more accurate

[@artsIlike]

I want to make a new slot in my "wooden" nut. Will a nut file be the best tool for that? Its a raised nut for slide playing.

[@steviiiii]

ok - WHAT is the brand of the files you DO like. Thank you Sir.

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

This video needs more zooming in and out; I haven't quite puked, yet. Also, I agree about the necessity of a good set of gauged nut-slotting files. Don't try to be cheap, here. You'll end up paying more in the long run.

[@mickkennedy1344]

John, I bought myself a set of professional nut files -- they're ok (but expensive);; but I still use a set of nut 'saws' that I made for myself from a set of 'feeler guages' -- those things that are a set of blades that fan out like a palm tree and are used to measure the gap in a spark plug on your automobile?:: the 'saws' I made by clamping all the blades together in a vice and filing small teeth into them with a jeweller's file -- these saws work every bit as good, if not better, than nut files -- the 'square bottom' they give to the bottom of the nut slot cause no problem as the sides of the nut slot are accurately cut to the exact diameter of each particular string -- also, these nut 'saws', as a set, are no bigger than a small penknife (10cm, 4 inches in length) and are easily carried in a shirt pocket.

[@bluescreekguitars3346]

as a machinist it did that too early when I started. you will have to sharpen them and they can cause tear out . I do a few nuts a week I refer to this in the beginning of the video.

[@bluescreekguitars3346]

you have to be careful where you get them Files are brittle as they are tempered. If you don't work straight and you flex them, yes you can break them. Not all suppliers are the same. Remember cheap tools are often a cost , good tools are investments.

[@loadi2865]

+Mick Kennedy ..what a great idea...I will try that..thanks..(makes a lot of sense.)

[@chuckyz2]

The file should be radiused. It is the best way. The only way to do it right. The entire bottom half of the string sitting in a nut with u shape groove vs a square groove where only very small area of the string is making contact. A few bad things happen with that. It wears much faster which will require a new nut because they are now too low or raising that nut with a shim. Another bad thing is Unwanted shriek buzz.

[@martynrandall7652]

Wize words indeed.

[@5018jamesb]

Waste my time with what doesn't work. Then These I like? What? Who? when ?

[@HBSuccess]

This is great- but you never mention the brand or where to buy them - so could someone please add that info? I know this is an old vid but still... anyone listening?

[@elevin1972]

He mentioned LMI (Luthiers Mercantile) in the video- I only noticed because I've checked them out previously-

[@yessure5291]

Amazon sells a set of 13 round files for less than $15 if you only do a few. And the set even includes some sand paper www.amazon.ca/Professional-Ukelulu-Stainless-Circular-Different/dp/B01M5IJR8V/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1540788741&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=guitar+nut+files&psc=1

[@paultegler]

ha....just like any other...waste your $$...that 'amazon' seller is ripping you off. when you don't know any better ..THAT tool set is designed to clean out welder tips. Avail at any descent auto parts store for around $4! ..also sold as a carb jet clearing tool for old carburators. you simply gett ripped off for price not knowing what they actually are... and work mediocre at best. Good for one off but they are not 'sharp' serrations

[@jamesdilts277]

Torch tip cleaners work, for 3or4 bucks.

[@bluescreekguitars3346]

not well Yes I tried them in my early days If your going to do professional work you need professional tools

[@avjake]

"Good lapel microphones are an investment. Camcorder microphones are a cost."

[@georgefernandez3541]

if you know what your doing you could make it work great file or not. when you have the money get the good stuff until then use your imagination. Guarantee he could use a grinded down feeler gauge and make it work