How to choose the perfect fret crowning file

With so many fret crowing files on the market how do you choose? Which one is the "best"? It depends on a lot of factors, how skilled are you at doing fret work, what's your budget, is this a hobby or are you doing repair work for money? In this Trade Secret, Erick Coleman demonstrates each of the major types of files and shares tips that'll help you decide which file is right for you.
3-Corner Fret Dressing Files
www.stewmac.com/item/1600
File Cleaning Brush
www.stewmac.com/item/0825
Double-edge Fret File
www.stewmac.com/item/4492
Gurian Three-in-one Fret File
www.stewmac.com/item/0685
Gurian Quarter-round Fret File
www.stewmac.com/item/4089
Offset Diamond Fret File
www.stewmac.com/item/5059
Double-edge Diamond Fret Files
www.stewmac.com/item/5072
Dual-grit Diamond Fret Files
www.stewmac.com/item/4457
StewMac Z-File Fret Crowning Files
www.stewmac.com/item/5083
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StewMac has everything you need to set up, repair or build guitars.
Everything is 100% guaranteed. Fast worldwide shipping.
Shop StewMac: www.stewmac.com
Facebook: / stewmac

[@chrislamb4723]

More videos like this please! This video cleared all my confusion on different files and most importantly, their uses making it much easier to have confidence make the right tool purchase decission. Thank you!

[@Jimmylikesfuzz]

Good vid. I went through lots of styles of file before settling on the triangle. I actually find it faster to use and more precise than the alternatives.

[@andrewdimartino7426]

Thanks for the video StewMac, this was extremely enlightening and helpful! Ive been curious about how to decide which file is best for a while now.

[@FCain-mf4tf]

I bought my very first file about 2 weeks before this video was made and I chose the CENTERED Z-FILE. I am proud to say for a beginner this is the one you want!!! Thank you to the nice lady at Stew Mac for recommending it to me. 😁👍👍

[@SomekidthatplaysVR]

Buy the little bone or the little bone ice, that guy invented it and it's way cheaper

[@Nathan-mq2nc]

Best fret filing video I've seen. Great Job!!!

[@dennis3678]

I've just got to say, God bless this company and the information that they share, whether it's Dan or Eric. You guys have made our work so much clearer. We can't thank you enough.

[@cary3428]

10/4 to that. I've had two trusted luthiers and one great electronics guy in forty three years. Yes there hard to come by.

[@eternallearner8185]

I tried one of the concave types and went back to the 3 corner file. The 3 corner takes a little practise but you have excellent control.

[@bristolfashion4421]

StewMac is great! Back when I built my first guitar (1975-ish...) there wasn't a manual. I had to make it upas I went along. Still got that first guitar - and you know what? It's actually not too bad ! Thank-you so much for all the detail and hints in this video 🙂

[@waynzwhirled6181]

Excellent! Thank you for this.

[@MikeFyxdt]

Very informative and well organized video. Thanks!

[@profoundpronoun4712]

Love these videos guys! Love your tools!

[@scottbart7891]

I am starting to do work on my guitars so this videos was great. I am a beginner with the filing. So seeing this videos gave me the confidences I needed and the knowledge I need to start with the right tools. Thank you

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

Great vid Erick, Thank you!!!

[@ministryinsong]

Thank you. Great explication of the files.

[@adozensparrows]

Great video! Highly informative. Thank you. Great channel.

[@ampegloud]

Is a really great video very instructive very professional

[@LeviBulger]

I absolutely love the Z file, particularly the Safe Edge version. I found the original Z file to have the same downside as the FretGuru Dagger (which is definitely pretty great) in that it only works well on medium jumbo frets or larger, up to a point. For vintage frets, it leaves them too round and cuts too much material. For tall or super jumbo frets, you also risk taking off too much. But the safe edge allows you to do one side at a time, which definitely is slower but results are always perfect. Great design. Probably best to have one of each of these.

[@jimnewearthblues1672]

Awesome video, thanks👍🏼

[@claudelussier1678]

Vraiment très bien fait!

[@CaffeineInjected]

Awesome Video! Very helpful.

[@pyrokiller1374]

Great video, Erick!

[@royyazzie6028]

Understanding fret files is a must too know there thxz for the tech info on fret crowning👍👌🎸🎼😎

[@pepticon]

I started with the diamond file, but found it not efficient for wide fret that has been leveled a bit low. so I went to three corner file and quite happy with it. it give me freedom to shape any kind of fret size with just one file. then I use the diamond file to finalize the crowning shape and remove most of the chatter to make the polishing easier.

[@izzynutz2000]

This is something that I have to do in the near future and have never done before

[@davidhigginbotham5451]

this is very good video

[@MrJulius1958]

Wow ! THANK YOU ! I HOPE YOU HAVE MORE THIS KIND OF VIDEO ! (INTRODUCTION FOR TOOLS)

[@jedoknight856]

Having tried 4 different types I eventually settled with a 3 corner file. This gives me the best control and accuracy and with a bit of practice, I am able to finish pretty quickly. I would not go back to the diamond files, they are not for me, gets clogged easily and difficult to clean

[@maxpuppy96]

6:00 my favorite file along with the 3 corner

[@lexzbuddy]

I use a triangle with a safe edge. I'm actually an Engineer, I started of as a machinist / fitter and went through an old school apprenticeship and really learned how to use tools. For me, using a triangle file gives me lots of control. Those skills I learned 30 years ago are invaluable and I would suggest are well worth learning. Sadly my day job now involves sitting in front of a computer doing math, FEA and typing reports all day long. I wish I had become a luthier. I think I would have enjoyed it a whole lot more than being an engineer. Most guys in the workshop can't use hand tools any more, it's a shame.

[@bobbrossify]

lexzbuddy yes. I’m also an engineer, although not mechanical.. I’m electrical. Still a common misconception is that engineers build things. We don’t. We design things to be built. There is an element of working with your hands during prototyping and testing but it’s minimal.

[@Peasmouldia]

So many contradictory vids on this subject. I have a collection of crowning files that I've used but a few times and usually end up on same old one. You just have to "suck it and see." Thank you sir.

[@chrispile3878]

Used Gurian files decades ago, but I came back to traditional 3 cornered files.... and made a LOT of money with them.

[@user-vu2bn8gz1t]

3-corner file is the best tool for luthiers who do their job often. It takes time to learn how to use it properly. But once you get it, you'll be able to make perfect round tops on any type of frets, very thin or thick (concave files make a bit flattened tops on thin frets, etc). So 3-corner file is the hardest to use for beginners, but the most accurate tool.

[@randyaivaz3356]

Good Stuff, I see you run tape along each side of neck before taping on the sides of Frets, Easier for Removal. Don't see others do it, or haven't watched enough Videos. Since the Seventies, polishing frets was first thing I did. What's your though on crowning only on the down side of the fret. So notes are correct for Intonation. And the larger surface area of the fret, reduces fret wear. Maybe I'm just Lazy, cuts crowning time in half. Ordering more Fret files. Take Care

[@HighlineGuitars]

The cost of the Z-Files doesn't scare me. What scares me is the diamond abrasives. I had the StewMac Dual-grit Diamond Fret File and it wore out pretty fast while crowning stainless steel frets. Before investing in a Z-File, I would have to be convinced the abrasives will last. Until then, I'll stick with my trusty 3 corner file, chatter and all.

[@JellyBean120830]

You can stick with your 3 corner file because you're experienced. For us n00bs, we need something easier.

[@HBSuccess]

JellyBean120830 I’m being totally honest here. The 3-corner file IS easy -very easy because you will have a clear line of sight to what you’re doing. Blue your leveled fret, then file it from both sides until all you have is a thin blue line in the center. They’re slow, but accurate. All of the other files make you work blind, and except for the “Z” none will leave a center hairline. If you pick the wrong size you’ll wreck your leveling efforts bc the file will be hacking away at the top of the fret within a couple strokes. You wind up with a LOW fret every time and the only fix for that is to re-level the entire board (start over) or worse yet - have to replace the low fret. That’s no job for a noob either. Finally - think about the cost. The price of a single Z file is $80-100. For $100 you can buy half a dozen industrial Nicholson 3-corner files in various sizes AND a 6” bench grinder to create the safe edge. It takes literally 15 seconds to knock the teeth off the corner of the files so they don’t scratch the fingerboard. OR. You can buy a pre-safe edged triangle file from Stewmac for $30. Finally, none of the fancy files will dress the fret ends. For that you have to use a small conventional file with the edge ground off anyway. So why not learn to dress and use a 3 corner file in the first place?

[@HBSuccess]

Highline Guitars. Totally agree.

[@PelleKuipers]

@@HBSuccess Agree! I'm an amateur guitarbuilder and only used the 3-corner file. The first time it took me a bit of time to get into the groove, but once I got it doing the frets was a breeze. Those files are cheap, easy to control, and work on all fret sizes. Crimson Guitars has those files as well, and aren't too expensive.

[@manifestgtr]

Definitely...whenever I use a diamond file, I feel guilty...like I’m contributing to its destruction rather than working with it. The only one I’ll work with is neck check guitars’ crowning file. It’s good and it’s cheap so hey. Until these become more durable, it’s the three corner and the cheapies. If I’m spending $50+ on a file, that’s an expensive tool. I want it to last forever

[@SirJamalong]

Good informal video Subbed

[@stewmac]

Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@peterfaletra2075]

excellent!!!

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

From all of this explanation it seems to me that the Z file should have been made with the offset handle to have the best of both worlds.

[@kennethdon3619]

well, given that the offset ones only work on one edge, you'd need 2 files to get both cutting edges

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

@@kennethdon3619 We'll I was thinkin it would be like the offset he showed that unplugs from the handle for the other side. I wouldn't find that a problem cuz I often work one side up the neck then flip it around for the other side. This way the offset is easier if neck is attached to the body.

[@tedmiedke9236]

@@kennethdon3619 Maybe a dumb question.... but WHY two files needed to work both sides? Just working from the other side of neck seems like it should work as the curve of the fret is same on both sides.

[@rb032682]

good one

[@ydin9]

Great video, nice little info dump and a good sales pitch too for the Z.

[@ydin9]

@ For the Z? Maybe one, haven't decided yet. Not that it's any of your business, literally.

[@tlingen1]

This video is wonderful. I bought the Original Z file and can't wait to try it.

[@GayanDanthanarayana]

How did it go?

[@SuperReverbious]

Yes, how did it turn out?

[@shashanksherkar392]

Very good video. I had an intonation issue with my ESP AX-50 LTD after 12th fret on G string. I had to use a #400 and #1000 sandpaper to crown some frets. In India these things are hard to get unfortunately.

[@halo20763]

Is sandpaper hard to get in India? Or do you mean the files?

[@shashanksherkar392]

@@halo20763 The files. Sand paper of this grade is available with specific shops only.

[@halo20763]

@shashanksherkar392 ah OK, I'm in the uk , if you need help getting some let me know.

[@breaux2806]

I would love a centered Z file version of the offset diamond fret file. I would buy a whole set for my shop

[@LeviBulger]

True. Sounds like the perfect file.

[@Elektrifekt]

I really like the Z files. But I am a beginner and need all the help I can get!

[@TheJosephPhillips]

The z file best for the beginner, would the medium 3 corner be the next best choice for beginner? Suggestions greatly appreciated..

[@narrvick]

Wow such a good video. I don't need a fret file just yet- but I know which one to get... def the centered z-file! lol. Do they go on sale for like Black Friday??? :)

[@SuperReverbious]

On sale now.

[@kjguitarman]

I have a 2019 Fender American Professional Stratocaster. It has narrow tall frets. Id like to shave the height a little to make playing easier on my fingers. I feel the height is like traversing a mountain each time I cross a fret. Ideally, I prefer the feel of a lower height like medium jumbo frets. Is it possible to do this to get a better feel for me?

[@jaymichael4604]

What is the advantage(?) of using various grits of fret erasers? And, with a good crowning file (Z File), are erasers really needed? Thx...Jay

[@jwick4320]

The cost didn't scare me it sent me to the ER!!! after thinking about it though I figured I either have to buy a new guitar or fix the one I have so I sprung for some new tools including the original z- file. Will see how it works out.

[@VintageRadius]

How did it work out? Other option of course is to pay to have someone else do it.

[@jwick4320]

Worked very well! Just have to be careful, a little at a time and keep checking!to me it was well worth it.

[@COLC23]

Aren't you reducing the size of the fret with this reshape???? If so, When I should replace the whole fret?

[@ian2lorimer]

So with the Z center file working on Stainless frets how many passes approx does it take?

[@notpopebuthope]

GREAT !! SALUTE !!

[@tracyc7813]

I put off buying a Z-File for a really long time cause of the high price. Then I borrowed a friends Original Z-File and I was sold after just a few frets. Now I have my own Z-File. Haha

[@Ibaneddie76]

If you take the time learn how to properly use a 3 corner file you can zip through fret jobs and have extremely accurate fret crowns.

[@midi510]

Plus, they can be use for so many other things. I use them for shaping nuts and saddles all the time. One of the most useful files you can own.

[@Professor-Scientist]

Would you say that's the best choice? I'm pretty handy with using tools already

[@travelingman9763]

Does it work well on low frets..lower then usual medium frets out of the box?

[@WowIndescribable]

Do these files work equally well for stainless steel frets?

[@LuthierCarlosLopes]

Muito bom ótimo vídeo

Same to you.

[@marineman2298]

And a Feliz Navidad back atcha.

[@aevoguitars2576]

Is the centred z file ok for every size of fret?

[@russellesimonetta3835]

I believe that frets are the most important aspect of guitar set up. You can have a bone nut and the best bridge but your guitar is still a dog. With the explosion of kits and byo and fixing up asian guitars, fret replacement is critical. Also ,,,, do an amp build series!!! I,ve been studying your build manuals!! Great job. I want a couple!!!

[@orangeguitarmusik]

Just get the rectify master little bones file. Pretty sure that’s where stewmac got the z file idea from.

[@PK22-b7v]

Yes ... they do a LittleBone double angle one now .... they come in 400 grit though ... 300 grit would have been better!

[@ZARCULIA]

I like my 6100 jumbo frets to be as V shaped crowning as possible. Its less friction drag , best intonation, and even looks amazing when a hard V shape in the fret shape. If this video would have showed actual results from a few swipes on a fret , then move on to the next untouched fret ,and hit the fret with a few passes , or in a 3 cornered file example, do the work on a fret. I want to see results from the files . Not many companies put out fret dressings that look like Tom Anderson guitars and when a private luthier does it . Factory line guitars come with a rounded radius crowning, not a severe pointy V shape. Because they all suck , and no big company like Gibson is going to invest that detail into the frets . They put plastic nuts on still , and dont even space the bridge ssddles with notching correctly. Haha, so good luck with better fret dressings

[@t3hgir]

Z file is awesome!

[@ianmac93]

What would the best file for working on stainless steel frets.

[@midi510]

Doesn't matter. Pick the file that works best for you. Stainless is just a pain in the ass because they're harder and take more work. I still build with them, though, because they last longer.

[@williamwinn948]

i have the center Z file and no matter how much i file i cant get the line super thin also am i suppost to use both sides of the file? they look to be diffent sizes?

[@dangergtrmods]

Yeah, one side does the left portion of the feet, the other does the opposite side.

[@jimgrill]

Ah, the paradox of choice.

[@lucianodebenedictis6014]

Triangle file every day

[@jonahguitarguy]

Hard to beat a three corner file for fret crowning. Just slow down and learn how to use it.

[@Ibaneddie76]

Yup

[@fabiopunk1661]

totally agree. I have never done this before, I am curious now to start. I would go for a three corner file with rounded edges. Lots of control and you see what you do. Also, I guess one can do a very fine job. Just taking one's time, go slowly.... I guess

[@jonahguitarguy]

@@fabiopunk1661 , I've used several crowning files but they all obscure the top of the fret. Much prefer the three corner.

[@jamesortega8681]

so stone files cant be used?

[@Cowboytoycollector]

How do you take off sharp ends with the same file?

[@SuperReverbious]

They make a different file for that.

[@rickbaker4571]

We have a new worlds record for trying to sell the most stuff in 8:37. Congratulations!

[@HBSuccess]

Why do you think they make these videos? Selling stuff is the one and only reason they’re on KZbin. They provide good info in the process but at the end of the day they want you to purchase StewMac tools and supplies.

[@rickbaker4571]

78 files for the common guitar player is silly. Sure it's good info, and I love these guys, but the company is just money-monger central.

[@ewm335]

@Tioga Fretworks @Rick Baker Yes, they have products to sell. So you get a softball sales pitch with the kind of info we used to have to learn from our local repair guy (assuming he had the patience for loiterers), a repair book (free only if your library happened to have a copy) or perhaps via apprenticeship (which was really what tools like these were for - someone trying to make a living - before every guitar player in the KZbin comments section decided to be a shade tree mechanic). I don’t feel any obligation to buy this stuff - they’re not exactly selling timeshares - but I do shop at Stew Mac and have for over 20 years, just as a hobbyist. And I think it’s great that these videos are essentially FREE for us all.

[@briangodfrey5079]

@@rickbaker4571 Pay attention: He wasn't trying to sell 78 different files to the common guitar player. He was trying to help select the one or two that we might wish to buy. That is a perfectly honest, legitimate, and honorable way to sell things. The reason so many files exist is that none is perfect and so designers keep trying new designs. The designers are not just trying to take your money, they are trying to solve a problem that they perceive - even if you don't. If their design succeeds, they will sell enough of them to make some money. If not, they will disappear from the market - and probably be replaced with a new attempt to improve on the old tool. Erick was quite honest that it is difficult or impossible to try each of these files and that's why he made this video. I, for one, appreciate it.

[@marineman2298]

@@rickbaker4571, well how rude of them. Can you imagine? A business out to make money? Who woulda thought?!?! Stewmac is a good company and helpful beyond any reasonable expectation pre and post purchase. As with everything if you don't like the price then don't buy the product.

[@Hexspa]

Good old Phillip McKnight getting free publicity.

[@fatfro1]

Yes but where are your tools made?

[@stewmac]

Many of our tools are made in the USA!

[@bryanshere3860]

👍

[@anthonysilva5312]

Now that I understand the files, can you help me understand why it takes a month to ship an item to Canada?

[@CBGypsy03]

Yea I agree. Shits crazy

[@Matthew_Eitzman]

Would a nail file work?

[@216trixie]

Yes. They're the best.

[@216trixie]

Dern tootin'!! @

[@glytch5]

Dropped 100 bucks on a Z file after looking at the original model for years... interested to see how it goes.

[@LeviBulger]

How did it go?

[@glytch5]

@@LeviBulger I personally preferred the 3 corner file! The Z file is still a useful tool and I could probably get the whole job done with it, I feel like I burn through less fret with the regular file since I have the control.

[@mattruckel]

I think there is a mistake on the website it says the file is $100.

[@u563rick6]

Matthew Ruckel loll

[@johnewald3148]

I use a Q-file myself. It's tedious and difficult and it never gets the work done.

Sounds like a guy I used to work with.

[@rg2027x]

MP 🤣🤣

[@fred64000]

Probably good tools but really expensive

[@deans.4705]

don't be afraid, be very afraid. I'd love to try the z file, perhaps I'll sell my guitar so I can afford one.

[@stavrospapadimitriou7631]

Another common question I often hear regarding Stew-Mac tools is why are they so fucking expensive?

[@zipzip8239]

over 100 bucks for a file...ridiculous

[@demotester3095]

The question you did not answer, Eric: What file do YOU use mainly?

[@Ktallica]

demo tester he said his favorite was the 3 corner file, I imagine that is what he uses most.

[@TeeDub96]

Like $3,000 in files on that table😂

[@pjincho]

Anyone else see the likeness of Christopher Reeve in this guy’s face?

[@jvin248]

Curious how none of the concave files have safe ends opposite the handle -- really easy to accidentally dig into a guitar top. Ends are sheared pretty sharp.

[@attilakovacs5803]

Always use a top protector when you do a fret crowning or leveling job on the tongue of the fretboard.

[@danrunnheim3870]

I had a friend with about 40,000.00 worth of stewmac tools he purchased to do guitar repair and building, nicest guy ever. Then his wife got kinda funny and he lost it all, i bet he really misses those tools!

[@rg2027x]

Never get married. Get a cat and buy guitars you'll be much happier

[@snargemccoy8813]

シ that’s the truth

[@angelpadilla6069]

Where is Dan

[@nahn2006]

Дорогостоящие инструменты. У нас в России их нет, а заказывать в два раза дороже.

[@marineman2298]

@, he is saying that these are expensive tools not available in Russia and ordering them from there is twice the cost. Or something near that.

[@jtjones73]

So your recommendation is the $80 StewMac diamond Z-file over the $6 triangle file found in any hardware store in the world. Ok. Thanks for the information, but one question, how long does the diamond like coating last?

[@Afterimage1]

Of course the Z file is his favorite. Its the most expensive one.

[@bullfrogpondshop3179]

ONLY $100...

[@picker69]

Пошёл бы маникюр сделал, Эрик....

[@robozstarrr8930]

wish you guys made a disposable one for $10 bucks... ( including shipping! )

[@iliketoUSEmybrain017]

Look for cheap sets of needle files, (that include a triangle file), in discount hardware and liquidation stores. You can usually buy a whole set for

[@robozstarrr8930]

@@iliketoUSEmybrain017 thxs, already have that, I meant to infer a "disposable diamond-grit " file !

[@marineman2298]

@@iliketoUSEmybrain017, wrong but not going to get into it with you. Glad you don't work on my guitars.

[@Smellyoldgoat]

You all have so much experience you should be able to build from scratch the best guitar in the world. How about building one from scratch and have a give away.

[@i_nosc0ped_jfk_557]

I’m 16 and from 12 I saved money to buy the nicest vintage strat I could. And I’ve course the guitar was in horrible shape and still thousands of dollars. I watch your vids and I thought with all these tool and tips and can make this 5,000 dollar turd better than any out there, but nah stew Mac sells one plier for pulling frets for 70 dollars really milking that cow.

[@PurpleWhirple]

You can always find cheap tools if that's what you want, they just aren't very good. If you've already spent $5,000 on a guitar maybe a few more dollars on a decent tool set would be a good idea?

[@martinthompson2425]

…and some of those tools that are cheaper, aren’t really the RIGHT tool for a specific task. You may still be able to accomplish a certain task with cheaper, unspecialized tools, but you may run the risk of causing damage. Or the task may be more difficult to accomplish and take longer to do it. There are definitely many, many general purpose tools available that you don’t need to buy from stewmac, but there are some fairly specialized tools that make good sense to have for certain tasks. And there aren’t too many sources for them.

[@Leo9ine]

My lord... Why not a Squier and a perfect setup? Or a full custom anything? Why a dog of a vintage guitar in bad shape?

[@groundleaf865]

You don’t need all of them.

[@RicardoUrquizaMusic]

Why tf does this have a cancer warning lmao

[@marineman2298]

Ricardo, as with everything, the reason is the Great State of California. Products, food, air, water, toilet bowl handles, rugs, flower pots, everything causes cancer according to the politicians in California.

[@ThatGuy2042_]

Probably nickel dust. Nickel oxide is a quite toxic but as long as you dont let the filings sit out in the rain and then lick em you are fine.

[@snargemccoy8813]

that guy aw that’s my favorite treat

[@LeviBulger]

Because nickel is pathogenic.

[@nethbt]

What an arsenal of overpriced Stewmac tools!

[@OsainteveO]

The poor man pays twice. Buy the cheap one, then realize it's junk. Buy the one you should have bought in the first place.