Best advice/resources for cleaning up fret ends?

Iron1

Iron1

AmbassaDOOM of Red VVinter
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The first time I had to clean some sharp fret ends it turned out really well. The last time not so much. Now I have a 3rd opportunity but figured I need to educate myself further before deep diving into this as I want to make sure it turns out as best as possible.

So, what’s the best advice and/or resources you’ve come across?
 
I use a Nicholson #2 fine mill file with ground edges. Instead of having teeth along the edges, it's smooth. It doesn't cut into the fingerboard when using it. If you're aggressive enough, I'm sure it could. It's about 1/2" wide by 3/16" thick, and about 10" long. I have no idea where to get one, as I've had this one over forty years, and it was with some stuff I was given when I was a machinists apprentice. It works perfectly for tidying up fret ends.

Nicholson #2.jpg
 
Never tried it on really sharp frets but to keep them clean, remove any burring on and rounding the edges on somewhat sharp frets? I use this kit. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MN124--musicnomad-frine-fret-polishing-kit

What i do is actually use the fret guard tool and about 0000 Super Fine Steel wool ( you can use 000 first and then 0000 as well) rubbing it in a circular pattern over the frets. It smooths them wonderfully and doesnt scuff the fretboard with the guard tool. Afterwards, leaving the fret guard tool, i use the polishing paste they provide and it cleans them like new. Also, it can actually take out small indentions that cause dead frets and ive done this on a few acoustics.

I do this on every guitar i have about once a year, sometimes the steel wool process isnt even necessary.
 
Thanks guys. That's actually the vid I watched when I did the first guitar. Then forgot all about it.

In re-watching I learned two new things:

1. The first guitar I did wasn't that bad & the second was really bad

2. The files I have aren't good enough, so I ordered two more that should be here Tuesday.

Appreciate the reminder linkage!

I did work on it a bit today with what I do have tool wise, and it's definitely better, but still not to the point where the fret ends are inconspicuous. But, hopefully by next weekend they will be.
 
Clockworkmike said:
Never tried it on really sharp frets but to keep them clean, remove any burring on and rounding the edges on somewhat sharp frets? I use this kit. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MN124--musicnomad-frine-fret-polishing-kit

What i do is actually use the fret guard tool and about 0000 Super Fine Steel wool ( you can use 000 first and then 0000 as well) rubbing it in a circular pattern over the frets. It smooths them wonderfully and doesnt scuff the fretboard with the guard tool. Afterwards, leaving the fret guard tool, i use the polishing paste they provide and it cleans them like new. Also, it can actually take out small indentions that cause dead frets and ive done this on a few acoustics.

I do this on every guitar i have about once a year, sometimes the steel wool process isnt even necessary.
Click to expand...

I use the same kit works very well..
 
SG John said:
I use a Nicholson #2 fine mill file with ground edges. Instead of having teeth along the edges, it's smooth. It doesn't cut into the fingerboard when using it. If you're aggressive enough, I'm sure it could. It's about 1/2" wide by 3/16" thick, and about 10" long. I have no idea where to get one, as I've had this one over forty years, and it was with some stuff I was given when I was a machinists apprentice. It works perfectly for tidying up fret ends.

sView attachment 81204
Click to expand...
Much the same as I use and have done since I too was an engineering apprentice way back in the 1970s.
 
The videos cover it, but remember there are 2 separate aspects to the fret end sharpness.
The actual end tang extending beyond the edge of the fretboard: this is either from poorly finished ends or the "fret sprout" that may occur in cooler low humidity conditions when the wood contracts or shrinks.

The second, and what I have found to be the most common is the beveled end of the fret. When this angled end is filed the resulting edge is sharp.
The Stew Mac videos on this show the technique to smooth this edge.

This filing stroke takes a bit of practice as a combination of pushing the file forward and rolling it. Developing the motion and the feel for the right light pressure comes with experience.
 
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