Fret Tang Nippers
Source: Fret Repair
Fret Preparation – Glue-In Frets
To prepare the frets, prior to the gluing process, we first have to measure each fret channel in length, cut the frets to length, and shape and store them in a orderly manner.
Measure Frets for Unbound Fretboard:
To measure the frets accurately on an unbound fretboard, measure with a Digital Vernier Calipers. Measure with the outside jaws and transfer the measurements to the fret.
Place the fretwire in a small vise, holding it by the tang. Transfer the fret length from the Vernier Caliper to the fret. Now take a razor saw and accurately cut the fret to length. Note if you are to error, error on the long side and make sure you don’t cut them too short.
Test fit the fret to make sure it is to the proper length. If it is, transfer it to a fret holding board, which consists of a board with 1/8″ holes spaced at about 1/4″ centers. Have one hole for each fret and number each hole to represent each fret number.
Measure Frets for Bound Fretboard:
To measure the frets accurately on an unbound fretboard, measure with a Digital Vernier Calipers. Measure with the outside jaws and transfer the measurements to the fret. Remember to measure to the outside of the binding strips.
Undercut The Fret Crown:
Now you will have to undercut the fret crown. In other words the fret tang needs to be cut away in order for the fret to properly overhang the bindings strip on either end of the fretboard.
Measure the binding thickness with the Vernier Caliper. You will need to slice each fret tang this measurement from the end of each fret end. You can do this with the aid of a small Jewelers Saw and carefully slice the fret down to the bottom of the fret crown without scratching the bottom of the crown itself.
Next you can cut in from the end and eject the small tang piece. If done correctly you will have just the littlest stub of a tang left, which can be filed down with a flat Needle File.
Use caution with the filing and be sure you don’t file away at the actual fret crown itself as you will have a gap in your fret if you do. It takes a bit of getting used to doing this, but when you do it is quite easy.
If you are doing more than one fret job on a bound fretboard you may want to consider the Fret Tang Cutter that is available from Stewmac. I have one of these as love it. you just set the depth and width of cuts and away you go – a real time-saver.
Tape The Fretboard:
Next we have to tape the fretboard in preparation for the gluing process. I prefer to use 3/4″ wide painters masking tape (the blue stuff), as it comes off easier and leaves less residue upon removal.
Start by cutting about 50 strips that are long enough to go the length of each fret and then allow for a bit of wrap around beneath the neck (about 1″ long should do).
On either side of the fret channel, place the masking tape. Try to place it almost the same width as the fret crown, so you will have the tape about 0.5 mm or so on either side of each fret slot. Before moving on to the next fret channel, burnish the edge of the tape with your fingernail or a tool to get the best adhesion possible.
We are now ready for the actual gluing process.
Tags: fret job, fret preparation for glue-in frets, how to change frets, re-fretting a guitar
