How to Replace a Fret
Source: Fret Repair
How to Replace a Fret(s):
In this article we will discuss the procedure for replacement of just a few frets – say 1 to 3 of them total. This can be a very typical scenario as most guitar players seldom stray from the first position when then play the guitar, which includes the 1st, 2nd and 3rd frets.
In fact, even experienced players will spend the majority of time in the first position and even while playing up the neck quite a bit of the time, the first 3 or 4 frets will wear first and the most.
The Exception:
An exception to this may be a Bluegrass Guitar player that uses a Capo on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th frets quite a bit. This is often hard on the frets and forces fret replacement for 3 or 4 more frets.
Usually new frets will have enough height to allow you to redress them one or two times, as long as the worn frets are not completely worn down to the point redressing them would reduce their height by more than about 1/3.
To learn how to remove the frets refer to the article: How to Remove Frets.
Prepare the New Frets:
Assuming you have selected your fret wire already (and it is the proper size to match the existing frets), cut the frets you need to do the job to length, which would be about 1/8″ to 1/4″ longer than the neck width, and stick them in a wooden block with small holes and labels on them to keep the order of each fret.
Measure the Fret Tang:
Measure both the width and height of the Fret Tang with a Vernier Calipers. Now measure the depth and width of the fret slot either with the Vernier Calipers or a Feeler Gage. If the slot is not larger than the Fret Tang, you are in business. If not, you will need to either use a fret wire with a larger gage tang, or be faced with gluing in the frets.
Assuming the fret tang checks out, place the fret end into the slot at one edge of the fret channel. Give it a tap with your Plastic Tipped Hammer to get it started. Progressively tap the fret into place, all the while checking that it has not gone in crooked and is standing straight up.
Continue to rap it in place until the fret is securely seated in the existing channel. Continue with the remainder of frets if there are more frets to install.
Clip the Fret Ends:
Now take your Reworked End Nippers and cut the fret ends flush with the edge of the fretboard or binding.
If you are refretting a bound fretboard, you will need to undercut the fret crown and remove the Tang by cutting with the Jewelers Saw. File the remainder of the fret tang smooth with the underside of the crown with Needle Files:. Double check the length of the Tang to make sure it is neither too long or too short.
Dressing The Frets:
It is likely that the new frets and existing frets will not match up exactly for height, so it is time to level the frets. Do this with a 12″ Bastard File. Lightly run it along the top of the frets, concentrating on the area of new frets. When you have lightly touched all the frets in the new fret area and into the existing fret area, you have finished leveling. For a more detailed explanation see the article on Redressing your Frets.
Finishing the Fret Ends:
If you have only one or two frets you can possibly finish the fret ends with a flat file, trying to match the existing angle. Be careful not to over-file and cut into the fingerboard or fingerboard binding. The better bet is to make a Fret End Dresser Tool and the result will be a professional looking job. Just run the Dresser along the fret ends and it will automatically file them to the correct angle and amount. It stops at the edge of the fingerboard.
Also, carefully file the end of the tang of the fret if it protrudes out the side of the fingerboard. You can do this with a small flat file or a Needle File.
Finishing The Frets:
Now you will need to round the frets with a Fret File, smoothen them with Silicone Carbine Sandpaper and #0000 Steel Wool. Note: For a lot more detailed information on finishing the frets, see the article on How to Redress Your Frets.
Tags: fret job, guitar fret boards, guitar fretting tools, how to refret a guitar, how to replace frets, refretting a guitar
