Last time, I talked about what I called the poor man's saddle sander. I promised we'd look at the other end of the spectrum this time around.

I want to talk about some really bloody expensive nut files.

My nut files were getting old. I have a bundle of different styles but generally preferred the double-edged nut files that cut a V-shaped slot. I prefer these over the straight-edged files because V slot means the file is less likely to bind in the slot. Of course, if you're careful, binding isn't a big issue but anything for an easy life.

But they were getting old. They were wearing which made them harder and slower to use. And one had chipped—oh no! It was past time for replacements.

I'd figured that I'd just replace like with like but, after a LOT of deliberation, I decided to upgrade.

I'd been aware of Stew Mac's diamond-edged nut files (they call them DiamondCut Nut Slotting Files - search StewMac for them) for a while. They seemed impressive but, some were more than twice the price of a regular double-edged file and regular nut files are not exactly cheap to begin with. I'd been tempted a number of times but shied away.

But, then there was that chipped file. I decided to take a punt and ordered a single diamond nut file to replace my chipped file. I figured it was expensive but it'd be a good experiment.

So was it any good?

Yep. It was incredibly good.

Damn! Now I've been spoiled with this fancy new file and I've got to struggle with the other old ones like that idiot guy in the 'before' section of an infomercial.

I broke and ordered a heap of them. My bank manager came around my house and shouted at me but I was adamant.

The rest were just as good. These things cut really cleanly. They're smooth and easy to use. They're accurate too, without the same tendency to wander. And they're quick. The files above .024" have a slightly coarser grit so they cut really fast—if you try them, be careful as it'd be really easy to file too deep first time out.

Every now and then, I do or buy something that makes me wonder why I didn't do so earlier. These diamond nut files fall into this category.

The caveat

Well, it's not so much of a caveat because it's so bloody obvious: These things are really expensive. They range from just under $70 to just under $100US. That's a lot of money. I'd say keep an eye on Stew Mac's site as they run sales from time to time so you can get a few bucks off if you time it right. They also sell sets (light/medium/heavy for electric and similar for acoustic) that come with a bundle discount but be careful not to end up with duplicates if you're considering buying a selection.

If you occasionally set up a new guitar you've bought, these files are complete overkill for anyone other than Richie Rich. If you do this stuff for a living, though, you could do worse than consider them next time you need nut files. They're that good.

Stew Mac claims that these will last for ages and I really I hope so. The cost definitely puts them in the 'investment' bracket but, if it helps, I'm glad I got them.

The covering-my-ass disclaimer thing

I bought these. Stew Mac didn't give me them or offer any special discounts for a review or anything like that. Stew Mac doesn't give me any commission for sale. I just really like these things and, other than the—really rather expensive—prices, I don't feel like I've hit any negatives with them.

These are absolutely not for everyone. They're probably not even for everyone who repairs guitars for a living. My Stew Mac order with these had a total that made me wince more than a little.

But, they are one of those rare purchases where I don't feel even the slightest regret afterwards. And, it's one of those rare times that I don't have any negative feedback to offer. To be honest, if they ever make a set gauged for bass, I'd consider retiring my perfectly-fine larger nut files.

Last point: Stew Mac offers a rigid backer—a sort of handle—for these. I'm not sure it's necessary but it might be useful to keep the thinner files more rigid. You need to be careful with that .010" file to keep it straight and you don't want to end up buckling or kinking your expensive file. I might get one (or fashion one) for the smallest file but I've been working with it just fine for a while so it's definitely not a must-have up-sell.

Ok. I've got to go slot some more nuts and earn enough money to get my bank manager to stop shouting.

This article written by Gerry Hayes and first published at hazeguitars.com

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