Offset Diamond Fret Files

In stock
SKU
TL-006-000
Grouped product items
Product Name Qty
Offset Diamond Fret File - 150 Grit
$169.90
Offset Diamond Fret File - 300 Grit
$169.90
Offset Diamond Fret Files - Set of 2
$317.00
Fret files are used for putting the rounded shape back into frets after they are levelled. Fret files can also be used to grind down an individual fret if it's too high. These Offset Diamond Fret Files are the choice of many professional guitar makers and repairers. The diamond coating is long-lasting and gives a relatively smooth finish, which requires less sanding and polishing than standard files. The offset design allows for safer and more comfortable use on the frets in the section over the soundboard You can use only one of the files and get an excellent result, however having the choice of the Coarse and Fine makes dressing frets quicker and easier. The Coarse (150 grit) file is best for rapid recrowining, especially when a lot of levelling was needed and they are very flat. Fine tuning and scratch removal can be done with sandpaper or a 300 grit file (see below). The Fine (300 grit) gives a smoother result, requiring less scratch removal, but it takes longer to crown the frets than the Coarse does. - Diamond coated along both edges - Suitable for crowning all sizes of frets - Suitable for Nickel, EVO & Stainless frets - Double sided - Medium side suitable for frets up to 2.5mm (0.10") wide - Wide side suitable for frets up to 3.2mm (0.13") wide - Smooth cut & maximum durability - Very long wearing - 215mm (8-1/2") overall length
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When frets are installed into a fingerboard they are never completely straight even if great care was taken in installing them. Therefore the frets must be levelled or 'dressed' so that they are straight and the guitar will play with minimal fret buzz.

Once the frets have been levelled using a fret levelling file they need to be crowned so that they have a nice round profile on top so the strings will play clean and in tune. A fret file has a concave edge which is exactly the right profile to shape the tops of the frets back into this curved shape.

The fret is rubbed with the fret file until it is rounded off. It is a good practice to leave a very narrow flat-spot on the top of the frets to ensure you don't go too far with crowning them.

After crowning with the fret file, various grades of sandpaper and steel wool are used to polish the fret. Usually 180-grit sandpaper, followed by 240-grit, then 0000-grade steel wool is sufficient to get the scratches out and bring the frets to a nice polish. The fingerboard should be taped or a fingerboard guard used to avoid scratching the fingerboard.
More Information
Material Diamond Coated, Steel
Tool Type File