Concave Fret End Files – StewMac

Concave Fret End Files

Extra-versatile files for fret end shaping.

These unique tools are for use after the frets have been installed, trimmed flush to the sides, and beveled with a flat file. They go a step beyond our popular Fret End Dressing File, adding a single-cut toothed concave filing surface. This makes smoothing the fret ends and delicately blending them into the crown of the fret more efficient. A professional touch, and a great fix for fret ends that protrude in dry weather, too.

Efficient design: Each file has a slim shape and 30-degree angled end, for good control and ease of use. The right tool for the job.

Concave surface: Single-cut teeth help blend the fret ends into the fret crown.

Safe surface: Opposite the concave edge is a flat, untoothed surface to protect the fretboard when you’re filing with the side surfaces.

Toothed sides: The single-cut teeth on the sides file away metal burrs and help smooth the bevel on the fret ends.

Safe corners: Each file also has smooth untoothed corners to help prevent damage to the fingerboard and the upper edges of bound necks.

Available in two sizes, for medium and wide frets:
Medium: .080″ (2mm)
Wide: .120″ (3mm)

Each of these sturdy steel files is 7-7/8″ long (similar files from other suppliers are only 3″), a practical length for filing fret ends without jamming the handle against the edge of the fretboard. Cutting surface length is 2-3/4″. The file tang is rubber-coated for comfort.

Works on stainless frets, too!
All of our tools are suitable for use on stainless-steel fretwire*. Modern stainless-steel fretwire is known to be harder than the traditional nickel-silver blends, but our own shop experience indicates the wire does not cause premature wear of files or sandpapers.
*Excludes our original Fret Tang Nippers. We recommend our Deluxe Fret Tang Nippers for stainless-steel fretwire.