Tool list for Guitar Tech

Notched Straightedge allows you to accurately check the flatness of your fingerboard, quickly measure neck relief, locate problem areas, and determine if truss rod adjustments are necessary.

These straightedges are extremely precise, heavy duty, and designed to handle a lifetime of use in your shop.

Centering rule
With zero at the center, this rule extends left and right to locate the center of a neck or bridge saddle.

Vertical end rules
On each end are small vertical rulers (1/32" increments). Useful for measuring saddles, nut and pickup heights.

The inch marks are in 16ths, 32nds and 64ths—for fast readings or extreme precision.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_for_Measuring/StewMac_Shop_Rule.html

-Basic setup kit

Includes

String Action Gauge 
The fastest way to measure the height of strings, nuts, saddles and pickup polepieces. Designed for stringed instrument work, it's much faster to use than any ruler. (0670-M Metric in International set)

18" Precision Straightedge 
Machined for fanatic accuracy (to ±.0015" per foot)! Use it to check neck relief and evaluate truss rod adjustments.

Understring Radius Gauges 
A big help for matching bridge saddle heights to the fretboard curvature, for easier playability. Accurately laser-cut from stainless steel, the set includes 9 different fretboard radii.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/StewMac_Tool_Sets/Basic_Setup_Kit.html

-Nut slotting gauge

The Nut Slotting Gauge quickly and precisely measures string heights over the first fret. When filing nut slot depths, you see your results more accurately than ever before.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_for_Nuts_and_Saddles/Nut_Slotting_Gauge.html

-Luthier's digital caliper

Handy for lots of other measuring jobs in the shop—nuts, saddles, tuners, tool setups and more—this caliper has long-life stainless steel jaws.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Calipers/Luthiers_Digital_Caliper.html

-Fret cutter

This is the best tool for trimming the ends off fretwire.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Pliers_and_Cutters/StewMac_Fret_Cutter.html

-Guitar tech screwdriver set

• 36-bit set specifically for guitar hardware
• Compact no-spill case, only 5" long
• Only at StewMac!

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Screwdrivers/Guitar_Tech_Screwdriver_Set.html

-Nut drivers

These sturdy steel deep-socket hex drivers are the right size for common guitar repair jobs. The large comfortable T-handles give you plenty of grip.

 https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Wrenches/Guitar_Nutdrivers.html

-Refret saw and fret slot cleaner

Refret Saw has two slim .020"-thick blades—one cuts on the pull stroke, the other on the push.

Fret Slot Cleaning Tool has a thin, hooked, square-edged chisel that's ideal for getting into the corners of the slots on bound fretboards and pries up dried glue.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Saws/Refret_Saw_and_Fret_Slot_Cleaning_Tool_Set.html

-Nut and saddle vise

The custom jaws are extra tall, with steep angles for easier access to your work. The end of the vise is beveled for extra relief, too. The 2"-wide steel jaws are hardened for durability and specially undercut to stay parallel under pressure, holding the nut or saddle uniformly without slippage.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Vises/Nut_and_Saddle_Vise.html

-Nut and Saddle Shaping Files 

This pair of specialty files is ideal for roughing-in and fine-shaping the delicate contours of string nuts and acoustic bridge saddles. Using the files in combination, you can quickly refine a rough-cut nut to a smooth shape, ready for final polishing. The narrow cutting width makes it easier to round the top of a nut or bridge saddle more smoothly and accurately.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Files/Nut_and_Saddle_Shaping_Files_Set_of_2.html

- File Cleaning Brush

Brass bristles quickly clean fine-cut files. 3/4" x 1-5/8" with steel finger grip.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Files/File_Cleaning_Brush.html

-.026/.032 double sided nut file - 1 and 2 Strings

 .036/042 - 3 and 4 Strings

 .050/.060 - 5 and 6 String

.075/.090 - Bass 1 and 2 String

.0105/.120 - Bass 3 and 4 Strings

The most durable and efficient nut-slotting files available. Specially designed for nut slotting, each file cuts two different width slots.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Files/Double-edge_Nut_Files.html

- Abrasive cord

After using your nut files, smooth the string notches with Mitchell Abrasive Cord. It helps keep the strings from binding in the slots, for more reliable tuning.

https://www.stewmac.com/Materials_and_Supplies/Sanding_and_Polishing/Sandpaper_and_Finishing_Papers/Mitchell_Abrasive_Cord.html

- Deanblow Fretting Hammer

More efficient no-bounce fret installation. We fitted this durable hammer with a machined brass convex face especially for fretwork.

The shock-absorbing shot-filled head won't bounce like a regular hammer, so it transfers more energy directly to the fret. This helps seat the wire more firmly, with fewer hammer blows and less chance of the fret springing back.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_for_Fretting/Hammering/Deadblow_Fretting_Hammer.html

-Z File

After you've leveled the frets for uniform height, your crowning file restores their rounded shape, leaving the thinnest possible line of leveled surface on top. This is when other crowning files can accidentally scrape the fret top, creating a buzzing low spot.

Z-Files don't have this problem—because they don't touch the top of the fret.

- Fret Rocker

The Fret Rocker is made of stainless steel with a durable finish for professional use. It's an indispensable diagnostic tool, before and after partial refretting and recrowning jobs. It lets you do more accurate fret work for better playability.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Straightedges/Fret_Rocker.html`