Nut and Saddle Shaping Files

Had to wait on these for a while because they were out of stock. It was definitely worth the wait! They make it almost impossible to screw up with the cool filing surfaces adjacent to smooth sides. Go, Stewart MacDonald!!

These are very high quality files that are just perfect for working on nuts and saddles. Cheaper files wear out, and aren't always straight. Stew-Mac's files are top-quality, and they'll last a lifetime with proper use.

I ONLY USE THE COURSE/MEIUM FILE TO CARVE THE NUT. THE FINER FILE IS GOOD FOR A FEW OTHER THINGS, BUT IS GENERALLY TOO FINE FOR ANY NUT WORK. I GO THROUGH THEM AND HAVE DRAWERS OF UNUSED FINE FILES. WE JUST DON'T USE IT. I WISH STEW MAC WOULD OFFER THEM SEPARATELY. OH WELL, YOU CAN'T HAVE EVERYTHING, WHERE WOULD YOU PUT IT?

Quality tools which work well. What more can you ask for?

These files have made working on my guitars fun again. Each side has a different grit, long and with thin rubber grip allows me to feel the drag as I sand nuts and wood. just a quality product.

I got these files for shaping bone nuts for my first dulcimer build. i was so into the work that i forgot i had bought these, and used a piece of sticky circular 220 grit sandpaper mounted to the bench top instead, which worked perfectly. i imagine as i continue on with building i will use these files. they are very well built and cut with ease.

I debated buying these but I'm really happy I did. I like all 4 cutting surfaces, the narrow width and long length give a lot of options as to how you can use these. I feel the files leave a nice surface if you are careful, but you can always smooth the nut or saddle with fine sandpaper if you want more polish. Considering that you essentially get 4 files out of this pair, they are also a great value.

These are great files, but I found even the fine one a bit too aggressive for delicate nut and saddle shaping. Starting with a pre-radiused saddle, a couple of passes with one of these files removed almost too much material.
Perhaps better used if you're fabricating from scratch out of a block of bone, although I usually do that kind of rough-shaping with a Dremel. I'll find something to use these files for, but I think I prefer something like a diamond abrasive stick for the finer points of nut/saddle shaping.