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Home : Tools : Special tools for Fretting : Fret Tang Nipper

Undercuts fretwire cleanly

Fret Tang Nipper


Read 54 Reviews   |   Write a Review

There's gotta be an easier way to trim the ends of the frets to fit over the neck bindings, right? Our friend Bill Collings (of Collings Guitars) had an idea that inspired us to produce this simple and precise tool. It's become a repair shop favorite. It does an outstanding job of undercutting fretwire to fit over neck bindings, speeding up fret jobs on bound necks, and helps save the lacquer finish at the edges of the fingerboard. Just insert the wire to the desired depth in the guide notch, squeeze the handle, and the wire is quickly and cleanly undercut. No bending or crimping!

The Fret Tang Nipper is useful for unbound fingerboards too. Try nipping the fret tang to length before installing the fret. Now you'll only need to cut and file the overhanging crown, and the fret will be less likely to twist and unseat.

See details below

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Fret Tang Nipper
 
  Item# Description In stock Price Quantity
1626 For medium fretwire Yes
$48.94

1649 For wide fretwire Yes
$48.94


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Details
 Pictures
#1626 is for medium-width fretwire, .075" to .095" (1.90mm to 2.41mm)

#1649 is for wide fretwire, .100" to .120" (2.54mm to 3.05mm)

The Fret Tang Nipper is 6" long (152.40mm), including 4" (101.60mm) rubber-sleeved handles.

Not recommended for stainless steel frets.

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 Ratings and reviews
Fret Tang Nipper
Fret Tang Nipper
 
4.5 out of 5 stars
Based on 54 ratings Write a Review
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Displaying 41 – 50 < 1  ...  4  5  6 >
5 2-10-2011
Great tool!

Works exactly like promised. All you have to do is check carefully where it cuts. A little filing is needed under the fret after the cutting but that's not a problem.

J Larres  Finland Read my reviews (2)
5 2-09-2011
The perfect tool!

When it comes to fret jobs this is one of the most used tools in my shop. Fretting a bound fretboard never looked so clean!

Randy, Head Guitar Tech CrossTouched Pawn  Shelbyville, TN Read my reviews (6)
5 2-02-2011
Pure HEAVEN!

I recently started binding my fingerboards and this tool shaved hours off fretting. I use it in conjunction with the fret bender and can lay 22 frets in about 30 minutes. Awesome tool!!

B. Jesson  Chandler, AZ, USA Read my reviews (4)
4 1-24-2011
Indispensable tool!

I can't imagine ding this by hand! I do wish, however, that the cutter was available as a replacement part. Makes sense to make a hardened steel version for stainless frets as well; never mind how much as I hate doing them, I'm getting more and more requests for them.

BlackMesaGuitars  Florida
4 12-23-2010
Great little tool

After nipping the fret tangs using other plier types not necessarily for the job, this fret tang nipper, while a little pricey, it did a great job. I was able to quickly complete the job. Even as good as this nipper is, you still have to grind or file down the remaining bur to have a nice flat surface underneath the fret.

RiveraInstruments  Walkersville, MD Read my reviews (4)
5 12-23-2010
Holy Schlamoly

I don't think i can live without this tool anymore. Its made refretting so fast that i can now refret in 2 1/2 hours instead of 2 days, by sanding by hand. PIECE OF ADVICE, works better on radiused fretwire, instead of straight. Straight fretwires leaves a tiny bit of leftover.

Bernard Ugalde  Guatemala Read my reviews (5)
4 11-20-2010
Can't handle Stainless Steel Frets

The Fret Tang Nipper is an incredible tool when used on typical frets. Our first one got ten years of use. That's a lot of fret nippin'.

Unfortunately it broke apart while using it on stainless steel frets. I really dislike stainless steel frets. They destroy crowning files,fret cutters and now the fret tang nipper. A line of carbide tipped fretting tools would be great for those who must have stainless steel frets. Regardless, this is a "Must Have" tool if you want to do a "Masters Job" quicker and make more money.

Sfguitars  Rocklin, CA
5 11-17-2010
How on Earth did I get along without this??

This terrific little gem has saved me at least thre hours labor in the first week I have had it. I had been doing the undercutting by hand forever thinking this tool was a gimmick. WRONG. NEVER AGAIN. Thanks Stew Mac!

Scott "scOOter" Davis  St. Petersburg, FL Read my reviews (2)
5 11-07-2010
Shop staple

I've done it old school and I've done it with this tool. There is no going back.

GuitarRepairShack  Calgary, Alberta Read my reviews (20)
5 10-08-2010
Glad I didn't wait.

I have only fretted one bound board without this tool. I hope I never have to do it again. This tool works perfect and is very easy to use. I can't find anything to complain about.

Dick Hutchings  Warwick, RI
Displaying 41 – 50 < 1  ...  4  5  6 > /\ Top of Reviews


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