StewMac Fret Tang Nipper
Improved design: one tool fits most fret sizes!
Our Fret Tang Nipper undercuts fretwire, fast and easy. Speeds fret jobs on bound necks, and helps save the lacquer finish at the edges of unbound fretboards.
Bill Collings (of Collings Guitars) inspired this clever tool for undercutting fretwire to fit over neck bindings. Insert the fretwire to the desired depth in the guide notch, squeeze the handle, and the wire is quickly and cleanly undercut—no bending or crimping. Not recommended for use with stainless steel fretwire—see our Deluxe Fret Tang Nipper for harder materials.
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.
A repair shop favorite!
- Hardened-steel cuts clean and stays sharp
- Rubber-coated handle for a comfortable, non-slip grip
- Tool is 7-3/4" long (197mm)
Comes with interchangeable tables for various widths of fretwire:
Medium table for widths 0.075" to 0.095" (1.90mm to 2.41mm)
Large table for widths 0.095" to 0.110" (2.41mm to 2.79mm)
After nipping the tang, we recommend filing the cut surface smooth with our Fret End Dressing File or Nut and Saddle Shaping Files. This makes sure the frets will seat perfectly over the binding.
Working with stainless steel frets?
Our Deluxe Fret Tang Nipper was designed specifically to undercut the harder fretwire materials like stainless steel with ease. It also includes interchangeable steel inserts to accommodate any size of fretwire that you'll come across. If you've got a busy shop you'll love the deluxe model.
