StewMac Double-edge Diamond Fret Files
Diamond fret files are the best way to crown your frets!
Unlike traditional fret files, diamond files cut in both directions, they don't chatter, and the fret is smoother after crowning. These files are being used by repair shops and major manufacturers all around the world.
Long-lasting diamond coating
Each file edge is electro-coated with micro industrial diamonds. These super-tough abrasive surfaces round the frets more smoothly and stay sharp longer than standard toothed files.
Better control, faster work
Diamond particles cut on both the push and pull stroke (traditional files only cut one way). This gives better control over your work, and the job goes much faster.
Double-edge covers more instruments
Each file has hollow-ground cutters in two sizes for crowning a variety of fretwire. Narrow/Medium files are for mandolin, banjo and guitar fretwire. Wide and Jumbo are for guitars and basses.
- Made of tool steel
- 300-grit diamond coated edge
- Comfortable rubber-coated handle
- File cutting edge: 4" (101.60mm)
- Overall file size: 7-3/8" x 5/8" (187.33mm x 15.88mm)
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.
Can you lower a single high fret with just a fret crowning file?
You generally cannot lower a single high fret using just a standard fret crowning file. A fret crowning file is designed to reshape the top of a fret after it has already been leveled flat. Its job is to round off the flat spot left by the leveling process, not to remove significant height from a fret. Using a crowning file alone on a high fret will mostly round the sides, not lower the overall height. If you attempt to use only a traditional crowning file to lower a high fret, you risk removing material unevenly and potentially making the fret unlevel or misshapen. Again, crowning files are not meant for significant material removal from the top of the fret. Instead, use the Fret Kisser which makes quick work of leveling an individual high fret, saving time by working only on the affected fret.
