How to choose the perfect fret crowning file

With so many fret crowing files on the market how do you choose? Which one is the "best"? It depends on a lot of factors, how skilled are you at doing fret work, what's your budget, is this a hobby or are you doing repair work for money? In this Trade Secret, Erick Coleman demonstrates each of the major types of files and shares tips that'll help you decide which file is right for you.

3-Corner Fret Dressing Files

File Cleaning Brush

Double-edge Fret File

Gurian Three-in-one Fret File

Gurian Quarter-round Fret File

Offset Diamond Fret File

Double-edge Diamond Fret Files

Dual-grit Diamond Fret Files

StewMac Z-File Fret Crowning Files

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[FCain-mftf]

I bought my very first file about 2 weeks before this video was made and I chose the CENTERED Z-FILE. I am proud to say for a beginner this is the one you want!!! Thank you to the nice lady at Stew Mac for recommending it to me. 😁👍👍

[lexzbuddy]

I use a triangle with a safe edge. I'm actually an Engineer, I started of as a machinist / fitter and went through an old school apprenticeship and really learned how to use tools. For me, using a triangle file gives me lots of control. Those skills I learned 30 years ago are invaluable and I would suggest are well worth learning.

Sadly my day job now involves sitting in front of a computer doing math, FEA and typing reports all day long. I wish I had become a luthier. I think I would have enjoyed it a whole lot more than being an engineer. Most guys in the workshop can't use hand tools any more, it's a shame.

[chrislamb]

More videos like this please! This video cleared all my confusion on different files and most importantly, their uses making it much easier to have confidence make the right tool purchase decission. Thank you!

[bryantcochran]

Ive moved to the short diamond Z files and love them. Very fast shaping and very smooth frets.

[scottbart]

I am starting to do work on my guitars so this videos was great. I am a beginner with the filing. So seeing this videos gave me the confidences I needed and the knowledge I need to start with the right tools. Thank you

[cary]

10/4 to that. I've had two trusted luthiers and one great electronics guy in forty three years. Yes there hard to come by.

[Jimmylikesfuzz]

Good vid. I went through lots of styles of file before settling on the triangle. I actually find it faster to use and more precise than the alternatives.

[HighlineGuitars]

The cost of the Z-Files doesn't scare me. What scares me is the diamond abrasives. I had the StewMac Dual-grit Diamond Fret File and it wore out pretty fast while crowning stainless steel frets. Before investing in a Z-File, I would have to be convinced the abrasives will last. Until then, I'll stick with my trusty 3 corner file, chatter and all.

[LeviBulger]

I absolutely love the Z file, particularly the Safe Edge version. I found the original Z file to have the same downside as the FretGuru Dagger (which is definitely pretty great) in that it only works well on medium jumbo frets or larger, up to a point. For vintage frets, it leaves them too round and cuts too much material. For tall or super jumbo frets, you also risk taking off too much. But the safe edge allows you to do one side at a time, which definitely is slower but results are always perfect. Great design. Probably best to have one of each of these.

[rickbaker]

We have a new worlds record for trying to sell the most stuff in 8:37. Congratulations!

[Nathan-mqnc]

Best fret filing video I've seen. Great Job!!!

[dennis]

I've just got to say, God bless this company and the information that they share, whether it's Dan or Eric. You guys have made our work so much clearer. We can't thank you enough.

[vubngzt]

3-corner file is the best tool for luthiers who do their job often. It takes time to learn how to use it properly. But once you get it, you'll be able to make perfect round tops on any type of frets, very thin or thick (concave files make a bit flattened tops on thin frets, etc). So 3-corner file is the hardest to use for beginners, but the most accurate tool.

[pepticon]

I started with the diamond file, but found it not efficient for wide fret that has been leveled a bit low. so I went to three corner file and quite happy with it. it give me freedom to shape any kind of fret size with just one file. then I use the diamond file to finalize the crowning shape and remove most of the chatter to make the polishing easier.

[bikemikesguitartopics]

From all of this explanation it seems to me that the Z file should have been made with the offset handle to have the best of both worlds.

[bristolfashion]

StewMac is great! Back when I built my first guitar (1975-ish...) there wasn't a manual. I had to make it upas I went along. Still got that first guitar - and you know what? It's actually not too bad ! Thank-you so much for all the detail and hints in this video 🙂

[jedoknight]

Having tried 4 different types I eventually settled with a 3 corner file. This gives me the best control and accuracy and with a bit of practice, I am able to finish pretty quickly. I would not go back to the diamond files, they are not for me, gets clogged easily and difficult to clean

[tlingen]

This video is wonderful. I bought the Original Z file and can't wait to try it.

[chrispile]

Used Gurian files decades ago, but I came back to traditional 3 cornered files.... and made a LOT of money with them.

[ministryinsong]

Thank you. Great explication of the files.