Precision Guitar Making Jigs & Fretting Tools
GUITAR FRET PULLER / FRET REMOVAL TOOL
Our Fret Puller is a specially designed tool for removing frets. The design of the tool helps to ensure that marking of the fretboard face is minimal. The system includes a fretboard protector.
(Note!. As the frets will have been forced into their slots during fitting, the removal will incur some degree of chipping/splitting and therefore consideration for some minor repairs should be made).
The tool features specially designed inserts manufactured from Hardened Ground Gauge / Knife Steel. The inserts are through hardened combining high strength with surface hardness. The inserts can be dressed with a diamond file.
The inserts are mounted in a tool body which has 2 working sides with different profiles.
Note the tool is not suitable for use on bound fretboards.
FLAT PROFILE SIDE OF THE TOOL
This side is for initially prising the end of the fret.
A small strip of PVC tape should be placed either side of the fret around the edge of the board.
The inserts are designed to locate against the underside of the fret, either side of the tang. By using gentle leverage and pressure, the fret end can be gradually prized up. The ease / difficulty of prizing the fret will vary between frets and instruments. Applying some heat to the top of the fret beforehand may also help with removal.
It is essential to start from the underside or unseen edge as played, so that cosmetic repairs will be discreet.
CURVED PROFILE SIDE OF THE TOOL
The fretboard protector should be placed in position and the tips of the inserts located under the raised portion of the fret.
The fret is completely enclosed by the tool ensuring a secure grip during removal. As the fret is lifted, the tool can be repositioned. The action is similar to using a ratchet.
Softer frets will tend to curl as per the above photo whereas harder frets will be straighter and levered out.
When removing hard frets, to help prevent the wood from splitting, additional pressure should be applied onto the fretboard protector as shown below.
