FRET PULLER - Removing Frets Without Pliers
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
“Just received the fret puller. Totally blown away. Every repairman or luthier should have one of these. Thank you”. C.W., Idaho, USA.
When it's difficult to get a grip with traditional fret pliers, our specially designed fret puller provides an alternative solution.
The design features specially shaped tips manufactured from knife steel which bite underneath the end of the fret.
Wrap a small length of tape around the edge of the fretboard either side of the fret being removed. (The fret guard is not used at this stage).
Place the fret puller in position and locate the fret end.
Make sure the tips grip beneath the fret. As a reference, a depth of 1mm is suggested, although this may vary based on the wood's hardness and the condition of the fret end.
By using leverage through the tool to apply pressure on the fret guard, the fret end can be eased from the edge of the fretboard.
Place the fret guard in position and re-locate the tool tips underneath the raised fret end.
As the fret begins to lift away, the tool is drawn back along the fret using a rocking action.
Soft frets will curl and be enclosed within the tool.
Hard frets will remain straighter as they are levered out. When removing hard frets, apply finger pressure to the fret guard either side as shown above.
The tool tips are manufactured from ground Sheffield Knife Steel. The tips are symmetrical with two working edges that can be dressed with a diamond file.
NOTE:
Some wood splitting when removing frets is inevitable, and minor cosmetic repairs to the fretboard will be needed. Work from the lower edge of the neck to ensure that repairs remain discreet.
