{"product_id":"stewmac-fret-fingerboard-leveling-files-set-of-3-precise-fret-work","title":"StewMac Fret\/Fingerboard Leveling Files, Set of 3 - Precise Fret Work","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the StewMac Fret\/Fingerboard Leveling Files, Set of 3, the bottom line is simple: this set is for guitar and bass techs or serious DIYers who want a fast, comfortable way to level frets and tidy fingerboards. The files cut quickly and leave a smooth finish, so the single biggest reason to buy is their efficiency - they remove material with less chatter and require less effort thanks to the single-cut tooth geometry and comfortable hardwood handles. For anyone doing regular fret dressing, this set noticeably speeds routine work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFast cutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single-cut teeth with a steeper angle reduce chatter and remove material more quickly than many leveling files.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMultiple lengths:\u003c\/strong\u003e The set includes a 6in general-use file and a 3in spot-leveling file to reach tight areas and long runs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComfortable handles:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each 1in wide file has a hardwood handle that gives better grip and control during extended shaping sessions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFingerboard-friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e The double-cut fingerboard leveler is designed to work cleanly on ebony, rosewood and pearl inlays while leaving a smooth surface.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStainless-ready:\u003c\/strong\u003e These files are suitable for modern stainless-steel fretwire, so they work on harder frets other files struggle with.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese files suit workshop technicians, luthiers and experienced home builders who perform fret leveling, dressing and beveling regularly and value tools that cut cleanly and resist chatter. The set appeals to those who want both a long 6in file for straight runs and a short 3in file for localized work, plus a dedicated fingerboard leveler for inlay and wood surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginners who expect to use them only occasionally might find the set more tool than needed, and someone working exclusively on ultra-fine cosmetic touchups could prefer a finer file or sanding approach. However, anyone tackling stainless-steel frets or doing structural fretwork will find the set appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCuts faster with less chatter thanks to the steeper single-cut tooth geometry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComfortable hardwood handles improve control during longer tasks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes both long and short files plus a double-cut fingerboard leveler for versatile use on frets and inlays.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorks on stainless-steel fretwire, suitable for modern hard frets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe set is a workshop-grade tool and may be more than casual players need for occasional touchups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome customers consider the price high relative to basic hobby files, though build quality is often cited as justifying it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStewMac\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSet contents\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThree files: 6in general file, 3in spot file, fingerboard leveler\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFile width\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHandle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eComfortable hardwood handle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTooth type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSingle-cut teeth (files) and double-cut (fingerboard leveler)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable for\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard and stainless-steel fretwire, ebony, rosewood and pearl inlays\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe StewMac Fret\/Fingerboard Leveling Files, Set of 3 is a practical choice for technicians and committed DIYers who need reliable, efficient fretwork tools. Its fast-cutting tooth design, sturdy hardwood handles and suitability for stainless frets make it a durable, worthwhile kit for regular maintenance and repairs, offering good value when used frequently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan these files be used on stainless-steel frets?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The files are suitable for modern stainless-steel fretwire and are built to cut harder materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between the files in the set?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 6in file is for general runs, the 3in file is for spot leveling, and the fingerboard leveler is double-cut for timber and inlay work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo the files leave a smooth finish on fingerboards?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Despite the rough appearance of the leveler, it leaves a smooth finish on ebony, rosewood and pearl inlays.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"StewMac","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48197561680091,"sku":"B083KN33YK","price":169.55,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/41PE4Pi2l0L._AC.jpg?v=1770268470","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/stewmac-fret-fingerboard-leveling-files-set-of-3-precise-fret-work","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}