{"product_id":"stewmac-gauged-nut-slotting-file-016-in-precise-nut-saddle-slots","title":"StewMac Gauged Nut Slotting File.016 in - Precise Nut \u0026 Saddle Slots","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the StewMac gauged nut slotting file.016 in is judged on accuracy and build for luthiers and hobbyists who need precise nut and saddle work. The bottom line: this tempered edge-cut file makes clean, round-bottom slots that help strings seat without buzzing, and it is best for anyone who routinely sets up guitars or works on metal saddles. It is a focused, professional tool that trades broad versatility for dependable, repeatable slot size and cut quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTempered edge-cut design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Produces a round-bottom slot that helps strings sit properly and reduces buzzing at the nut.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChrome-alloy steel construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Durable material that holds a cutting edge and stands up to repeated shop use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwin 4 in cutting edges:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two usable edges extend tool life and provide consistent cuts for multiple jobs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e.016 in gauge:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sized to match string gauges so you can cut slots that are the correct width for specific strings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWorks on saddles too:\u003c\/strong\u003e Effective for Tune-o-matic and other metal saddles when round-bottom slots are required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe file is aimed at busy repair shops, professional luthiers and dedicated hobbyists who need a reliable tool for cutting precise nut and saddle slots. If you routinely perform set ups, replace nuts or modify saddles, the consistent.016 in size and hardened edge make this a sensible addition to the bench.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who want a multipurpose file for many non-guitar tasks or who need a wide range of gauge sizes in a single tool should look elsewhere; this is a specialist instrument best used alongside a small set of other gauged files for full string coverage.\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\u003eHigh quality feel and accurate cut, which customers praise for producing neat, consistent slots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTempered, chrome-alloy construction means good edge life and toughness for shop use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWorks well on bone nuts and metal saddles, giving round-bottom slots that improve string seating.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePrice is higher than some basic files, and a few users noted the value-for-money tradeoff for a single gauge tool.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGauged Nut Slotting File.016 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\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\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChrome-alloy steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCutting edges\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTwin 4 in edges\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFile type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTempered edge-cut, round-bottom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimary use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNuts and saddles (including metal saddles)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe StewMac.016 in nut slotting file is a solid, specialist tool for anyone who needs accurate, round-bottom nut and saddle slots; it is particularly useful in repair shops and for serious hobbyists who value cut consistency and durability. While it is a bit costly for a single gauge, its build quality and effective results make it a worthwhile purchase for targeted setup work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this file be used on metal saddles?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The tempered edge-cut form and chrome-alloy steel are suitable for cutting round-bottom slots in metal saddles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould the file match my string gauge exactly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIdeally yes; use the same size or a few thousands larger. A slightly smaller file can be rocked side-to-side to widen a slot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long do the cutting edges last?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEdge life is good for shop use thanks to the tempered chrome-alloy construction, and the twin cutting edges provide extra usable life before replacement is needed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"StewMac","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48195911221467,"sku":"B01N53YW9O","price":32.14,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71zu0_dCbmL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1770298692","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/stewmac-gauged-nut-slotting-file-016-in-precise-nut-saddle-slots","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}