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Is there a way of fixing a nut slot that I've cut too deep?
I'd prefer not to have to start again since the nut fits really well.

Bone dust and CA in the offending slot or a shim under the nut. I use the first but the latter is not the best.

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

I use one of my needle files, the one with the "knife edge" and file the slot to a tight wedge, below the level of the string slot.
Make a bone wedge and CA glue it in.
When it's set, cut off the top of the bone wedge and file it level with the rest of the nut.
Re-cut the slot, and try not to go too deep this time?

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That is excellent!
I've done the bone dust and CA thing, and was always disappointed even if it worked.
Next time - I'll wedge it!

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Very interesting responses. I've read many times that baking soda and CA have the same effect, but have never had to try it. Since none of the respondents have recommended that method, I'm starting to think maybe it was bogus advice. What do you guys say? I'm sure there are lots of lurkers who read the same things I read, and they would like to know, too.

I have tried the CA and baking soda, and it does work. Not pretty, but it works.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

I've tried baking soda and CA and had a bit of a problem with corrosion on the string at the nut. Have not used it since.
Tom

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

Probably different with me, since I make classical guitars, and the string is silver plated. I didn't have that problem.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Baking soda and CA - did it, not happy with it.
Used talcum powder once - it was alright.

Better to not go too deeply (natch!), or try the wedge method IMO.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

I did a repair with baking soda and CA recently. It worked but the baking soda was a little too course and it turned slightly green.

I CA a thin slice of a white business card into the slot and wedge it in with a sharp knife. The slice should be very wet with CA. Then I let it dry and recut the slot. The tone seems unaffected by this fix. I cut alot of nuts and use this method rarely but it works for me.
Michael

Make a new nut.

I agree with Tony.
A new guitar, or "my" guitar gets a new nut.

All the rest is a repair for those who do not wish to pay.

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LMI sells .020 bone shim stock. I haven't used it but I'm sure would be another option.

Bone dust and CA. I use some electrical tape to dam up the slot, keeps the CA from running wild. Let it set . Baking soda acts as an accelerator for CA too.

I make a new nut when that happens.

Chris.

Slots in nuts
Just another really good reason for the sacred Zero fret and a string holder. End of problem. Well not on this instrument.

As for this guitar, quick and dirty...anything you can glue in, that stays put and can be filed down. Me flavour Michaels saturated card stock.

Best fix is replacement, but look on the bright side...it ain't as severe as a hip or brain replacement.

Me, me got tired of replacing, got the big idea and grocked the wisdom of the Holy Zero Fret 10 years ago. Me haven't made a nut since.

Nuts...pain in the slot where the sun don't shine.

Nuts


blessings Padma

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CA glue and baking soda work really well I've found. Just build the slot a tad higher, refile it, and then touch it with a bit of graphite or something to give it some lubrication..or you could skip lubricating it and be just fine too.