How to File the Fret Ends on a Guitar
The frets on a guitar's fretboard are important but often overlooked, and any metal fret ends that are not properly filed can cut or scratch your hands and slow down your playing. Most guitar manufacturers make sure that the fret ends of their guitars are filed smooth before leaving the factory. But if you replace frets on your guitar, you may need to file the ends until they are smooth, have no sharp edges and do not extend off the fretboard.
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Instructions
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Wrap a sanding block tightly with 600-grit sandpaper.
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Clamp or secure the neck of the guitar so that it doesn't move when you begin sanding. Be careful not to damage the neck and make sure the clamping devices are either wrapped with soft material or made of rubber.
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Sand the fret ends with 600-grit sandpaper until they are smooth. Sand away from the fretboard and only in one direction. Stop sanding frequently to check your progress. The fret ends should be smooth and still span the entire fretboard. If you sand away too much of the fret, it won't be long enough to provide a proper playing surface and will need to be replaced.
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Tips & Warnings
When sanding multiple fret ends, try to make each fret look and feel the same.
Keep in mind that you can always sand away more of a fret, but you can't add to it once sanded away.
Wear eye protection while sanding, as the dust from the fret ends can irritate or damage your eyes.
References
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