šø Product Overview
Anyone who's done fret work knows the frustration: one slip of the file or leveling beam and you've scratched the fretboard finish you spent hours perfecting. Whether you're crowning frets, leveling, or pressing new frets in, the fretboard is always at risk ā and tape just doesn't give you the precision or protection you need.
This Stainless Steel Guitar Fretboard Protector slides snugly between frets to shield your fingerboard from scratches and tool marks during fret installation, leveling, and maintenance. Slim, durable, and reusable, it's the kind of small tool that makes a big difference in the quality of your fret work. š ļø
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Why Luthiers & Guitarists Choose This Tool
- ā Protect Your Fretboard Finish
Shields the wood from file marks, scratches, and tool contact during fret leveling and crowning ā no more accidental damage.
- ā Save Time on Cleanup
Eliminates the need to re-tape between every fret. Slide it in, do your work, move on.
- ā Doubles as a Precision Spacer
Use it as a feeler gauge to measure fret slot depth or check clearance ā two tools in one.
- ā Durable Stainless Steel Construction
Won't bend, warp, or wear out. Built to handle repeated use across many setups and repairs.
- ā Beginner Friendly
Simple to use ā just slide between frets before filing or leveling. No special skills required.
- ā Portable Design
Lightweight at just 5g per piece. Fits easily in any tool roll, gig bag, or repair kit.
š§ Common Problem ā Solution
Problem: Filing or leveling frets scratches the fretboard wood, especially on unfinished or oiled necks.
Solution: Slide the stainless steel fretboard protector between frets before any filing. It acts as a barrier so your tools never contact the wood directly.
Problem: Masking tape leaves residue and doesn't stay flat, causing uneven protection during fret work.
Solution: This rigid steel plate sits flush against the fretboard surface, giving you consistent, residue-free protection every time.
Problem: You need a quick way to check fret slot depth or spacing without a dedicated feeler gauge.
Solution: The precise thickness (0.010" or 0.020") makes this protector a handy measurement reference for fret slot and clearance checks.
Problem: Cheap plastic protectors flex under pressure and don't hold their shape during heavy fret work.
Solution: Stainless steel construction means this tool stays rigid and flat no matter how much pressure you apply.
šø Instrument Compatibility
Works With:
- ā Acoustic Guitar
- ā Electric Guitar
- ā Bass Guitar
- ā Mandolin
- ā Banjo
ā Key Features
- Stainless steel fretboard protector for guitar fret work and maintenance
- Available in 0.010" and 0.020" thickness ā choose the right fit for your fret slots
- Size: 152 Ć 12.5 mm (6" Ć 0.5") ā fits standard guitar and bass fret spacing
- Doubles as a precision fret spacer and feeler gauge for slot depth measurement
- Reusable and easy to clean ā wipe down after use
- Compatible with acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, mandolin, and banjo
- Essential luthier tool for fret leveling, crowning, and installation work
- Lightweight at 5g ā won't add bulk to your repair kit
š How to Use
Step 1 ā Select the appropriate thickness (0.010" for tighter slots, 0.020" for wider spacing) based on your fret size and slot width.
Step 2 ā Slide the steel plate between the fret you're working on and the adjacent fret, positioning it flat against the fretboard surface.
Step 3 ā Proceed with your fret leveling, crowning, or filing. The plate shields the wood from direct tool contact.
Step 4 ā Move the protector to the next fret as you work your way down the neck. Wipe clean after use and store in your tool kit.
š Product Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Material |
Stainless Steel |
| Size |
152 Ć 12.5 mm / 6" Ć 0.5" |
| Weight |
5 g / 0.2 oz per piece |
| Thickness Options |
0.010" or 0.020" per piece |
| Package Includes |
1 Ć Fretboard Protector (choose thickness) |
| Compatibility |
Guitar, Bass, Mandolin, Banjo |
šÆ Perfect For
- šø Home luthiers doing DIY fret work
- šø Guitar repair technicians and setup professionals
- šø Intermediate and advanced players who do their own maintenance
- šø Music stores handling instrument repairs
- šø Guitar teachers who maintain student instruments
- šø Builders working on custom guitar projects
ā FAQ
Q: Is this suitable for beginners doing their first fret job?
A: Yes. It's one of the simplest tools to use ā just slide it in place before filing. It actually makes fret work more forgiving for beginners by protecting the fretboard.
Q: Will this scratch my fretboard?
A: The steel plate is smooth and designed to sit flat against the wood. When used correctly, it protects rather than scratches. Avoid sliding it forcefully across the surface.
Q: What's the difference between 0.010" and 0.020"?
A: The 0.010" is thinner and fits tighter fret slots, while the 0.020" is better for wider slots or when you need a slightly larger spacer for measurement purposes. Choose based on your fret size.
Q: Can I use this on a bass guitar?
A: Yes. The 152mm length and 12.5mm width are compatible with standard bass guitar fret spacing.
Q: Is it reusable?
A: Absolutely. Stainless steel is highly durable and won't degrade with normal use. Wipe it clean after each session and it will last through many repairs.
Q: Does this work for mandolin and banjo fret work?
A: Yes, it's compatible with mandolin and banjo fretboards, though you may want to verify the fret spacing fits the 12.5mm width of the plate.
Q: Can I use this as a feeler gauge?
A: Yes. The precise thickness (0.010" or 0.020") makes it useful as a reference for checking fret slot depth and clearance measurements.
