Huck

Folds? Do you mind sharing a link or a pic?

Well... looks like some of us just like to collect stuff

Hi all, Is it just me or is this common? Sometimes I think all I need is just a capo, cutting pliers and a piece of cloth. Maybe not even that. Then there are days when I'm worried I'm missing something and need to get it into my toolbox: from a simple string action ruler, feeler and radius gauges to all sorts of files, allen keys, screwdrivers, even a straight notched edge and a homemade fret levelling beam lol... Help me out. What's the healthy and useful balance for day to day activities? What's your go to tool subset that covers 80%-90% of your needs and comes in handy on the move or at home? Any multi-tools or other product recommendations to save space?

My tools recommendation: Diamond coated file set [1] (mainly the triangular file) for cutting the nut slot & welding nozzle cleaners [2] for rounding out the bottom of the cut. Total cost: about £16 (plus shipment if you can't find them locally). [1] E.g. https://www.axminstertools.com/axminster-diamond-file-set-180mm-10-pce-100174 [2] E.g. https://www.westcoweld.co.uk/welding-and-cutting/gas-equipment/accessories/nozzle-cleaner-sets Also my recommendation: Take the DIY path if you want to gain the skill, new tools and tweak your instrument to your liking. If that's not your thing, don't do it just to save £10-30. It'll frustrate you and may cost more in time and other resources. In that case, find a trusted luthier and let him do it for you. That skill and fun of experimentation though...

This. Don't take it for granted that a spirit level or a sheet of metal is flat just because it looks that way. Interestingly, I found flatness not in my DIY toolbox but in the kitchen. If you take a piece of quartz countertop, you can expect 1/32" in 8 ft of tolerance (0.3 mm in 1 m) or even 0.0001"/foot (0.008 mm in 1 m) depending on grade/finish. This is because customers want a nice accurate clear reflection (instead of float glass-like distortions) and definitely don't want lippage (which you get when two panels are not precision flat). Check with your local stone mason if they have any piece of scrap engineered stone you could take. Polished granite or quartz surface are other names it may go by. They should be happy to get rid of scrap. Ideally, they'd cut it for you too, but that's less likely to happen for free. If you get hold of a nice piece sufficiently big for fret levelling and decide to cut it yourself, seek guidance. Please please DO NOT use a dry grinder blade. It'll shatter and may hurt you in the process. Wet cut only. Re DIY tools in general, you'll find a lot of information on youtube, for example: