Need to raise a nut slot. Question about the file.

[dave_bass5]

My E is a bit low and ive decided for the first time that im going to have a go at fixing it. 

I’ve seen how to do it using Baking Soda, and im confident in doing it, but have a question about the file i need to use. Ive seen recommendations for Welders rods, and have looked these up on Amazon.

The question is, do i need to get something that is the same, or almost as wide as the slot itself? All the Welder’s rod sets seem to be very narrow. Is it a case of just using a narrow one and working my way around the slot with it?

 

Thanks for any advice. 

[Hellzero]

Baking Soda? Are you sure?

 

Simply use a drop of Super Glue, let it dry, or better use an accelerator and slightly file.

[Hellzero]

To file without the right tool (a real nut file), use an A string (in your case) with some sanding paper (800 grit or more) wrapped around it.

[dave_bass5]

1 hour ago, Hellzero said:

Baking Soda? Are you sure?

 

Simply use a drop of Super Glue, let it dry, or better use an accelerator and slightly file.

Yeah, i thought this was quite a common practice. Obviously with superglue and not just left loose 😀

 

50 minutes ago, Hellzero said:

To file without the right tool (a real nut file), use an A string (in your case) with some sanding paper (800 grit or more) wrapped around it.

Thanks, ill bare that in mind.

Edited June 4 by dave_bass5

[ezbass]

10 hours ago, dave_bass5 said:

Yeah, i thought this was quite a common practice. Obviously with superglue and not just left loose 😀

Yes, this does seem to be the go to method, perhaps it is harder than just superglue alone, it will certainly be easier to see.

[Beedster]

10 hours ago, Hellzero said:

To file without the right tool (a real nut file), use an A string (in your case) with some sanding paper (800 grit or more) wrapped around it.

 

This ^

[ezbass]

10 hours ago, Hellzero said:

To file without the right tool (a real nut file), use an A string (in your case) with some sanding paper (800 grit or more) wrapped around it.

I’ve used this method, a short, chopped off length will make it easier to handle, with less chance of a convex finish.

[Bolo]

Table salt is a good substitute for baking soda for this application.

[dave_bass5]

Thanks for the replies. The plan is not to fill the whole slot, just pack it out at the bottom by a mm or two, although im sure to get to that I will need to file it. 

I have the wife's baking soda and the glue, I'll get some sandpaper and should be good to go. It's only a plastic nut and if I bodge it up too much I'll get a new one fitted. Should really do that anyway but I need the bass at home for the next few weeks while im learning some songs for a couple of gigs in July. 

[PaulThePlug]

I had to build up the nut on a ebay neck.

Tape up the headstock from sharp pointy things... think i used a round needle file, twisting rather than back and forth.

[dave_bass5]

Thanks. interesting thread. Hoping to get this done at the weekend. I'll report back if and when I do. 

[Jakester]

I found when I needed to raise the nut a little a slip of paper did the job enough - might be worth a go before you start hitting it with the glue?

[dave_bass5]

12 minutes ago, Jakester said:

I found when I needed to raise the nut a little a slip of paper did the job enough - might be worth a go before you start hitting it with the glue?

Cheers. There is already a piece of paper in the slot. I was getting buzz from behind the nut a while ago and that cured it, but now i get a bit of buzz on the open E string and can see the string is sitting really low. Fretting at the 3rd fret pushes the string on to the 1st fret. 

[Stub Mandrel]

Cunning Tip.

 

Use paper to get the ideal slot height. Carefully remove string and ensure paper is well bedded down.

 

Use a cocktail stick to apply superglue and make the paper permanent. Cellulose fibres are ideal reinforcement. 

 

Trim ends as needed with a sharp blade.   

 

 

Edited June 6 by Stub Mandrel
spilling and grandma.

[ezbass]

With all of these fixes, do make sure you use tone: superglue; baking powder; salt; paper.   

[dave_bass5]

What type of baking soda is good for metal? 😂

[dave_bass5]

1 hour ago, Stub Mandrel said:

Cunning Tip.

 

Use paper to get the ideal slot height. Carefully remove string and ensure paper is well bedded down.

 

Use a cocktail stick to apply superglue and make the paper permanent. Cellulose fibres are ideal reinforcement. 

 

Trim ends as needed with a sharp blade.   

 

 

Good idea, cheers.

[dave_bass5]

Ok, i think ive got it all sorted. Got home from work and put a few drops of superglue in the slot while the kettle was boiling. Left it for an hour and re strung. Perfect!!!. 

I didnt bother filing anything, it just seemed to work fine without that, and i took the paper out as well. Im going to put some new stings on over the weekend so will have a closer look to see if it does need anymore attention.

This will be fine until i can get the nut replaced. Not sure how long the glue will last, but as i dont change strings much im sure it’s not going to wear out anytime soon. 

 

Thanks again for all the tips. 

Edited June 6 by dave_bass5

[mcnach]

On 06/06/2025 at 12:45, ezbass said:

With all of these fixes, do make sure you use tone: superglue; baking powder; salt; paper.   

 

do we get cake in the end too?

[ezbass]

2 hours ago, mcnach said:

 

do we get cake in the end too?

That’d be some awful cake with those ingredients. 

[mcnach]

58 minutes ago, ezbass said:

That’d be some awful cake with those ingredients. 

 

 

I am pretty sure I'd have had worse.

 

"Little Chef" anybody? That obligatory stop for anybody driving on the motorways in the 90s. It made Tunnocks Tea Cakes seem proper gourmet stuff.

 

[ezbass]

1 hour ago, mcnach said:

I am pretty sure I'd have had worse.

Likewise, probably.

 

Fortunately, these days, I’m spoilt with splendid baked goods, Lady Ez being quite the whizz with a sweet, cake, confection.