Tools that you use.

[kurth83]

I am only a user, and focus on what I need to do a good setup, this includes making new nuts for string spacing. The only other job I do is installing pickups.

These are the tools that are vital for me for doing a setup.
- string height gauge from stewmac, this is the single most important gadget I own. It is far more accurate than cards or feeler gauges.
- nut files.
- electric string winder made from screwdriver and string winder bit.
- a very accurate tuner.
- reading glasses, so an OG can see what he is doing... :-)

For cutting a new nut:
- xacto micro saw to trim nut width, is there a power tool for this?
- finishing sander, to shape the nut before cutting slots.

For installing pickups:
- a set of reamers for cleaner holes for the 1/4" jack.

Curious if others know of any cool tools.

[LadysSolo]

A #2 pencil for lubricating the slots in the nut.

[MikeZito]

I like having a decent caliper around for measurements on certain odds and ends . . . .

[Rick Jones]

If you are talking about setup work, the other indispensable tool in my personal opinion is the StewMac String Spacing Gauge. I can't imagine slotting a nut without it.

[Folkmusician.com]

I have had a bit of an issue with collecting/making tools. I can't leave things alone and always look for a better way... That said, 95% of my tools go mostly unused.

I have the stewmac gauge. Great, but not 100% mandatory.
Nut files. Critical and one of the few specialty tools needed.
String winders.. I also made a couple that go in the electric driver. Wouldn't bother for occasional work, but for a shop, YES!
Good tuner, yes VERY important. I use Strobosoft with and without a clip on pickup.
Wire cutters.

Fret files. A triangular file with safety edges is fine, but I prefer diamond fret files. I have the big Stewmac version, but only use the small stewmac versions.

Diamond fret levelers. I have sanding blocks, a few fret files and misc, other things, but really only use the diamond levelers.

Fret rocker
straight edges

Hammer... the standard brass/plastic style.
Clamps. All sorts, but mostly use Irwin qwik clamps. I have some custom made cauls on them and use them to quickly glue and clamp frets.

various files, some custom ground.
Chisels.
scrapers: Mostly for fitting the bridge.

caliper, I use more to scratch lines onto things than for measuring. I do all string spacing by eye. I find it more accurate that way. Same for cutting nuts etc.. I do have jigs for several standard string spacings. Also setup a mini mill to premake nuts and bridges in batches.
Screw drivers
Various truss rod wrenches.
tape
instrument cover


These are used on almost every mandolin setup.

Add reamers for acoustic guitars.
Vise for new nuts
Drill for redoing bridge posts, list goes on....

As far as "cool" tools... I have tried some crazy stuff with varying degrees of success. I love rotary tools (have Foredom, Dremel and Proxxon). How about a Foredom powered sled with vaccumm attachment for taking the top off of nuts. It actually works great, it is just hard to contain the cloud of bone dust! Easier to do it with a hand file then clean up the mess. haha

[oldwave maker]

Used to look forward to the latest Stew-mac catalog so I could turn yard sale finds into necessary mandotools, till I had twice as many as needed.
Last time I picked Mike Kemnitzer's brain, he couldn't find half of his either!