How do you smooth a groove in a metal nut?

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Joseph Lazo
Posts: 319
Joined: 20 Jan 2024 8:31 am
Location: Wisconsin, USA

How do you smooth a groove in a metal nut?

Post by Joseph Lazo »

The metal nut under the second string on my Fender Champion has a groove from string tension bearing down on it. Doing string pulls below the 7th fret causes the string to momentarily be stuck, then abruptly break out of the groove with an audible "ping."

What can I use to smooth the metal where this groove is? I have some emery paper, but it looks like it's gonna need to be filed. If sandpaper is advisable, what type and what grit should I get? If filing is best, what type of file?
Joseph Lazo
Posts: 319
Joined: 20 Jan 2024 8:31 am
Location: Wisconsin, USA

Re: How do you smooth a groove in a metal nut?

Post by Joseph Lazo »

Eh, never mind. Found some old 400 grit black sandpaper and gave that a try. It smoothed it out enough that the string doesn't catch on it now.