Fret Puller — Lutherie Encyclopedia

Fret PullerType: toolModified end nippers with flat, ground jaws for cleanly removing frets from the fretboard without chipping or tearout.## Description A fret puller is a pair of end nippers with jaws ground flat on the underside, allowing them to slide under a fret crown and grip the fret wire close to the fretboard surface. When rocked sideways, the tool lifts the fret out of its slot with minimal damage to the surrounding wood. The flat jaw profile is critical; standard end nippers dig into the fretboard, causing chipping and tearout, especially on rosewood and ebony. ## Use in Lutherie Fret removal is necessary when performing a complete refret, replacing individual damaged frets, or correcting poorly seated frets during construction. The fret puller is worked under one end of the fret, then walked along the fret length, gradually lifting it from the slot. Heating the fret with a soldering iron before pulling can soften any glue in the slot and reduce the risk of chipping, particularly on maple fretboards with a lacquer finish. Clean fret removal preserves the fret slot integrity for re-fretting. ## Selection Guide Stew-Mac, Hosco, and Hiroshima offer dedicated fret pullers with properly ground jaws. A good-quality pair of flush-cut end nippers (Knipex 68-01-200 is popular) can be modified by grinding the outer jaw faces flat. The jaws must meet precisely with no gap when closed. Budget 15 to 45 dollars. ## Tips - Always heat glued frets with a soldering iron before pulling. Apply heat for 3 to 5 seconds to soften the adhesive. - Start at one end of the fret and work toward the other, lifting gradually ra…