Fret Tang Nipper - The Next Project

Can a $15 Amazon Case Nibbler be used to trim the tang from stainless steel fret wire? I don't know, lets find out as we start the Next Project.

So, I purchased 2 pair of the "Case Nibbler" tool from amazon. At the time of the purchase, the tool was about $12US each, but with the world-wide supply of everything important, prices have gone up. Some people may blame Brandon for this, but I think there are other things at work. (that's a joke folks).

00:05 - project intro
01:21 - the goods
01:38 - prep
02:45 - groove
04:33 - recap to this point
06:12 - reverse style mod (pair #2)
08:18 - stainless tang test
10:02 - of interest
11:47 - outro

Simple enough to take the nipper apart and cut a groove in the top cutting deck. I used a dremel style tool, with a small cut off disc. Finished things up with a half-round file. I also think this could be done using a hacksaw with the proper kerf and temper blade.

My initial expectation was that the stainless fretwire would fatigue and break the cutting head off. So, after the nippers had been modified, they were tested.

To my surprise, I cleanly nipped both sides of 24 pieces of fretwire without issue. A good day in the garage.

Amazon: Case Nibbler, or Nibbling Tool...
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nibbling+t...

This video and all of my projects are just for entertainment. Use proper safety practices and improve upon whatever I’m showing you here. Be safe, not sorry!

I hope you enjoyed this video!