Re-Gluing Guitar Nut

[animalfarm]

One of our new members tacked his question onto the tail end of the "DIY" Sticky.

Not many folks read the posts there, sooooooooo.... I'm placing his question HERE

in the Electrics section. More exposure, perhaps more commentary.

As this question is surfacing a lot, looks like it's headed for Permanent inclusion in

the DIY.

 

ORIGINAL QUESTION from "noahscircle":

 

Well i got the guitar home put in some Dunlop 10's (strings), the nut fell on the floor ...

i've never had a guitar do this... i'm certain that shouldn't be like that, how do I secure

it down (what do you guys use? )

 

NC - take a look at the following...

 

From Epi ELectrics Forum ("Nut Not Centered"):

http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/57900-nut-not-centered/page__p__780925__hl__replace+nut__fromsearch__1#entry780925

 

From STEWMAC Site:

http://www.stewmac.com/freeinfo/Nuts,_saddles/i-5350.html

 

Excerpt from "String it up" section:

" If you’re happy, loosen the strings and glue the nut in lightly with 2 or 3 small drops of Titebond glue.

Replace the strings quickly, tune back to pitch, and slide the nut from side-to-side to align it while the

glue is wet and slippery. Leave the strings on to provide clamping pressure. After the glue dries for an hour,

you‘re ready to play the guitar..."

 

From Fretnot Guitar Repair Site:

http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/repair/electric-guitar/nut.php

 

Excerpt from "Securing a Loose Nut" section:

"If a nut pops loose I recommend using a couple of drops of Elmer's or wood glue to reattach it.

The use of permanent adhesives can create problems should the nut need to be removed for future repairs.

 

A small dab between the end of the fingerboard and the nut will do the trick and permit easy removal

that does not damage the bottom of the slot when removing...

 

Thanks for your question! Hey, We DO try to help each other out around here. and there are

MANY knowlegeable folks (I'm thinking of a few right now) who can assist.

[rdsmith3]

I just replaced the nut on my Les Paul with a Tusq nut. My new one is wedged in there very tightly, so I did not use any glue. I'm glad that I did not because I have decided that I still want to sand some more off the bottom. I was very conservative in sanding it, because if you go too far, there's nothing you can do except start over with a new nut. I am going to take the nut off again and sand some more off until I am at the desired string height.