Stratocaster nut slots?

[franko48]

I am trying to put a new nut on a stratocaster style instrument and have a question. Is there a standard width that is used for each slot since a person may want to put on a regular size set of strings (10,13,17,26,36,46) and then later may want to go to (9,11,16,24,32,42). Is it best to just make the slots for a regular size set? I presume the slightly larger cut will not interfere or present a problem with the lighter string size set. Am I correct? Thanks for any advice.

[badxmpl]

Welcome, Franko48!
You are correct. You can cut them for 10/46 and then change for 9/42s with no problem. We're only talking about up to four THOUSANDTHS of an inch. The main thing is that they're free in the nut. (especially on a Strat with a tremolo that gets used)

[franko48]

Welcome, Franko48!
You are correct. You can cut them for 10/46 and then change for 9/42s with no problem. We're only talking about up to four THOUSANDTHS of an inch. The main thing is that they're free in the nut. (especially on a Strat with a tremolo that gets used)

Thanks for the info. I figured the slots needed to be a little larger than the strings but not enough to cause them to move from side to side. It seems the nut slots were cut pretty close to standard and all I had to do is improve the angle a little. I made some feeler gauge files but they are not that great. I really need to look around and pick up a couple good files to do the job right especially if I pick up on a nut that has absolutely no grooves at all. I like the ones from StewMac but they are pricey. I have seen some on Ebay but from what I have heard they are not very good.

[tele savalas]

I use Stew Mac files, but I use them a LOT, so it was a worthwhile investment for me. You should be able to find something in this selection at a reasonable price:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...+nut+slot+file

[SAguitar]

Welcome to FenderTalk, Franko48! I use a set I got from Stew Mac also, and they are great tools but not cheap.