Hi everybody,
I've posted some other topics in hopes of determining what's up with my 16th fret buzzing and fretting out. I have concluded the cause is a fret that is not pressed into the board all the way.

see photo:

What is the best way to hammer or press it back into the fretboard? I'm thinking of getting a fret hammer and using the plastic end to seat it. Can I get away with putting some duct tape on a ordinary hammer? Will the fret need to be recrowned afterward?

Based on your picture, I agree with your diagnosis.

First try this: If you can press the fret down with your finger to where it is flush with the fingerboard and upon releasing the finger pressure, the fret springs back up, hammering it isn't going to help it. It's time for some crayon and crazy glue.

If you can't push it flush with finger pressure, you have a chance at hammering it in. However, I would use a plastic / rubber headed hammer, not a 'regular' nail hammer. One like this:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00938298000P

IMO, the expense of a Stew-Mac hammer and its shipping for a, "one shot" task is simply not worth it.

A regular hammer would apply too much concentrated pressure which could easily distort or ruin the fret and even possibly, the fretboard underneath along with it.

With a hammer like I suggest, start with the rubber end and if a bit more torque is required, switch to the plastic end. Make sure you only hit the intended fret and nothing else. Start from the center of the fret and work your way out. If the fret pops up again, here too, it would be time for the crayon and crazy glue.

With a hammer like I've suggested, if you do the job with 'finesse', you won't have to dress the fret afterward.

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You dig?

Good advice. Thank you. Between posts I tried the plastic end of a screw driver. It helped. I can't press the fret with my finger, so a hammering I will go. I have a Sears nearby.

Dan Erlewine makes it look easy...http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting_supplies/Shaping_and_crowning/1/Essential_Fretting_Tool_Kit/Video.html#details

Hi gldfshkpr: your photo may show a fret that has raised - and it may not. If the fret was like that from the start (which I've seen many times) then it will have been levelled and dressed in that position and so is actually right, regardless the gap beneath the edge.

You have to determine whether the fret is indeed high FIRST. Have you done that - the method with the steel ruler discussed on another of your threads?

If the fret is indeed high then proceed as Martian has said.

That may seat the fret securely in its slot - or it may not. Depends if the wood is already a bit chewed where the barbs on the fret tang are trying to grip it. If tapping it in doesn't secure it, then that fret is going to need to be removed and either subjected to some clever trickery (slight crimping of the tang) or put back in using the controversial "glue in" method.

Let's get to all that later if need be.

Tell us how you get on with the suggestions you have so far, first.

Cheers - C

You're quite welcome. Good luck!

Dan E. has to make it look easy or people wouldn't be so quick to buy his tools and parts.

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You dig?

Yep. I have taken a metal rule to it. It is definitely high. Thanks for your input.

You should just try to dress the fret as Ceri said! Amazing what can be done with a file. The fret slots are only cut so deep and you should not be able to press it flush and have it pop back up. If thats the case the slot is cut to wide and the tang is not grabing the wood. New they are pressed in, either way after your done tapping it you should dress it again.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

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Be prepared to discover that the fret slot is too shallow.

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