Just got a Blacktop Strat, love it but the strings are quite a bit higher than the .018" I have heard they should be at the first fret. Since I want to learn how to work on guitars, I figure I will file down the nut myself but will the typical files work alright on this nut?

Thanks for any help, I just do not want to buy the wrong tool .

Chris

The height of locking nuts is adjusted by adding or removing shims under the nut. Filing the string slots can cause problems. When you buy new locking nuts they come with several thin metal shims to allow adjustment.

Unscrew the nut and see if there are shims under it. With luck, Fender just stacked all the shims that normally come with a locking nut under it, figuring that the end user will adjust to personal preference. If not, you'll need to file down the wood "shelf" that the nut sits on. If you file too low, you can make shims out of feeler gauges or aluminum cans.

No file please. First check under your nut , there probably some shim you can remove.

Buy the book " How to make your electric guitar play great" , by Dan Erlewine.

Music store or Amazon