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The original fret tang cutters sold at StewMac were Klein #76011B nibbler tools which had been modified by adding a half-round groove directly in front of the cutter blade for the fret crown to rest in. This tool was been discontinued by Klein awhile back and StewMac is now selling a completely different tool mfg'd in China for $64.93 + s/h which IMO is not made as well. The Klein tool also uses a replaceable cutter blade, some of which are still available for about $12.
Here is a link to an eBay Buy It Now listing for 2 nibblers for $40 each plus $4.16 s/h. I bought one that I modified in 2014 that works great and just picked up a spare a few months ago so I don't need another one.
EDIT: Done gone! (New listing posted in comments.)
Here is the link to the fret tang cutters at StewMac:
Fret Tang Nipper | stewmac.com
If someone here decides to buy one I will take pictures of my modified nibbler and post them here for reference. (The older catalogs and the webpage had a picture which I used for reference.)
BTW I had originally done a similar modification to a cheap generic $6 nibbler tool which worked but did not have as much leverage (if the bumps on the tang were lined up just so the tool could not cut it.) I mention all that in case someone wants to practise on a cheapie nibbler first...
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Steve Ahola
P.S. I'll delete or update this post once the nibblers are gone. In case it wasn't clear it is not me selling them - I'm just posting this as a public service announcement.
P.P.S. As an alternate source for a used Klein nibbler you might want to check with the local HVAC firms which install heating and cooling ducts- show them a picture and they might have one around that they are not using anymore and might sell for a song. Or not. While they use electric tools on job sites there has to be a starting hole and the Klein nibbler is great for that...
Here is a link to an eBay Buy It Now listing for 2 nibblers for $40 each plus $4.16 s/h. I bought one that I modified in 2014 that works great and just picked up a spare a few months ago so I don't need another one.
EDIT: Done gone! (New listing posted in comments.)
Here is the link to the fret tang cutters at StewMac:
Fret Tang Nipper | stewmac.com
If someone here decides to buy one I will take pictures of my modified nibbler and post them here for reference. (The older catalogs and the webpage had a picture which I used for reference.)
BTW I had originally done a similar modification to a cheap generic $6 nibbler tool which worked but did not have as much leverage (if the bumps on the tang were lined up just so the tool could not cut it.) I mention all that in case someone wants to practise on a cheapie nibbler first...
Steve Ahola
P.S. I'll delete or update this post once the nibblers are gone. In case it wasn't clear it is not me selling them - I'm just posting this as a public service announcement.
P.P.S. As an alternate source for a used Klein nibbler you might want to check with the local HVAC firms which install heating and cooling ducts- show them a picture and they might have one around that they are not using anymore and might sell for a song. Or not. While they use electric tools on job sites there has to be a starting hole and the Klein nibbler is great for that...
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