Thomann Fret File

I bought this file thinking that I would buy some cheap option to get started on fretwork and then buy a proper one when I got good at it... Actually, I've done many setups by now and this file is withstanding the test of time with no issues whatsoever

It does the job pretty well and works fine on any Medium to Jumbo frets, and will last for a long time.

Pros:
- Quality file that fits 80 to 90% of frets sizes out there
- I like the cable a lot and find it really comfortable for the task. Considering that you shouldn't get too comfortable while you crown the frets (so you stop and don't file away too much), this provides you with the right amount of comfort.
- Being double-sided, it ensures that the file will really last for a long time
- The file is very long, which means you can cover the whole fret surface while crowning, without hitting the guitar neck with the file's cable

Cons:
Nothing that I can think of...

In sum, I would much rather buy another one of these when this one reaches its end-of-life, than getting a very expensive one that maybe will last for the same amount of time.

The inner groove is 2.70mm wide!

I read in the reviews that most people recommend it for Jumbo frets (or Jumbo and Medium/most fret sizes). The Jumbo Frets on my guitars are around 2.9mm wide (Ibanez RGs). The file can't fit vertically and need to be angled. The inner edge got dull after 2-3 frets. It took me a LOT of effort (hours) to finish all 24 frets (twisting for the edges/moving under high angle on Ibanez RG - 2.92mm).
On the next day I tried on Medium frets (2.1mm) and the file was working just fine.
The Jumbo frets are anywhere from 2.49 to 2.99mm wide.
3" doesn't mean up to 3mm.
I sent a message to Thomann. They must update the description.

It's my 1st Fret File, so I can't compare it to something else.
Measure the Fret width before order.

I bought this file to crown the Stainless Steel frets on the guitar I was working on. I assumed I might get one or two guitars done before the file wore down, but about 10 guitars later I am still using it and there is plenty of guitars left in it. Buyers should know that working with stainless steel frets, will shorten the lifespan of any file but this has served me very well. I only use it after I level the frets , to file the sides of the frets to remove the flat surface. which it does very well. It takes only from the sides of the fretwire which is exactly what you want! If you are working on regular nickel frets this file will last in you toolbox for a long long time. Its double sided which is great... It a good solid build... not to heavy and very comfortable to hold. Highly recommended!

I have a set of decent precision files which I used to use for (among other things) minor fret edge refinements. However, one day, despite masking off the fretboard, I had one of these files jump off the edge of a fret, cut through the mask, and carve a 7mm scratch into the fretboard. Luckily it doesn't affect play, but you can imagine how annoyed I was at myself. I looked around and discovered that Thomann now sell a fret file - so on a punt I ordered one. Wow, it is so much easier to work with than a precision file! Because the abrasive edge is concave to the edges of the file and the rest is flat metal, you only risk wearing down the fretboard at points where the frets meet, and that is easily mitigated by masking. While I'm sure a profession luthier will point out why their expensive fret file might be better than this, I'm only using mine intermittently so it's more appropriate for purposes. I wish I had got one of these sooner.

Great for reprofiling the frets after levelling. Makes very short work of recrowning, just a few passes typically needed. Has safe edges to help protect the fingerboard but I also use masking tape. I like the rounded corners on the leading face of the file as they reduce the likelihood of causing damage to the guitar body. Also like the ergonomic wooden handle as it gives a good grip keeping the file perpendicular to the frets. It is tricky to use at the higher frets especially with low radius necks. It would benefit from an angle between the handle and file and maybe a shorter file length. I think that these features come with far more expensive files. So at this price and given that I use only for my guitars, no complaints.

I'm not a skilled professional when it comes to this kind of thing but I usually take care of my guitars and bases myself, rather than take them to a shop, so I know what is being done and know it's being done the way i want.

With that in mind i decided to buy some more specialised tools, including this fret file. I was really pleased/surprised to see a Thomann own brand one and snapped it up.

It's a very inexpensive way to give this a try and see if i can get the results I'm after.

I bought a 80's bass on Ebay that had been pretty well played and was in need of a fret dressing. This did the trick! They're not perfect but that may be more my skills (or perhaps they were too far gone already...) but It's made a badly buzzing mess, playable again. I'm really happy!

It was very easy to use, comfortable and durable. I'm sure there are better tools for the job out there but I doubt they'd be at this price point so I'd say it's a 5 star product