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I adapted a bottle capper as a fret press. It works fairly well and is easy on the hands - a few gentle taps to seat the fret.When I need to bottle some home brew I can reverse the pressing rod to use the end with the crimper.

I want to amend what I said about SM wire. It’s been a while since I used it. Ed reminded me that while it comes in straight-ish sections they are actually 16” radius.

Sorry about that. I’m used to dealing with the Jescar coiled wire.


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I just checked the Stew Mac website, and it still shows the fret wire being sold in straight 2 foot sections. The plastic tubes store compactly and it only takes a few seconds to put a radius on the wire. I just wish the price was a bit more competitive.

I've had similar experiences/frustrations with the Jaws. Really have to crank down on the handle to get enough pressure to seat the fret. Also, sometimes have to work the caul side to side to ensure even pressure.

One key point that I haven't seen mentioned above is to take a little bit off the edge of the fret slot with a file. The fret tang almost always has a little bit of radius, so "opening up" the very top of the slot just a little bit does wonders to help get the frets seated properly. Whenever I have trouble seating a fret, now, it's usually because I didn't take this step.

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Tony Thatcher
Bozeman, Montana