i have one of these, works great, saves a lot of time.

Excellent and concise explanation of how to best use the MCB "click" gauge, which effectively takes string action and releif variables out of the equation. Love the 90 degree bent string for checking the 1st fret gap.  I also use the fretted 3rd to check the gap at the 1st fret by sliding a small cut piece of computer paper to slide under the strings to check the 1st fret gap (Sometimes you cannot hear the little ping of the string on the fret when pressed downward or see its movement--old eyes lol). Definitely some "art" along with the science of measurements in this.

Super helpful! Thanks for clarifying everything! I really like the idea is using the strings instead of feeler gauges — it’s much clearer to see if it’s laying on the string than a flat gauge.

I like the Joe Satriani setup where the action is uniform across the fretboard from the bridge to the nut

Teach me, Sensei!  Great short video for understanding the concepts here. I  am barely even an amateur at this, buying junk guitars and trying to make them play-worthy, just as a hobby, not a business.  Thanks to your videos, I not only "know", but I also "understand".  Hopefully this will prevent me from having to trash any more nuts that I screwed up.  Cheers!

Great video. You always offer a concise,  explanation of your methods.

Love the string trick. Wish I would have seen this before I put the money out for a digital gauge. That just makes so much sense. Thank you.

Can you do a video using feeler gauges? Also, how do you sand down the top of an installed nut?

Good information. I’m learning to do setups on pawnshop guitars and this is helpful

Thank you!
Important video!!

Well explained
Thanks..
I think next time I change strings I
will make a couple of guages

I have the fret guru string gauge with the thin, tapered end so it fits in the nut slot and you can measure it that way. Works for me. Thumbs up for the algorithm. \m/

Yeah, this is definitely useful information!!!
I'm about to replace the nut on a new guitar.

Love this!  Gonna make one of those gauges immediately!  Much easier to use than trying to fit feeler gauges in there!

thank you for the up date/

thanks

Great video😊 just brought a StewMac digital nut slot gauge which is very helpful. I also brought one in the uk but it’s not as accurate.

Sorry I missed the premiere, brother Chris 🙏, but I was shoveling the driveway and the neighbors, too, because we got a whole bunch of snow up here in Northern Vermont. Ya've got to keep up with it or else yer going to brake yer back 😱, lol 🤣 seriously, though 🤣. Ya live in Canada, so I'm pretty sure that ya understand what I'm talking about 💯%!! 7:03 That's a very unique way of achieving the proper string height, brother Chris. I like the way that ya used yer new nut slot filing tool, mate 👌. That Super Strat style guitar that ya were holding on the table with the burl burst, flamed maple top, or quilted maple top 🎸 brother 🤔💭?, lol 🤣 WTF, right, mate!? Regardless, it's a bloody f'kn fantastic looking Axe and I can't wait to see ya reassemble it. Thanks for sharing yer honest thoughts and opinions about filing yer nut slots, brother. I really appreciate ya sharing yer guitar journey adventures with us all, and until next time... Stay safe, Stay metal, and don't forget to Riff.?! Getcha Pull <3 😎🤘🥂💯🍻

Nice. I didn’t quite get that tool the first time. I’m not sure if it’s useful for the way I usually do things but I’m definitely stealing the guitar string height gauge.

Thanks for a good video.  FWIW I think this is the most daunting part of any set-up.  Mess up the nut action and nothing else matters in terms of playability IMO, and it's never right from the factory (at least with the Squiers and Epis I usually get to work on....LOL)    I've been doing it for 50 yrs  (no kidding) and still wish I was better at it - I keep looking for a "better way" and to be totally honest I love the idea of a "zero fret".  Want a little more clearance?  Install a slightly higher "zero". EDIT: Forgot - I use the "gauged string as a tool"  for various tasks too.  Feeler gauges on a curved board with all the stings on don't cut it for me, and the dial caliper tools seem like total overkill for this. But if you want precision DO check your offcuts with your caliper.  I've had 'em a few .001s different than the stated diameter at the end of the string. Not round...stretched... whatever...I'm guessing whatever machine cuts the string does something to it.  ALSO  I put a blob of silicone on the "handle" grab end so I don't stick myself and label the "tool" with blue tape... but one of my new 3D printer projects this winter is gonna be making a little labeled tab/handle for them.