How do you replace a nut?

[Glacies]

One of my old guitars that I don't play anymore has a broken nut. I'm trying to fix it so that I can give it to someone I know will play it but I don't have the first clue of how to start. I thought I'd ask here before googling. Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[syo]

If you've never fitted a nut before (or even if you have) you may want to look into using slotted nuts from StewMac. These will save you time and probably money for extra tools you might need. Only question is whether or not they have the same string spacing as the guitar in question. You can take a look here:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Nuts,_saddles/String_nuts/Slotted_Unbleached_Bone_Nuts.html?actn=100101&xst=3&xsr=1061

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Nuts,_saddles/String_nuts/Tusq_XL_Nuts.html?actn=100101&xst=3&xsr=1061

 

[Zip]

Tap the old nut out sideways. I just use a hammer & screwdriver. Then using one of those Stewmac nuts, slide it back in place with a drop or two of white Elmers glue. Done.

 

[Bookkeeper's Son]

Tusq brand pre-slotted nuts work very well - usually the only thing that needs to be done is to sand the bottom for correct height. The GraphTech website has precise dimensions listed for all of their nuts, and there may well be one that's a perfect or near-perfect fit. What's the make and model of the guitar?

http://graphtech.com/products.html?SubCategoryID=4

http://www.graphtech.com/kbase.html?ArticleID=24

Tusq nuts are usually less expensive (under $10) from dealers other than direct from GraphTech - I've gotten mine via eBay.