Here’s a list of tools that are needed for all your guitar projects:
While I’ve found more niche tools for guitar repair than really any other industry, there are a several staple tools that you will need to do good work.
A work space – Seems obvious, right? Well, when I started out, I had to use whatever open table space I could find. That wasn’t always the best because I would then have to find my tools and bring them to wherever I was that day. A game changer for me was having a dedicated space. What you see in the picture above is my actual works space. I use the following pieces as the foundation, I find these give me the space and the storage that I need:
- Husky 6 Foot Solid Wood Top Table – This is the perfect size for a standing work station and long enough to easily fit a guitar.
- Husky 1 Drawer, 2 Door Garage Base Cabinet – I use the top drawer for easy access to my frequently used tools and store larger equipment on the shelves in the doors below.
- Husky 2 Door Garage Base Cabinet – Perfect size for storing power tools, spare parts, or really anything else.
Overhead lighting – Again, pretty obvious, but very necessary. I use a 2 light system to shine up my dark basement area:
- A screw in LED overhead garage light – This lights up the room overall much better than a standard lightbulb.
- WEBANG Heavy Duty Metal Power Strip Surge Protector with 8 Outlets, 2 USB Ports, and Led Worklight – This thing is amazing! The lights can be adjusted to the correct angle. The USB ports and standard outlets are incredible helpful to have at arms length.
Deep C-clamps
- ShopFox D2804 6-inch clamps are specific ones made for guitars. They are best because they are lighter than traditional ones that you’d find at your local Home Depot.
- I recommend getting 3 of these if you plan on replacing a bridge on an acoustic.
Soldering Iron
- Get a kit like this with “helping hands”. Trust me, you will love it.
Guitar Neck Rest
- I use this Cradle Cube from Music Nomad. It has several different positions to accommodate different neck angles.
Table Top Work Station Pad
- This is critical to eliminate any accidental scratches from your table top. This instrument pad from Music Nomad is a great choice.
Blue Painters Tape – critical for fretwork!
Fret File Tool Kit – Again, super critical for fret work. You will use it a lot.
