StewMac Jaws2 Fret Press

Jaws2 Fret Press

Hammering frets over an unsupported acoustic guitar top is risky! Safely press the frets in with Jaws2.

Jaws2 features special soundhole cauls and a self-leveling upper caul that take the stress off the guitar top, so you can safely press the frets into place. Jaws2 is a great idea that was conceived by luthier Bryan Galloup and refined by master fretman Dan Erlewine. Jaws2 utilizes the same 2-1/2" radius brass inserts as our other Jaws tools.

Jaws2 is a professional fretting tool with a self-leveling upper caul that adjusts easily to any neck. It includes five interchangeable 2-1/2" brass inserts, grooved to fit over the fretwire crown. The inserts match popular fretwire radii: 7-1/4", 9-1/2", 12" and 16", and a special 6"-radius insert holds down the fret ends for gluing. Additional radii are available.

Three wooden lower cauls are included: a contoured soundhole caul to span the braces inside a Martin-style guitar, a flat caul you can custom shape to fit over other bracings, and a felt-lined radiused caul to protect the back of the neck. Each caul features an ingenious internal magnet that holds it on the clamp jaw, allowing fumble-free setup.

The customized bar clamps feature four set screws to give you control over the pressure and balance of the clamp as you work.

Why press frets? Pressing the frets can save time and produce more consistent results. That's why it's the method that's widely used in guitar production. Pressed-in frets are less likely to have loose ends and uneven heights, because there's none of the recoil produced by hammer blows.

All Jaws fret presses are designed to work with our grooved brass Fret Press Inserts. The inserts fit over the fretwire and are interchangeable to match popular fretwire radii.