A practical guide for luthiers, hobbyists, and DIY enthusiasts seeking reliable abrasive cords and tapes. This article highlights five carefully chosen products that excel at smooth nut slots, delicate deburring, and hard-to-reach edge work. Each option is evaluated for who it’s best for, key benefits, and any notable limitations. Use this guide to compare cord and tape abrasives side-by-side and pick the best fit for your project.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Abrasive Cord Set (4 sizes) | Nut slot and bridge work | Multiple sizes for precise fitting |
| Mitchell No. 54 Emery Cord | Narrow slots and grooves | Fine 200 grit for smooth finish |
| Mitchell No. 49 Emery Cord | Hard-to-reach areas | 120 grit, versatile on metal/plastic/wood |
| Moxitac 24″ Traction Tape | Outdoor steps and wide surfaces | High-traction 80-grit surface |
| Mitchell No. 56 Emery Tape | Grooves and tight spaces | 180 grit for finishing |
Mitchell Abrasive Cord Set Of 4, 12 Foot Rolls
The set includes four diameters: .015″ (0.38 mm) and .018″ (0.46 mm) at 200 grit, .030″ (0.76 mm) at 200 grit, and .055″ (1.40 mm) at 150 grit. This variety is ideal for nut slots and saddle notches, smoothing after filing to reduce string binding and improve tuning stability. It also serves broad repair tasks such as deburring metal and plastic, smoothing inlays, and refining bridge pin holes. Best for guitar setups, where precise cord dimensions yield cleaner slots and smoother string movement. Limitations: the coarsest .055″ option is 150 grit, which may leave a coarser edge on very tight tasks if not used carefully.
Who it’s best for: Luthiers and hobbyists performing nut slot and saddle work who need multiple cord sizes in one kit for quick comparisons and consistent results.
Mitchell’s Abrasive Emery Cords No. 54, 200 Grit
This cord features a 0.030″ (0.76 mm) diameter and 200 grit, delivered in a generous 50 ft length. It is designed for fine deburring and smoothing in narrow gaps, slots, and grooves where larger tools cannot reach. The cord material is suitable for metal, plastic, and wood, making it a versatile choice for detailed work in instrument repair or small mechanical tasks. Best for precision finishing in tight spaces. Caution: use at controlled speeds and avoid applying excessive pressure to prevent edge fraying or dig-ins in soft materials.
Who it’s best for: Craftsmen who need a steady, uniform 200 grit abrasive to finish delicate slots and small features without altering surrounding parts.
Mitchell’s Abrasive Emery Cord No. 49, 120 Grit
No. 49 uses a 0.082″ (2.08 mm) cord diameter with 120 grit. It is designed for hard-to-reach areas and curved surfaces, suitable for metal, plastic, and wood. The flexible cord and tapes are fully coated on all sides for consistent coverage, and the long 50 ft length supports extended projects. Best for aggressive but controlled deburring in tight slots, narrow holes, and curved grooves. Limitation: 120 grit is coarser than No. 54 and No. 56, so it should be used where more material removal is needed and finished with a finer grade later.
Who it’s best for: Technicians dealing with deeper grooves or curved features where small, flexible cords can access without dismantling assemblies.
24 Inch x 20FT Anti Slip Traction Tape
This wide anti-slip tape offers an 80-grit abrasive surface for high-traction applications. With a 24-inch width, it covers large horizontal areas such as ramps, platforms, and wide stair treads, making it ideal for outdoor steps and industrial walkways. The tape is cut-to-fit; users can trim to match their surface and apply to clean, dry surfaces for strong adhesion. Best for projects requiring large, textured contact surfaces rather than fine sanding. Caution: not a specialized finishing abrasive—surface texture is coarse and meant for traction, not precision smoothing.
Who it’s best for: Projects needing broad, high-traction coverage on outdoor or industrial surfaces where grip is prioritized over fine finish.
Mitchell’s Abrasive Emery Tape No. 56, 180 Grit
No. 56 tape measures 3/32″ (2.38 mm) in width and 180 grit for finishing tasks. It is designed to reach tight spaces and grooves while providing even coverage, with adhesive-backed, fully coated construction for durable performance on metal, plastic, or wood. Best for final smoothing and deburring in confined slots, grooves, or holes. Limitation: tape width is narrow, so coverage may require multiple passes for larger areas.
Who it’s best for: Finishers who need a precise 180 grit option to smooth edges in narrow seats, grooves, and slot interiors without removing too much material.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Project type: Choose finer grits (200) for finishing and smoothing; coarser grits (120–180) for material removal or initial deburring.
- Form factor: Cords excel in tight slots and curved areas; tapes are great for flat surfaces and edge work.
- Material compatibility: Most cords and tapes work on metal, plastic, and wood. Consider substrate hardness when selecting grit and diameter.
- Access to space: Narrow slots benefit from thin cords; large flat surfaces benefit from wide tapes or abrasion sheets.
- Length and coverage: Longer cords and tapes reduce reloading and provide consistent results over bigger projects.
- Safety: Work slowly with flexible abrasives to prevent chatter, gouging, or heat buildup in sensitive areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What grit should I start with for nut slot work? — Start with a medium grit (200) to shape slots, then finish with finer grit if needed.
- Can I use these cords on metal and plastic alike? — Yes, most cords and tapes are designed for metal, plastic, and wood; verify the specific material compatibility on each product.
- Is a wider tape better for large surfaces? — Yes, wider tapes cover more area and reduce rework on flat, broad surfaces.
- How long should I cut the cords for precise work? — Use the smallest length that provides adequate control to avoid bending and kinking during use.
- When should I avoid using coarse cords? — Avoid coarse cords on delicate finishes or soft metals where risk of gouging is high.
- Do these products require special storage? — Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve abrasive integrity.