TOOL
String winder
Turns a fifteen-minute string change into five.
| Fit | Standard 6 mm and 1/4 in peg buttons |
|---|---|
| Extras | Bridge-pin puller, sometimes a cutter |
| Type | Manual crank or battery powered |
| Material | ABS or nylon body, steel crank |
| Grip | Moulded handle, comfortable for a full set |
| Compatibility | Some vintage and locking pegs need a specific fit |
| Winding | Keep tension on the string as you wind |
|---|---|
| Direction | Wind so the string breaks over the nut cleanly |
| Locking tuners | Wind by hand; do not crank a locking peg hard |
| Powered | Use on low torque and stop at pitch |
| Maintenance | Keep the socket clean so it does not slip |
| Price band | Low |
A string winder is a crank that fits over a tuning peg and turns it quickly, usually with a bridge-pin puller in the handle. Changing strings is the most frequent job on any guitar, and the winder is the difference between doing it before a gig and not.
Manual winders are cheap, quiet and never run out of battery. Powered winders are faster but can over-tension a string if used carelessly, and they are useless on a vintage peg that needs feel.
At this stage
The winder is used constantly — during setup, during intonation, and every time a string breaks. It is the most-used tool in the case.
Suits these instruments
- All guitars and basses
Works with
- Strings
- Capo
- Tuning pegs
- Nut file set
- Do not over-tension with a powered winder. A string that snaps at the peg whips across your hand and face.
- Keep the crank clear of the headstock face so it does not scratch a finished instrument.
Working notes
- Keep tension on the string while winding so the wraps seat tightly.
- Leave two to three wraps on the peg — more causes tuning drift.
- A winder with a pin puller saves carrying two tools.
- Check the socket is not worn; a slipping winder chews the peg button.
Related
Action gauge
Reads string height at the twelfth fret without arguing about it.
Feeler gauge
The only honest way to measure relief and nut height.
Notched straightedge
Reads the fretboard itself, not the tops of the frets.
Capo
Clamps the strings at a fret — and shows up any setup problem.