dhavlena - Posted - 02/24/2011:  17:00:58

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After trying everything - clear nail-polish; super-glue based repair kits; glue-on fake nails etc. all of which failed quickly. I've finally found a perfect way to fix cracked, thinning clawhammer fingernails --- "Kiss" brand "French
Acrylic Sculpture" method available at our local Wal-Mart as part of an $8 nail repair "suite" (which unfortunately also includes the super-glue "fix", fake nails etc.)

This method involves applying a coat of a highly obnoxious-smelling solvent on the nail
(I did this underneath our kitchen stove's exhaust fan) and then running the nail through this powdery stuff which immediately disolves into the solvent. I did this solvent/powder bit three times in succession. It sets-up quickly & makes a clear, v e r y hard and nicely thick coating that I sanded & polished with 400, 800 then 1000 grit sandpaper. This was about a month ago & the revised nail still clawhammers as nicely as the day I did it - showing no sign of deterioration of any sort.

One very decidedly nice advantage is that this thickens & thus strengthens the nail. I personally much prefer clawhammering with my middle fingernail and although one's index fingernail produces a crisper, louder sound ---- with the "Kiss" processed nail, now my middle fingernail produces at least as loud and crisp a sound as my index fingernail. Even when my cracked natural nail grows out, pretty sure I'll still keep coatings of this repair stuff on.

KnarfEK - Posted - 02/24/2011:  17:16:48

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Thanks, I'll look into that stuff.

For now I've been using the thickest cheapo super glue nails I can find layered with some silkwrap that I get from guitarplayernails.com to get a nice thick pick.

Also as backup using the Fred Kelly Freedom Picks which I modify a bit to fit better and allow some side flesh contact with the strings.

Like you I also find that my weaker but more controllable middle finger is almost as loud as my wandering but strong index now that I've gotten the nail thick enough.

kirbonite - Posted - 02/24/2011:  19:06:39

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I don't play clawhammer but used to play classical guitar. A common method is to carve a ping pong ball and apply it with superglue.

you can then shape it up with and emery board. Not sure if it would be useful for clawhammer but it makes one fine lookin nail.

pernicketylad - Posted - 02/25/2011:  04:40:07

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Hey KnarfEK have you tried the guitar player's nails? They look like a good cheap insurance policy.

KnarfEK - Posted - 02/25/2011:  23:17:30

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quote:

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Originally posted by pernicketylad

Hey KnarfEK have you tried the guitar player's nails? They look like a good cheap insurance policy.

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I bought a set but haven't used them yet. They're a bit thinner and more flexible than the normal drugstore ones which I suppose is one reason they sell the silk wrap for players wanting thicker nails. I did spend quite a while talking on the phone with the guy there and he was quite helpful.

kingjr - Posted - 02/26/2011:  16:13:15

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The method your describing in the kit sounds exactly like they did for me in the nail salon. They use foul smelling solvent and a white powder, I'm guessing cabosil. I did have them extend the tip some since it was worn way short. They only attach an extension to the very tip with a and use the resin/powder to coat the rest. I'm a manly man I tell you but I had to do something. Took my 7 year old boy as my manly backup. I am nothing but pleased. The girl had no musician experience. I just told her to do it thick and make sure it looks natural. My wife can't even tell which nail was done at the salon it looks that natural, feels natural and solved my nail issue in one $3.00 ten minute visit. If you have one near where you live I would just let the salon do a professional job for you, it's worth it.

billings - Posted - 02/26/2011:  19:24:51

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This method sounds like it would indeed help strengthen already damaged nails. I used to suffer from damage to my M nail as well until about a year ago when I began a regimen of taking fish oil supplements daily. Now my nails are noticeably stronger and they grow like crazy. I don't seem to suffer damage and don't notice wear as much, I play on average 2 hours a day in broken sessions. Could be partly my technique is improving or maybe it is the fish oil, I have only been clawhammering about 1 1/2 years. Just thought I'd share....