Esquire-esque

[EsquireEsque]

+1 for removing and sanding the base of the nut. I always did that before getting nut files. But take it easy - don't ask how I know! And you also have a spare!

So how high above the fretboard should the nut be?

... and how do you remove it?

[Trevor Davies]

... and how do you remove it?

The Fender style nuts are sometimes tricky to remove! It depends on how much glue has been used to hold it down. You need to use a craft knife to cut into the join around the edges of the nut. It can then (usually) be hammered out with a screwdriver (like in the video) or use pliers to lever/lift it out. Cleaning up the slot is OK if you have a file that fits well. I have also used a jewelers' screwdriver as a chisel to remove old material.

NOTE: I have destroyed a number of nuts while getting them! And have damaged the fretboard! So, take care!

This video is quite good around the 2 min mark:
https://www.stewmac.com/video-and-ideas/trade-secrets/easy-stratocaster-mod-how-to-replace-the-nut-on-your-guitar/.

This page is quite good also:
https://guitarflipper.com/remove-guitar-nut/.