String Winder
A small hand tool that speeds up turning tuning pegs when changing strings, often combined with a string cutter and bridge-pin puller.
Changing strings by hand means turning each tuning peg dozens of times, which is slow and can be tedious without help. A string winder fits over the tuning peg and lets you crank it much faster than turning it by hand, cutting a full restring down from a slow chore to just a few minutes. Many string winders combine several tools in one: a winding crank, a built-in wire cutter for trimming excess string after installation, and — especially useful for acoustic players — a notch for pulling bridge pins when removing acoustic strings.
Types
- Basic hand-crank winder — a simple plastic or metal crank that fits over the tuning peg.
- Winder/cutter combo — adds a built-in string cutter so you don't need a separate pair of wire cutters.
- Winder/cutter/bridge-pin-puller combo — adds a notched end for popping out acoustic bridge pins, useful when restringing an acoustic guitar.
- Powered (drill-attachment) winders — a crank designed to be spun by a cordless drill for very fast changes, popular with guitar techs.
How to use it
- Fit the winder's cupped end over the tuning peg's roller/post.
- Turn the crank to loosen and remove the old string, then wind the new string on, keeping tension even as you crank.
- Use the built-in cutter (if included) to trim excess string once it's up to pitch, leaving a short, safe length rather than a long sharp end sticking out.
Care
A string winder has no real maintenance needs beyond keeping the cutting blade (if included) reasonably sharp and storing it somewhere it won't get lost, since it's small and easy to misplace in a case pocket.
⚠️ Safety