You can pick up a pre cut nut from stew mac, if you have a Fender or Gibson style nut. I get the shaped but not slotted and I like the Tusq or bone. I do have a set of files though (I got them about 30 years ago - both nut and fret files from Ibanez, when I used to work in a music shop). If you ever have to replace a nut, they are worth it, but you can do it with needle files if you are careful. You can also do it with oxy-acetylene nozzle cleaners, if you can fine them. They will set you back about $5!