Notice the divots in the frets and the ruts in the fingerboard.
The frets are removed by heating them up with a soldering iron and a small amount of solder. This helps to debond the fret from any glue or gunk that may be holding it in place. Care is taken not to toast an inlay. They will go up in a flash.
End nippers are used to remove the fret while being very careful not to remove any of the fingerboard.
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