I would like to start a discussion about tools and hear peoples opinions on the tools they are proud to own, the tools you think are a step above the others, certain tools that you would recommend over others, ect. A specific question I have is......what clinchers does everyone think is the best? I still use and prefer the old alligator style GE clinchers. I made the switch to the new style curved jaw GE's several years ago but did not like them. They seemed too big and over powering on the nails I drive and I just didn't seem to be able to " feel" the clinch. Going to send these 2 old style off to be rebuilt but need a new pair to use in the mean time. Thought about trying the GE curved jaw low nail since they are smaller and maybe I can have more feel over the regular ones. About half the horses I shoe are TB race horses wearing size 4 - 8 race plates with 3.5 - 4.5 race nails and the other half are mostly QH's and Arabs wearing size 00 - 1 shoes with usually 5 slim blades. I am replacing most of my tools, not because I need too but because I have been using the same tools for years and want to be excited again like I was when I first started out and could acquire better and better tools. I just ordered 3 new Jim Keith hammers to try out and see if I like better than my jay sharp, jim poor and dave showen hammers. Also thinking about getting a Hofi to see if that's something I like and can use in my practice, Also ordered a new tool box, baldor grinder, forge, apron, nippers. gonna replace it all but I am sure that some of the old stuff will still prevail as my go to tools.
Hello and welcome to the site. I to dont like the GE curved jaw clinchers either, but the secret with them is to use less pressure not more. I hand to the end of the handles and just let the jaw come away from the foot as the handles close then allowing the curved jaw to bring the top jaw back in as the clench approches its last resting place. But I have a pair of cheap mustad ones that do the job for me.
If I like the tools I have I don't like to change regarding clinchers I very seldom use them no matter what horses im doing even yearlings for sales some tools you have to replace Rasps safeedge Apron silverback chaps GE are good
I use GE nippers, I like the curved handled MFC clinchers. My pritchels and fore punches I've made myself. I use Save Edge files, changed once, but came back. I like my Future 3 anvil and the stand I made for it.
Lopez clinchers are the most versatile I've used. I have clinched everything from race nails to E8 as it seems that they got the sweep of the curve of the top jaw just right. I hate the GE curved jaw. For a cheap set, the Diamond clinchers aren't too bad. GE nippers. I prefer the 12" GE nippers even on draft horses. GE 12" half round nippers. Especially handy for resections.
G.E. half rounds and 15" nippers. The best clinchers I ever used were the old st. Croix clinchers and like everything that seems to work, they quit making them
I have a set of mustad clinchers i use on the drafts for keg shoes. They are bigger than any other clinchers I have seen. I hammer clinch most scotches.
I had a rush of blood and bought a pair of GE clinchers, hard to get used to, but love them now... wouldn't trade them in on anything. My most treasured tool is my Horse's Head driving hammer. Had it nearly 20 years, still has the original handle and I reckon it will see me out. Loved it the moment I picked it up in the shop.
Some of my tools are the best some are the worst you can buy. GE, Jim Poor, Bloom Forge, and a few Diamonds. When I went to buy a driving hammer and saw the variety and cost, I just bought a cheap Diamond, thinking I'd learn on that one and then by something fancy. Still use that one. I have noticed over the years that my tools stay sharp longer, last longer, and I don't even have callouses like I used to, though I'm doing more horses. The tool that has lasted the best is a pair of GE clinchers I bought 21 years ago. They are in brand new condition as I hammer clinch every thing but a couple of feet a year on an injured one or a dink who won't stand for the pounding the first time.
Hey this thread got me thinking. Does anyone have a pair of the saint croix clinchers they would like to sell?
http://www.duskyforge.com.au/ Photo is old these knives earlier versions of what was a Fab product but now IS even better Without a doubt the very best Farriers knife Ive ever use , having tried many Im very greatfull to have this product in my kit There design makes the knife much easier to use saving you elbows wrists n fingers I find Im not as sore at the end of the day the strength n control the design afford you is to be thanked Fergus was a slaughterman and a professional hunter and of cause an outstanding Farrier for many years he knows what constitutes a good knife learn to use His knife properly there is a proper stile with this product and learn how to sharpen it properly there IS a right way keep them away from your grinders and they will last you a very long time Not cheap by most standards, but there not made to just any standard There Dusky Forge and if your not using them your a dicknosed Turkey
I am sorry to say but I just sold a pair on ebay last week that I bought probably 18 yrs ago when st Croix first come out with them. I bought them and used them 1 day and the next day I got a pair of ge's for my birthday and never used the st Croix again. I bet they only had 4 horses of use on them. I know there are some St Croix tools at a place where I buy some of my supplies. I will check and see if they have any. I just googled st Croix clincher and come up with a few links worth trying http://www.outbackvetsupply.com/product.jhtm?id=120&cid=83 http://www.farriersupplyshop.com/shop/st-croix-nail-clincher/ http://www.texasfarriersupply.com/products.php?cat=111&pg=2 St Croix ergo clincher http://www.ken-davis.com/shop.php?category=TOOL&catalog=2130 curved jaw http://www.anvilbrand.com/ST-CROIX-CURVED-JAW-CLINCHER-DISCONTINUING-P459.aspx
