I don't mean to be placing blame on the tool, which is why I mentioned I was doing the same before as well. I have even started pulling to a 90 degree angle, squaring them up more and then trying to just fold over. It's the pulling up that I've not grasped right apparently because I have been told to do that before. I'll keep working at it, just seem feel awkward with the GE for some reason.
Come see us again baby sister. Uncle Chad and I will help ya/ we won't beittle because of your tenure
Kim, hammer clenching is well worth learning but it also can be less than satisfactory unless done correctly. If the GE feel awkward, go back to what you were using, who knows, one day you might be working on a hoof that won't tolerate hammer clenching! Regards Ray
Kim, IMHO it is a major mistake to think that you need to tighten the clinches any considerable amount. You don't need to, not at all. Just hammer the nailheads tight into the shoe before clenching, then just fold and set the clinches gently into the wall. All the tools and methods, be it the nippers, a clenching block, clenching tongs, the hammer or whatever else, are used to gently bend the cut end and set it in the wall. Bending it and setting it in the wall gently without driving the nailhead back out of the shoe is tight enough. You do not need to block them to death, pull them down tight or anything of that. Blocking or pulling them is to gently start the bend, not to tighten them. The nail is already tight in the wall and no matter how strongly you block or pull on the clinch it will not pull the nail any tighter. Be gentle, make them small and don't struggle to tighten them. It is just a little nail, it is very easy to bend and seat with light taps or a little pressure.
I have a client who shoes some of her own horses and she never learned to clinch so she doesn't. She just rasps them smooth and hey presto. She is not known for sticking to a five or six week schedule.
I would like to learn. Christos, I think I am doing it too rough. Probably was over blocking to a degree and I have thought I needed to press into the wall.
Some 8's and some 9's, Rick, clinched with tongs. But the last time was 4-5 years ago. I don't think I have ever seen 10's and 12's.
I drove 1 nail on both sides on one horse; not paying attention; on both front feet....... the trainer and I didn't notice I didn't finish both front feet; walked off........lasted one week of galloping and turn out..............LOL
Platerforge, they sure do. MX60's. All of my horses at our yard have four nails a shoe. Except sliders. Mostly 41/2 Mustad RN. They often go 8-9 weeks, cobblers kids and all that. I found when I switched from cold shoeing to hot fitting they sat better, flatter and stay on better.
I four nail a lot of mine......... Figure less is more. But it also depends on what they do I'm sure. Most of mine are pleasure weekend horses.
My own are Reiners who do some American Ranch Horse shows. A couple of them only have 4x0 feet so two more than covers it!
Damg, Steve, I've got ponies with bigger feet than that. How old are those horses and do yyou have any trouble keeping them sound?
