My old Mustad nippers gave out on a big draft horse shoeing job

I was trimming the hoof wall on a Percheron gelding yesterday morning when the right side handle just snapped clean off. It happened right as I put pressure on a thick section of heel. I had to finish the job with my backup nippers, which are way too small for that kind of work and my hand is killing me today. Has anyone got a good brand for heavy duty nippers that can handle big feet without breaking the bank?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_sarah1mo agoMost Upvoted

Man, that sounds rough. Having a tool fail mid-job on a draft horse is the worst kind of timing. My old Diamond nippers held up for years on big feet, maybe check those out?

iris4411mo ago

Yeah, Diamond makes good stuff, but they changed their steel a few years back. The new ones don't hold an edge like the old ones did, and the temper seems softer. For real heavy work now, I'd look at Buffalo or even some of the German brands. They cost more up front but won't leave you hanging on a thick heel.