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Getting More Out Of Your Nippers
Other than composition or stylistic advances, hoof nippers really haven’t changed in decades. As steadfast as this tool is, it can wear down. However, with proper care and maintenance can make you nippers last.
Dan Bradley, a farrier from Lucedale, Miss. and G.E. Tool representative, says when it comes to keeping them going, you should always lightly oil the nippers and clean the stops of debris.
“Keep the handles from getting all nicked up,” advises Bradley. Make sure you 
keep rust off the blades because rust is bad. If you let it get started in a big way. Remember: clean, oiled smooth nicks.
“If a farrier is using the nippers right and is conscious about them, you will see the edges rounded off and no nicks, chips, etc., out of the blade. The reason the edges get rounded off is most farriers will walk their nipper around a hoof, with the edge leading the way.
“Signs of misuse are chips out of the blades from rocks and nails. Human nature tells someone when they hit a nail to pull back or push forward. We do it subconsciously. You need to train yourself to either go around the object or ‘as in a nail’ cut straight through it. Best is to not cut through the nail at all. Use other means to get the nail out.”
Of course, blades will dull, no matter how well you care for them. If you want to slow its dulling Bradley says “nippers are made to lift and cut, not slice through.”
