Nailing is another area that can take a big block of time. Proper preparation and organization can help. First, shape the shoe so the nail holes are directly over the white line. Be sure your nail holes are sufficiently open. On steel shoes, back punch from the inside edge of nail hole on the hoof surface. With aluminum shoes, back drilling with a 5/32-inch drill bit works better than back punching. These steps will significantly cut your nailing time.

The old adage about using the fewest number of the smallest nails

The decision on whether to bend nails or wring them off is also up for debate. I have done both and prefer bending them over. I think the repetitive wringing process is hard on the wrists and can result in carpal tunnel problems.possible is still good advice. The number and size nails you use will be based on experience. But keep pushing the envelope because it takes more time to drive more nails. A well-maintained, but not necessarily expensive, driving hammer is essential. You need to protect and care for its face as if it belongs to a Hollywood starlet.

I have also stopped using a clinch block. I think it is a waste of time, unless your nail holes are huge and sloppy. Dave Farley of Coshocton Ohio, has a good system. He cuts the nails with a nail cutter with the foot on the ground after nailing. He then hits the nail coming out of the foot, starting the clinching process. The amount of time saved by eliminating the clinch block is small but adds up.