Not every horseshoer uses clinchers, but those that do find them to be a vital instrument. Despite the importance of this tool to many farriers’ practices, its care is often overlooked.

A before, left, and after, right, view of clinchers. A wire wheel was used to remove the rust and nicks. It isn’t just about the aesthetics. With some cleaning, sharpening and oiling, the tool also became more effective.

According to Dan Bradley, giving some care to neglected clinchers can improve their effectiveness and give a long-lasting, efficient tool. The farrier and G.E. Forge & Tool clinician from Lucedale, Miss., delivered clincher tips at the 2013 International Hoof-Care Summit.

How do you know it is time to work on clinchers?

“It will start raking down the nails or slipping,” says Bradley. “So, if you just clean it up, nine times out of 10 it’ll be fine. But it is typical of what we do — just let all that material stay in there and that’s just going to make it slip on you.”

If frequently used, clinchers will encounter standard wear and collect debris and rust. Using images from a worn and restored set, Bradley illustrated how some care can improve the look and feel of the tool with a very simple approach. All that you need to clean and maintain the tool is a wire brush, triangle file and 3-In-One Oil (Figure 1). Here are his notes for keeping clinchers in good working order or restoring a rusted…