Over the past decade, several new models of rasps have been added to the farrier market. Likewise, products to sharpen these tools have also emerged. While supply shops and catalogs feature rasp innovations, the proper usage and care for these tools hasn’t changed over time. 

Through sharpening and repair, most farrier tools have relatively long lives. The rasp has a much shorter life. With its constant use and short life span, the rasp becomes an expense that adds up over time.

We asked a few tool experts for their important tips on using rasps. Also included are lessons from several shoeing instructors, who have spent much of their time teaching students not only how to use and care for rasps, but also trying to break students — and graduates — of bad rasping habits.

Here are their “back to basics” tips to extend the lives of your rasps and decrease the expenses you invest in the tool.

Before You Pick Up The Rasp

Hall Of Fame shoer Donald Jones of Pleasant Garden, N.C., says efficient rasping begins with the foot. Make sure you clean debris from the foot before you touch it with a rasp.

“If you leave grit on the hoof, then you’re going to wear down that rasp,” says Jones.

Danny Ward of the Danny Ward Horseshoeing School in Martinsville, Va., says sand and small stones that buildup on the foot will kill a rasp. If you take the extra minute or so to thoroughly clean the hoof…