Hoof nippers

[dizze98765]

We are at our wits end with farrier bills right now. We want to keep the farrier for the "problem horses/hooves" but there are a few that I would feel comfortable doing. I tried last year but got the 10" nippers/nail cutters and they kind of seemed like a joke. I'd like to invest in something that will last. I've read good reviews about the GE. I'm super short so i know I definitely want 12". Are DS comparable? Or is the extra $20-some in savings not worth it. It seems like anything below $100 gets unfavorable reviews. If they'd be garbage in a year I don't want to waste the money now! Should I just bite the bullet and pay the $160 for the GE? Thanks so much!

 

[CLC Stables]

My question, how many are you doing??

I used Diamond 15" Nippers for about 4 years maybe 5 and they lasted well enough and did a wonderful job.

I just bought a set of GE FORGE Nippers and OH MY OH MY, its like a hot knife through butter.

However I am trimming and shoeing more horses now.

If you are just doing a few then just buy Diamond.

10" are NOT MADE for trimming hooves. They are a nail cutter. So many people are trying to sell them as a hoof nipper but they aren't.

Go with the big ones. Leverage and quality are always the best.

 

[dizze98765]

My question, how many are you doing??

I used Diamond 15" Nippers for about 4 years maybe 5 and they lasted well enough and did a wonderful job.

I just bought a set of GE FORGE Nippers and OH MY OH MY, its like a hot knife through butter.

However I am trimming and shoeing more horses now.

If you are just doing a few then just buy Diamond.

10" are NOT MADE for trimming hooves. They are a nail cutter. So many people are trying to sell them as a hoof nipper but they aren't.

Go with the big ones. Leverage and quality are always the best.

Thanks for answering! To answer your question, I am only doing 5. Would it not be worth it for me to invest in the GE? ...not that you can tell me the best way to spend my own money!

I just didn't know how soon cheaper nippers would last.

 

[Margaret]

I use the GE 12 ' nippers. They are very nice, even for doing the foals.. I even have the 15" and the 12" diamond nippers , but since Ive invested in the GE's they are all I use now.

:

 

[Margo_C-T]

The 12" "race track"(smaller more compact head) nippers are a very good size for minis. I bought the DS, and they are excellent. The GE's are also excellent, of course! I have been doing my own minis for over 20 years-as stated, the 10" horseshoe nail nippers are being WIDELY sold as 'hoof nippers' -and they were even back then, because that's what I 'struggled with' for years-UGH! When I finally was given info about GOOD hoof nippers(the 20-40 dollar, 15" ones in the livestock supply catalogs aren't really very good, either, IMO...), I bit the bullet and bought a pair, and BOY! SO much better! They 'can be' sent back and resharpened, too, I believe. With just a few horses, the DS should be FINE-but I would really recommend the size I mention above for miniatures. Get a QUALITY hoof knife, too-and I strongly recommend good leather gloves and a leather 'apron'-good tools work better partly because they are SHARPER, so use with care!

Margo-still doing all of my minis' feet at Social Security age...

 

[Jetiki]

I have Anvil Brand 12" and they work really well. They were only about $80. Definately invest the best you can afford it will pay off in the long run.

Karen

 

[Fred]

I am a professional farrier and I can tell you I have used most of the brands over the years and GE is the ONLY one I will use now. Linda