...sharpening hoof trimmers...

motdaugrnds · #1 05/21/13, 07:30 AM

I purchased some "super magic hoof trimmers" from Hoeggers and would like to know the best (and easiest if there is such a thing) way to sharpen them. Does anyone know?

I did see a "sharpener" in the Hoeggers catalog. Has anyone used this; and if so, what did you discover about it?

(We do have a heavy sharpener we keep in the tool shed for sharpening gardening tools with; but I'm not sure we wouldn't ruin the way the hoof trimmer blades would fit together if we use this.)

Ford Zoo · #2 05/23/13, 07:48 AM

Sorry, I haven't seen these trimmers to give you any advice. But I'll bump this up and maybe someone will see your post.

Alice In TX/MO · #3 05/23/13, 08:53 AM

http://hoeggerfarmyard.com/xcart/SUP...-TRIMMERS.html

These?

GoatJunkie · #4 05/23/13, 08:56 AM

Mine are dulling too.... I'll be watching this thread!

Donna1982 · #5 05/23/13, 09:00 AM

I would like to know this too. I asked a few people at a show once and they said they just buy new ones lol.

motdaugrnds · #6 05/23/13, 09:12 AM

These ...

Copperhead · #7 05/23/13, 09:40 AM

Call me a rebel, but I really like the Nail Nippers I bought from Lowes. I know they are meant for cutting 16d nail heads protruding from cured concrete, but they do an awesome job on even the thickest Boer hooves!

For example, one of my girls has 1/2 inch of hard material in her outer hoof wall!

P.S. When I worked for a landscaping company, we sharpened similiar snips with a hand file

o&itw · #8 05/23/13, 11:01 AM

I have never sharpened "hoof trimmers" but for several years I worked in a wholesale nursery and we used hand pruners constantly. The best way to sharpen them is to take them apart, and then sharpen the bevel with a flat, medium grit, stone. Be careful to keep the stone flat against the bevel. Do not sharpen the "flat" side of the blade.

If you have a rotary tool (dremel tool), you can also sharpen them by running a rotary stone perpendicular to the bevel. You need to mount the handle in a vice so it is steady, and use a fine (rotary) stone. Then you must be very careful and move the stone evenly and carefully. It is easy to ruin a blade this way, so stick to the flat hand stone if your not sure.

Of course, if you are to the point of throwing them away... what have you got to lose?

motdaugrnds · #9 05/23/13, 03:12 PM

Thank you o&itw. That is great information and I appreciate it....might not be a bad idea to pick up some of Lowe's 16d nail nippers too.

Goat Servant · #10 05/23/13, 05:39 PM

Bob has a few sharpening stones around so when they get less than razor sharp he gives them a few swipes or so & we keep going.
We have the orange handled ones but every now & then they need a "tune up".