hoof trimmers ...

motdaugrnds · #1 07/14/13, 07:37 AM

I use to use "box cutters" to trim the hooves of all goats (bucks and does). These worked real well. Now, I'm not as steady when trimming as I use to be; so I purchased some orange-handled scissors from Hoeggers Supply. I used them a short while ago for the first time and they worked beautifully...I loved them! I trimmed the hooves on all 4 does easily! Then David used them to trim the hooves on our buck. He, too, loved them, though he said he still had to use the box cutter to complete the job well.

Now this morning I used these scissors for the 2nd time on my does. They trimmed ok; however, there were times when I noticed the blades were not coming together as tightly as they had the first time and, thus, the cutting was not as easily done. Now my questions:

1. What caused the blades to stop coming together as tightly as they initially had done?
2. Do I need a new set of scissors or can I fix these; and if I can fix these, how?

Cannon_Farms · #2 07/14/13, 07:55 AM

they can be tightened or at least the teal green handle ones can but depending on if it screw its east if not it can take a special tool. I find that no matter the handle and i have bought every type they wear out before I can get my moneys worth. I have found a pair of pruning shears that I love, over a year old and used and abused they are still sharp and tight and narrow enough to get into any spot, those are Corona brand pruners http://www.coronatools.com/item/ag-4930?referer=snips

BobbyB · #3 07/14/13, 11:22 AM

I have 2 pair ( different makes )and both can be tightened . The bolt/nut the blades pivot on can loosen just a bit and create issues.

chewie · #4 07/14/13, 11:29 AM

https://www.sydell.com/product/pr-hoof-trimmer/
I think these trump those hoegger orange nippers by a landslide. have had them a few years now, don't baby them and they snip off all but the worst. the only one they can't handle real well unless its wet out is the foundered old girl, but those are so hard in dry weather, even horse nippers take a bit to get her trimmed. but these do a super job on all 'normal' goat hooves here.

Phil V. · #5 07/14/13, 11:36 AM

I still have the trimmers from when I had pygmies. They look like miniaturized horse nippers. Always had good luck with them.

yarrow · #6 07/14/13, 12:02 PM

have used all sorts of trimmers/brands of trimmers.. since my brain surgery last fall.. I am weaker in my right hand.. these are now the only brand trimmers I can work well..Burgon & Ball (greenish, bigger/more sturdy, then the little orange ones)

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.h...5-c0c3247ade56

susie, mo ozarks

BobbyB · #7 07/14/13, 12:11 PM

The OP is asking what to do with what they have. Try tightening the screw in the blades. If that dont help, they may have been twisted in some way and in that case, replacement would be the easiest route.

At that point, all the recommendations here would be good.

yarrow · #8 07/14/13, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobbyB

The OP is asking what to do with what they have. Try tightening the screw in the blades. If that dont help, they may have been twisted in some way and in that case, replacement would be the easiest route.

At that point, all the recommendations here would be good.

the only thing I can I do with the orange ones when they start doing what the OP trimmers are doing... IS to replace them.. (my get wonky when I use them to trim the buck's hooves.. it torques them out of shape..

susie, mo ozarks

parrotman · #9 07/14/13, 12:49 PM

I've tried more shears than I care to mention. Eventually, they all quit working for some reason or another.
I recently bought this pair of shears fro TSC and the package says it has a year's warranty.
It's warranted against "materials or workmanship." Well, if it can't cut, I'm calling it workmanship and it's going back. I made sure I saved the receipt this time and I know where I put it!

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/stor...r?cm_vc=-10005

Phil V. · #10 07/14/13, 01:09 PM

This the pair of trimmers that I have.

parrotman · #11 07/14/13, 01:34 PM

Quote:

This the pair of trimmers that I have.

You use those for regular goat hoof maintenance?

Phil V. · #12 07/14/13, 02:04 PM

When I had pygmies these are all I used. They are 6" long. I'm going to sand them down and clean them to repaint them. I used a small file to keep them sharp. About twice a year I'd take them to a friend that has a machine shop to true them up and make sure the cutting edges were built up enough to do a good job.

**mygoat** · #13 07/14/13, 02:36 PM

I've had good luck taking any shears appart with a flat blade, and using a knife sharpener to sharpen them - a whetstone.

BobbyB · #14 07/14/13, 02:41 PM

Has anyone here tried this or do this on a regular basis ?

motdaugrnds · #15 07/14/13, 02:47 PM

WOW thank you all so much for your replies. I'm checking out all the links, looking in at TSC next time I'm in there and going out now to see if the screw on mine needs tightening.

Suzyq2u · #16 07/14/13, 04:12 PM

We have the same pair yarrow does (I can't recall where we got them, either TSC, our local feed store or the lumber store) Either way, they do work well. I don't have a lot of strength in my hands. Occasionally I need hubby to help get a starting spot on star (she has awful feet, always has) but once a spot has been started I can take it from there

motdaugrnds · #17 07/15/13, 07:26 AM

Upon checking my trimmers, I discovered the screw could be tightened a bit. After doing this, I trimmed my other doe's hooves and had no problem.

I also went back to the catalog from which I ordered them to remind myself what I had purchased. (They are similar to the ones all of you have shown me.) They have hot-drop forged, hardened, tempered and hand-edged blades, professionally ground to cut at any angle with little effort and no bruising. The design of the handle gives added leverage and extra power. They only cost $20 so I got the sharpener too.

Guess now it is just a matter of learning how to care for them.