Clipping Hammer Uses, Types, and Care for Farriers

What is a Clipping Hammer?

A clipping hammer, also known as a clipper hammer, is a specialized type of hammer used in horseshoeing and metal fabrication. It gets its name from its purpose of "clipping" or cutting excess metal from horseshoes as part of the process of fitting the shoes to the horse's hooves.

Key Features of a Clipping Hammer

Clipping hammers have several distinctive design features:

• A flat striking face on one end of the head for hammering
• A chisel-shaped cutter on the opposite end for clipping metal
• A peen (rounded end) opposite the cutter for drawing out clinches
• A tapered neck that allows the user to grip close to the head
• A long handle (approximately 12-18 inches) to provide ample leverage

Uses of a Clipping Hammer

As the name suggests, the main use of a clipping hammer is to trim excess length and width off horseshoes. This helps customize the shape of the shoe to the horse's hoof:

• The cutter end is placed on the shoe and struck with the hammer end to slice off any unwanted metal.
• This allows the farrier to achieve a tight, customized fit of the shoe.
• Clipping off segments also decreases the shoe's weight.

However, clipping hammers serve a variety of other functions as well:

• The flat face is used for general hammering such as driving nails.
• The peen is used for bending down and securing clinches (nail ends folded into the hoof wall).
• The cutter can trim hoof wall material as needed for shoe fitting.
• In metal fabrication, clipping hammers cut bar stock or sheet metal.

Types of Clipping Hammers

Clipping hammers come in a range of styles and weights to suit different users and tasks:

• Standard - All-purpose clipper hammer with a general sized cutter and hammer head. Good middle-of-the-road choice.
• Heavy Duty - With its larger head and handle, this delivers more power for cutting tougher materials.
• Lighter Straight - A slimmed down version, more maneuverable for intricate hoof work.
• Left-Handed - Angled handle and reversed head to suit left-handed farriers.
• Offset - The neck connects the head off-center from the handle for better swing clearance.

Hammerheads and Handles

The head and handle are two important components of any clipping hammer.

Preferred head materials include drop-forged steel and cast steel alloys. These withstand repeated heavy impact without damage. Some brands have specialized heat-treating to harden the striking surfaces.

The tapered neck helps control the hammer during use. It should have a secure, tight head-to-handle fit with no wiggle or loosening over time.

Handles are usually made of high grade hickory wood. Hickory provides outstanding strength and shock absorption. Fiberglass composite handles offer similar properties but without the swelling and shrinking issues natural wood can have.

Maintaining and Replacing Your Clipping Hammer

With regular use, clipping hammers undergo a lot of wear and tear. But with proper care and maintenance, they can last for years.

Upkeep

Be sure to periodically inspect your hammer for any damage or issues. Watch for:

• Cracks in the handle
• A loose or damaged head
• Mushrooming of the striking surfaces
• Nicks, gouges, or rounding of cutting edges

Address any minor mushrooming or nicks right away with a file. Soak wooden handles to keep swelling tight.

Replacing Parts

If the neck or head are severely damaged, replacement may be necessary. Typical hardware stores don't carry clipping hammer heads. Instead, purchase replacements from a farrier supply shop. Many brands sell individual heads to fit their handles.

Inserting a new head is best left to an experienced farrier. The handle must be carved down to create an exact tapered seat for the neck base. Then the head is set into place with epoxy.

Buying a New Hammer

With very worn hammers or catastrophic handle breaks, buying a new tool is the easiest option. Use the old one as a guide regarding size, weight and handle angle.

Expect to spend $60-150+ on a new clipping hammer, depending on brand and quality. This is not a tool to cheap out on - invest in something sturdy that will last through years of shoeing.

Using an Anvil as an Improvised Clipping Hammer

As the old saying goes, "necessity is the mother of invention." Professional farriers can't afford to be left high and dry without their essential tools. If you ever find yourself minus your clipping hammer, there are some improvisational solutions.

Hammering on the Horn

The horn of the anvil can substitute for the flat striking surface of a hammer. Simply use the narrowest section possible to focus the striking force on nails or clinches.

This takes finesse and accuracy to avoid hitting the surrounding hoof or shoe. Consider asking an assistant to hold the workpiece steady.

Bob Punches

While an anvil can't replicate the slicing function of a clipper hammer, it can provide a blunt punching force. By striking the tail end of a nail or punch on the face of the anvil, you can accomplish simple tasks like drawing clinches.

This is essentially using the anvil as a makeshift bob punch. Take care to avoid damaging shoes or nails in the process.

Cautions

Improvising with an anvil has severe limitations. Avoid attempting anything very precise or forceful.

The broad surface of the anvil face lacks the concentrated striking power of a hammer head. You may bend or damage nails without adequately penetrating clinches.

An anvil also won't allow much swing room or free movement of tools. Its static position limits how you can angle your strikes.

While doable in a pinch, anvil use is no substitute for a proper clipping hammer. Replace your hammer at the first opportunity to restore safe, efficient shoeing ability.

In closing, a quality clipping hammer is an indispensable tool for farriers. With expertise and proper equipment, shoeing horses is greatly simplified. But at times, an anvil can provide basic functionality when no hammer is at hand.

FAQs

What's the difference between a clipping hammer and other farrier hammers?

Clipping hammers have a unique chisel-shaped cutter for removing excess metal from shoes. Regular farrier hammers lack this feature and are used more for general nail driving.

Can I use a clipping hammer for other metalwork?

Yes, the cutting and hammering ends make clipping hammers useful for fabricating all kinds of metal pieces besides just horseshoes.

What hammer weight should I choose?

Heavier hammers around 32-36 oz are best for tough hoof trimming and thick shoes. Lighter 28-30 oz ones allow greater precision and control for delicate shoe work.

How often should I resurface the striking face?

Check monthly for mushrooming or rounding. Use a file to refresh flattened surfaces. Frequent touch-ups maximize the hammer's effectiveness.