Tried a new rasp on a tough quarter crack and it just fell apart

I picked up a Diamond brand rasp last month thinking it would handle the heavy work on a draft horse's hoof. Halfway through shaping the edge, the handle snapped clean off and the blade bent. Cost me $85 and a whole lot of frustration in the middle of a job. Learned that not every 'heavy-duty' tool lives up to the name, I guess. What's your go-to rasp for really dense hoof wall?

3 comments

3 Comments

wendy_garcia161mo ago

Ugh that's brutal, especially mid-job. I've had a cheap rasp snap before and it ruins your whole rhythm. For super dense walls I've been using a Heller band rasp for years now. The thing is a tank and the handle is one solid piece with the blade. It costs more but it's never let me down, even on our Percherons.

dakotal193d ago

Three Hellers in my shop, still haven't learned how to not drop them on my foot though.

hunt.taylor1mo ago

Yeah, that snap is the worst feeling. I had one go on a draft cross and it sent me flying. I ended up switching to a solid rasp too, kind of like what you're saying, @wendy_garcia16. It just feels different in your hand, like you can really lean into it without that worry. Makes a long day way less stressful when you don't have to baby your tools.