What Tools Does a Farrier Use? | Complete Kit Explained

Whether you’re starting out as a farrier or just curious about what goes into proper hoof care, the tool list is surprisingly straightforward. Most of the work gets done with about a dozen hand tools, and the choices come down to how you work — hot shoeing needs a forge, while basic trimming doesn’t. Here’s what every farrier actually reaches for.

The Core Trimming Tools

Before any shoe goes on, the hoof needs to be clean and properly shaped. These are the tools that do that work day in and day out.

• Hoof pick and wire brush — Clear away packed dirt and debris before you start examining or cutting anything.
• Hoof knife — Pairs away dead sole and frog material, and cleans up the underside of the hoof. These are very sharp, and farriers use them carefully to avoid cutting into live tissue. They can also open hoof abscesses when needed.
• Hoof nippers — Trim the hoof wall down to the correct length. This is the single tool beginners most often cheap out on, and it’s a mistake — good nippers make clean cuts; poor ones cause splitting and extra work.
• Hoof rasp — Levels and smooths the hoof edge after nipping. Rasps dull quickly, so experienced farriers carry a backup.

If you’re building your first kit, prioritize quality on the nippers and rasp — those two tools carry the heaviest workload.

Shoeing and Nailing Tools

Once the hoof is prepped, fitting and securing the shoe requires a focused set of gear.

• Driving hammer — Drives nails into the hoof wall. The weight and balance matter because you’re placing nails close to sensitive structures.
• Clincher — Bends the nail ends over to lock the shoe in place. A clean clinch is what keeps the shoe from loosening.
• Nail pullers or pull-offs — Remove shoes and extract nails. Many farriers prefer pullers over prying against the sole because they keep the shoe flatter during removal and avoid loading the sensitive areas.
• Hoof stand — Supports the horse’s foot while you’re rasping, nailing, or clinching. This is practical — it saves your back and gives you both hands free.

Evaluation and Shaping Equipment

A farrier isn’t just a nailer; they’re also assessing the hoof and making fit adjustments.

• Hoof testers — Pinch-test the hoof to locate pain from abscesses, stone bruises, or sensitive areas. This is part of lameness evaluation, but not a standalone diagnosis tool — it points you where to look further.
• Anvil — Shapes horseshoes, especially during hot shoeing where the metal is heated and formed to match the hoof.
• Hoof gauge and wing divider — Basic measurement tools for fitting shoes properly. Beginners often skip these, but they’re what separate a decent fit from a precise one.

Hot Shoeing vs. Cold Shoeing

Not every farrier hot-shoes, but those who do add significant extra gear. A propane forge heats the shoe, tongs handle the hot metal, and the anvil is used more heavily for shaping. The process involves heating, fitting on the anvil, then applying to the hoof while still warm. This set of tools is expensive and not necessary for basic trimming or standard cold-shoe applications.

If you’re assembling tools and want a reliable starting selection — quality nippers, a good rasp, a driving hammer, a hoof knife, a clincher, and pull-offs — that’s the solid foundation. Many experienced farriers recommend browsing professional-grade farrier tool options to see what experienced practitioners actually prefer for daily use.

What Beginners Should Skip (and Not Skip)

The most common mistake new farriers make is buying advanced gear before they need it. Grinders, high-end forges, and specialty shaping tools can wait. What you absolutely should not skip: good nippers, a backup rasp (they dull fast), and a hoof gauge for fit measurement. Also critically — an apron protects your legs from nails if the horse pulls a leg away during nailing. That’s not optional safety gear.