14
Watching a guy nail a trailer shoe in 90 seconds flat made me rethink my whole setup
I swear I spend twice that long just getting the nails started because I keep using these cheap nippers that don't hold the nail straight, has anyone else found a brand that actually keeps the nail centered?
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
taylor125d agoMost Upvoted
That part about checking if the shoe is flat before blaming the nippers is a good point @blair_webb but I've had too many days where the shoe is sitting perfect and the nail still wants to go sideways the second I squeeze. Cheap nippers with a worn out spring or a gap in the jaws will let that nail drift no matter how flat the shoe is. I finally switched to a pair with a tighter pivot and a bit more weight in the handle and it's night and day for keeping that nail straight through the first couple hits. Still agree with you that a warped shoe will ruin everything though, I usually give mine a quick tap on the anvil to make sure it's not twisted before I even pick up the nippers.
8
blair_webb5d ago
Respectfully, I see that a little differently. In my experience, the nippers aren't usually the main problem. The real issue is often the trailer shoe itself if it's warped or the hole is slightly off. I've spent way too long fighting with a nail that keeps leaning because the shoe wasn't sitting flush on the hoof. Your mileage may vary, but I'd check if the shoe is flat before you throw money at new nippers. A cheap pair of nippers can hold a nail straight enough if the shoe is cooperating.
2