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Hot take: I started using a small propane torch to warm up frozen shoes in the winter and it's a game changer
Last January in Boise, I had a draft horse with a thrown shoe and the new one just wouldn't seat right because the steel was so cold. I warmed the shoe for maybe 30 seconds with the torch before nailing it on, and it seated perfectly on the first try. Do you think this could cause any problems with the steel's temper over time?
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adam_robinson1mo agoProlific Poster
Ever worry about messing up the metal's temper? I used to think any heat was bad news for a horseshoe... but honestly, for a quick warm-up like that, you're not even getting it to a dull red. You're just taking the deep chill off. I've done the same thing to get a tight fitting wrench onto a frozen bolt without it cracking. As long as you're not holding the flame in one spot forever, the steel's fine.
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blair6261mo ago
Yeah, that's a good point about the wrench trick.
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