A pritchel is a type of punch used in blacksmithing, most often to finish the nail holes in a horseshoe. A forepunch first drives a hole through roughly nine tenths of the heated shoe's thickness; the pritchel is then driven through from the other side to clear the remaining metal and leave a clean hole. Because the tool must keep its temper to hold its edge, a pritchel that has heated past a dull red in use is cooled in water immediately rather than left to lose its hardness.
Facts
OriginThe name pritchel is an alteration, influenced by the word pritch, of the word prickle. 1 Connections
Used In
Pritchel is used in Blacksmithing.
Sources
1. Pritchel (Wiktionary)
Etymology section, English entryQuote, Etymology section, English entry
Alteration (influenced by pritch) of prickle.
Farrier Pritchel, Horseshoeing Tools for Sale (Blacksmiths Depot)
Product description paragraphQuote, Product description paragraph
To properly 'SNAP' and shear the plug out from a nail hole, a long, heavy pritchel is most desirable.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.