Can I fix this bit?

[Reignmaker Miniatures]

I'm not sure which is the best forum for this but since only drivers use bits this seemed appropriate. I have a gelding who's favorite bit is a standard broken snaffle with a full copper mouth. He absolutely loves this bit and has a very quiet mouth with it. But... in my infinite wisdom (yes that is sarcasm aimed at me) I used the only bit of its kind that I own to bit a new colt for the first time. By that I mean I allowed him to wear the bit while being lunged which is something I always do to give them a chance to adjust to carrying a bit. Anyway, I usually use a stainless bit for the colts but this time I thought (or failed to think

) the colt might like the 'taste' of the copper and thus adjust more quickly to the feel of the bit in his mouth. Well it is an experiment that has had consequences, the colt in question chomped on my copper bit, and as a result there are several small snags on the mouth piece. The metal is roughed up enough that I can't use it as is on the gelding without it being uncomfortable for him

. What I want to know is does anyone have a way to smooth that mouth piece again? I've considered trying very fine sandpaper/emery cloth but thought I'd post here for ideas in case someone has had to do the same thing. If I can't fix it I am either going to have to order a new bit or convince the gelding he really can put up with something else which may or may not fly with him.

 

[Sue_C.]

As long as there are no big chunks out of it, yes you can. Before taking the emery cloth to it, run something like the round shank of a screwdriver or something along the snags to help flatten/even them out, and do that again after smoothing with the cloth as well. this takes any roughness out so there is nothing left to abraid the horse's tongue.

 

[Reignmaker Miniatures]

Thanks Sue

I hate to throw it out if I can make it safe again. Good to know I can try at least.

 

[Sue_C.]

Thanks Sue

I hate to throw it out if I can make it safe again. Good to know I can try at least.

If worse came to worse, you could also try wrapping it in bit-latex, leaving some of the copper at the middle for him to taste.

 

[MiLo Minis]

I actually don't take the screwdriver or whatever to it first because that can leave little bits of metal kinda folded over that can snag a tongue, bin there - dun that. I use a knife to remove the snags completely and then emery cloth to smooth it all out. Of course you can only do that so many times and then it is time for a new bit.

 

[Reignmaker Miniatures]

Thank you, I don't mind replacing a bit after its had some use but this one is only a year and a half old. What I thought I'd do (think I read this some where, maybe her since this is where I get some of my best ideas) is when I think its smooth again I'll drag an old nylon across it and see if it catches, that way I should be able to tell if I've got all the points smoothed out. I sure won't be using a copper mouthed bit on a horse who has an inclination to chomp and chew again. This was not one of my better ideas.