Part 4: Caring for your Bit

Keeping your Bit in top condition is important, and not much work! Check out the simple guide below...

Washing

Neue Schule advises to wash your bit under the tap and dry it thoroughly after each use. If you wish to polish you can with any reputable metal polish, ensure there is no residue left on the bit. Immerse in warm soapy water after polishing and rub with a soft sponge. Finish off with a cold rinse under the tap and dry with a cloth.

Checking your bit

The bit shouldn't be ignored when checking and cleaning tack. Neue Schule recommends doing so weekly. Missing or ignoring something could become a serious safety issue. Here is a handy guide to know what to check for and where to check!

1. Any loss of material where a joint is formed, e.g between the inner end loops of the cannons and the bores of the central link of a double-jointed design

2. That the bevelling on the edges of the outer end bores of the cannons is still smooth

3. That the rings or fixed cheeks are not showing any deformation or unusual signs of wear

4. That joins or welds between two different metals, e.g any of the Neue Schule Weymouth types, are tightly closed with no discernible gap

Read the other sections here:

Part 1: What Bit is best for me click here

Part 2: Frequently Asked Questions click here

Part 3: How to Measure your bit click here