A pritchel is a type of punch used in forging, particularly in making nail holes in horseshoes.
The pointed end of the tool should be kept sharp so that the burr is cut out smoothly.
[1] The temperature of the pritchel should be kept below the red-hot stage as the tool itself will bend and lose its temper.
When over-heated it is advised to cool it in water immediately.
Back pritcheling[2] is the process of driving it from the opposite side — the hoof side — leaving burrs and resulting in weakening and cutting the nails.