What blades should I use?

The most commonly used blades are the medium cut, although coarse blades are useful on very hairy legs and are useful for the first clip of the season, especially if the hair growth is coarse and long. Fine blades are often used on thoroughbreds or fine coated animals or for when a very close clip is needed. Care should be taken with the fitting of blades onto the machine, if the blades are put on the wrong way round they will blunt immediately.

So, how do I fit the blades correctly?

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, and if possible, ask your supplier for a demonstration when making your choice of machine. It is imperative that the correct tension is used. Each make of machine is different, so if there are no instructions available it is advisable to ask the advice of a clipper specialist before operating. Once the blades are correctly fitted, make sure the blades are oiled before use with clipper oil (other types of oil are generally too heavy for this type of machine) and continue oiling every 5-10 minutes during operation. Oil liberally between the teeth, the blades at the back and the guide blocks. Oil all the other little holes and wipe off any excess from the bottom blade. Trimmers, normally just require oiling across the blades. Brush off any excess hair before re-oiling, when in use, an old toothbrush is ideal. NEVER dip blades in petrol, paraffin, diesel or any other liquid to clean, it is extremely dangerous and strips the blades of their lubrication. This will also cause the blades to blunt quickly.

Be careful when clipping heads - some horses are very wary.
TIP - make sure your blades are not hot when you get round to clipping the head. Either keep a spare set or use a trimmer.

What happens if my machine is incorrectly tensioned?

If the machine is incorrectly tensioned and has been screwed down too tightly, you will get heat to the blades, cause strain and ultimately damage the motor or strip the gears. You will find the blades will not cut at all. If the blades are fitted to loosely you will get hair between the blades, which will separate the top and bottom blade even more, again this will mean the blades will not cut.

What should I do with my machine at the end of the clipping season? However good the machine, it will only remain efficient if properly cared for. Special care must be taken with storage of electrical clippers, as they have a habit of being invisibly damaged in damp conditions. Unless your tackroom is centrally heated, then the best place for storage is in a warm dry house.

At the end of the clipping season it is advisable to return the clippers to a clipper specialist who will clean and service them, so they can then be put away in good working order, knowing that they will work when needed in the Autumn.

Care of the blades is as important.

After use, remove from the machine carefully, the teeth are actually very fragile. Brush off any excess hair and wipe clean. If the blades are to be sent away for sharpening, wrap them up individually with protective packaging, eg. bubble wrap, kitchen roll, newspaper which will stop them rattling against each other and then put into a padded envelope, small box or tin. This will give them protection in transit. If the blades are to be stored with clippers for any length of time, again remove from the clipper and brush off and then wrap in an oily rag.

For general clipper care throughout the season, always check them over at the end of each day's use. Give them an all over clean, brush off any excess hair, remove blades and check the teeth are OK. If any of the teeth have been broken, it is better to discard as you will be left with lines on your clip. We re-use bottom broken blades, they are very good for thinning/pulling manes. Just use them the same way you would a mane comb to pull a mane, they will actually cut rather than pull out by the root, but the effect is the same and the horse will feel no discomfort.

Always keep a spare set of blades, just in case your blades go blunt half way through a clip. Check the cable is not damaged, and clean air filters if fitted. Unscrew and brush both sides to remove any clogged hair. Look through to see that the gauze in the filters is clear. If necessary wash in detergent. Dry and replace. Send any blades off for sharpening as needed. If care is taken, a good set of clippers will give you many years of use.

If you would like a free leaflet on "Everything you need to know about clipping and more …." and
For Further information: on clipping, buying a set of clippers and clipper maintenance, visit www.clippersharp.com or contact
Clipper Sharp Clipper Services, Southwoods Farm, Culmstock, Collumpton, Devon, EX15 3JX.
Tel: 01823 681076,
Fax: 01823 681076 or email: richard@clippersharp.com

Article kindly provided by Clipper Sharp