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
