The purchase of a high quality clipper is one of the most important investments a professional groomer can make. Groomers want a clipper to run efficiently and smoothly for a long time, so proper maintenance is essential. Without proper maintenance, the clippers and blades won’t operate at their optimum level.

Parts Description: 
In order to maintain clippers properly, it is important to understand the function of certain key components:

Blade latch:
The blade latch is the part that you push up when putting the blade on or taking it off of the clipper. Allows clipper blade to seat properly onto the clipper.

Hinge assembly:
The hinge assembly is the metal piece that the clipper blade slots onto. On some clippers, the clipper blade slots into the blade drive assembly.

Blade Drive Assembly or Lever:
This is the part that moves blade back and forth to make it cut.

Link:
The link transfers power from gear to lever.

Gear: 
Transmits power from armature to link and lever.

Clipper Housing: 
Outer plastic cover of clipper.

Blade Cleaning and Cooling: 
Use a blade cleaner to lubricate, deodorize and disinfect the clipper blade before the first use and after each use. Some cleaners are extremely easy to use. Submerge the clipper blade portion of the clipper in a jar of blade wash and run the clipper for 5-6 seconds. Extend-a-Life Clipper Blade Cleaner and Blade Wash are available for this purpose.

Clipper blades produce friction which if used long enough, the clipper blades will become hot and can irritate, and even burn, a dog’s skin. Products like Clipper Cool, Kool Lube 3 and Cool Care will cool, clean and lubricate blades. They improve cutting action by increasing clipper speed and will not leave an oily residue.

Even if you’re using one of the cooling products listed above, you will still need to frequently oil the clipper blades. Blade oil is slightly heavier than the oil used in the spray coolants, so it does a much more efficient job of lubricating. Also, it will not dissipate as quickly as the oil left by the coolants.

Levers, Blade Drive Assemblies, and Hinges: 
Levers and blade drive assemblies are essentially the same thing. When worn, the clipper blade does not achieve a full stroke, so cutting efficiency is affected. The clipper blade may even start to produce a rattling sound. Replace levers during regular maintenance to prevent problems. The hinge should be replaced when it can be pushed out of the upright position by hand without using the blade latch. If clipper blades seem to be loose during cutting, the latch may need replacing.

Clipper Blade Sharpening: 
Keeping the blades sharp is vital. Dull clipper blades lead to poor results and unhappy customers. The time between professional sharpenings can be extended by using the HandiHone Sharpener. They greatly reduce the time, cost and hassle of sending blades out to be sharpened so often, and can be done in a matter of minutes. The cost of the kit and taking a little time to master the technique will be repaid many times over.

Oiling Clipper: 
The motor of older-style clippers might develop a squeal after a period of time. If this occurs, simply apply one drop of Lubricating Oil into the clipper’s oil port. Some clippers have two ports. Do not use typical household oils, and do not over-oil. This may cause irreparable harm to the clipper.

Carbon Brush & Spring Assembly:
If a clipper runs slower than usual or seems to lose power, it may indicate worn carbon brushes. Check them regularly to ensure the proper length. Both brushes must be changed when worn to half their original length.

End Cap Maintenance: 
New, cooler running clippers have removable screen filters on the end cap. Vacuum or blow off the hair daily. This is also a good time to remove the hair in the hinge area. An old toothbrush works well for this purpose, as does the small brush that came with the clipper. A force dryer can also be used. Remove the end cap of an older A-5 weekly, vacuum out the clipper and clean the hinge. Be careful not to disturb the wiring or connections. Replace the end cap.

Taking care of grooming equipment can increase profits by eliminating down time.

Have multiple clippers and clipper blades so that grooming can continue while other equipment is being serviced.

This will help avoid shut downs; in the event of major equipment malfunctions. Remember that a day without equipment can cost a week’s worth of profits.