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As a professional dog groomer, you know that your clippers are more than just tools-they're your lifeline. So, it can be incredibly frustrating when they start acting up or fail to meet your expectations.
Whilst it might be easy to assume that dull blades are the constant cause of your problems, there are many reasons why your clipper might not be performing as you'd expect.
At Groomers, we know how important it is that your grooming tools are always in the best condition. That's why we've compiled a list of potential clipper problems to help you spot and fix them, preventing your clippers from breaking and needing an expensive replacement. From blade problems to lubrication and power issues, find out what's wrong with your clipper and learn how to correct it!
Table of contents:
- My clipper has dull blades
- My clipper blades won't snap on correctly
- My clipper is overheating
- I haven't maintained my clipper properly
- My clipper keeps losing power
- My clipper is noisy
Before we delve into the many reasons why your clippers might not be working efficiently, there are a few things you can do to maintain them, preventing them from encountering future problems.
Clippers should only be used on clean, freshly washed dog hair. Dirt, dander and grime can clog up your clipper, causing it to work extra hard, overheat and compromise the blade's cutting edge.
If you regularly clean and maintain your clippers, you can prevent future problems from occurring. It will also allow your clippers to function properly on busy salon days when you need them the most.
However, if your clippers aren't giving their best performance, here are the most probable reasons why;
My clipper has dull blades
When a dog grooming clipper is working, but the blades aren't cutting correctly, it's often assumed that the blades are dull. However, this isn't always the case.
Dull blades are a common problem that can prevent blades from cutting efficiently, causing them to drag on the hair. They can also create an uneven finish or cause your clipper to make more noise as the blades work harder to cut through the hair.
Dull clipper blades are usually caused by improper maintenance or overuse. You can easily fix your blade by removing any clogged hair, dirt, and dander from the blades and oiling them with clipper oil, following the manufacturer's instructions. If this doesn't fix the issue, sharpening your blades or replacing old ones should correct the problem.
But what if dull blades aren't the issue? The answer might lie in the hardware that secures your clipper blade. Even brand-new blades will fail to perform if parts aren't functioning correctly.
Clipper blade hardware components
For your clipper blades to cut effortlessly, the clipper blade hardware components, the socket, the tension spring and the screws all need to operate seamlessly in tandem. When this happens, the clipper blade has the correct tension to glide smoothly along the clipper's deck.
The socket sits on the clipper's drive or level, driving the cutter back and forth evenly along the deck. For this to happen, the cutter must have a certain amount of tension to slide evenly. Tension springs control this, and if there isn't enough tension, the clipper won't cut effectively, even if the blades have just been freshly sharpened.
If these parts are working fine, check the tightness of the screws that secure the socket to the clipper blade, ensuring they aren't too loose or tight.
If you can't see any issues with the screws, check the setback. The setback is the amount of space between the cutter and the teeth of the deck. The length of the clipper blade determines this distance; the higher the blade number, the closer the cutter needs to be to the edge of the teeth on the deck. If this space is incorrect, the blade won't cut properly, and you could potentially harm the dog you're grooming.
If the clipper blade hardware components are damaged, consult your manufacturer's instructions for proper advice on replacing them or book your clipper in for service.
My clipper blades won't snap on correctly
If one of your clipper blades won't snap on correctly, this could mean that your blades are worn down and your clipper requires new ones. However, if new blades don't attach correctly, this could be caused by the wearable moving parts within your clipper.
If your blades are correctly sharpened, the hardware looks good, and the blade has good tension, there could be a problem with the clipper.
Blade drive or lever
The blade drive or lever is the part that holds the socket in place and drives the cutter along the blade's deck. It is usually the part that's to blame if your clipper blades won't cut, as over time, the edges wear down and become rounded, impacting the blade's performance.
If the clipper blade doesn't run smoothly or rattles loudly, this could be a sign that the blade drive needs replacing and that your clippers need servicing.
Hinge
The hinge is the part of the clipper that the blade slides onto. It has springs that help anchor the latch down and hold the clipper blade in place when it is in operation. If the blade pops up and away from the clipper when there's resistance, it could be time to replace the hinge.
Latch
The latch is the part that fits the bottom of the hinge, secured by hinge springs. The top part locks down the blade, securing it to the clipper. A hook from the top end of the latch locks the blade in place when the clipper is running; if this breaks, there's nothing to secure it. In this case, your clipper will need a new latch.
My clipper is overheating
If your clipper feels hot, first check the blade. Is there any rust or other damage to the blade that might be causing extra friction? Is the blade's tension allowing it to run smoothly from side to side? Also, check for damage to the blade hinge and lock to ensure they are properly placed.
Have you oiled your clipper blades? If not, you should use clipper oil regularly, before every use and every twenty minutes during use, to prevent unnecessary friction that could cause your blades to get hot. Remember to clean down your clipper blades to remove excess oil regularly.
If the clipper blade seems fine, there's a chance your clippers' mechanism is stressed, causing friction inside the clipper. Remove the blade and see if it continues to heat up without it; if so, book it in for a service.
How often should I have my clippers serviced?
Your clippers should be cleaned and inspected regularly. But, if you work in a busy salon, they should be serviced at least twice a year to ensure they work efficiently.
I haven't maintained my clipper properly
If you haven't been maintaining your clipper, now is the perfect time to start!
A build-up of dirt, debris, dander, and clipper oil can prevent your clippers from cutting properly, so regularly cleaning your clipper blades with appropriate cleaning solutions helps prevent this.
Regularly lubricate your clippers with clipper oil to prevent friction from occurring between the moving parts. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for more information on how often to do this for your specific clipper brand.
Always oil your clipper blades after they've been thoroughly cleaned. You can also add drops of clipper oil to the blades when in operation, particularly when used in a busy salon.
Proper cleaning and lubrication of your clippers is essential if you want your blades to last. Schedule regular maintenance of your clippers into your day to prevent problems from occurring.
My clipper keeps losing power
If you have a corded clipper that is losing power, check that its power cable is secure and plugged in correctly. If you can't identify any obvious issues, plug the clippers into a different power source to confirm there aren't any problems.
If your clipper feels hot, it may have overheat protection built into it, which shuts it off when it gets too hot. Allow your clippers to cool, then try them again to see if they work.
Finally, if your corded clipper still doesn't work, a power surge may have damaged its internal mechanisms. Power surge protectors are ideal for this, as they cut out before any of your equipment can be damaged.
Check your charging station and contact points for cordless clippers to ensure they are clean. If your clipper has a removable battery, check it against the spare battery to see if it works. Try the clipper with a different blade, and if it still doesn't work, check the mechanism for built-up hair.
Once you have completed all your checks and cleaning, if your clipper is still losing power, it's time to have it looked over by a professional, as you may need a new motor or battery.
If your clipper's battery isn't Lithium, this issue could be a memory effect caused by charging it for short bursts. To keep the battery's memory at its best, you should charge it fully every time. Alternatively, your battery could simply be coming to the end of its life.
My clipper is noisy
If your clipper makes excessive noise, the blade may be loose, or you may need a new one. If replacing the blade doesn't seem to make a difference, your clippers may have some wear and tear on their moving parts or hardware (consult points 1 and 2 for more information).
In this case, book your clipper in for a service to identify the problem.
Shop for clippers by browsing our professional collection at Groomers
If your clippers are ready to be replaced, why not shop for a new pair at Groomers? Or, you can also give your current pair some TLC by browsing clipper parts and maintenance, giving them a new lease of life!
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