Caring for your clippers will prolong their life and help prevent clipper shy horses
Overheating, not cutting and rusty blades are common problems when clippers aren’t properly looked after, so what is the best way to do so?
Greasy or thick coats can make you clipper blades go blunt sooner than expected as the smallest particle of dirt can dull them the minute it touches the teeth, so it is a good idea to bath your horse the day before. This will also condition the coat which will help the blades glide through. Ensuring you keep him well groomed will contribute to the life of your blades – it can even be possible to get 6 or 7 clips out of a set before they need to be sharpened.
Using any other type of oil than clipper oil can damage your clippers and irritate your horses skin, so it is important to choose quality. This will lubricate your blades, keep them cool, and keep the edge on when used every 5 to 10 minutes. Oil all along the teeth then along the sides for complete coverage.
Tensioning your blades incorrectly can also cause them to instantly blunt when turned on. Be sure to turn the tensioning nut as far as it will go, and then turn it back one and a half turns for the correct tension.
Many clippers have a vent that needs to be regularly cleaned to ensure they can cool down effectively. Simply remove the vent, brush out the hair, and wash in warm soapy water if required. Ensure that it is dry before use – you should be able to see daylight through it. When finished, remove any hair from your blades, rinse clean with blade wash, wipe over with clipper oil, and store away in a dry place to prevent them from rusting.
Clippers that are for private use should be serviced once a year to keep them working efficiently. A typical service includes checking for electrical safety, a thorough cleaning inside, internal mechanisms greased and oil, any faults diagnosed, worn parts replaced, then fully tested before being returned.
Following these tips should keep your clippers in the best possible condition for a show worthy clip!