Help me save my clippers?

**ambrudy** · 10-24-2008, 04:35 PM

DH has very thick, very curly hair. Last time our clippers did not work so I scissor cut it (and did a darn good job!). It's time for a new trim and although the scissors worked well, we want to fix our clippers.

They buzzed but didn't appear to cut anything when I ran it through his hair. Although the $20 for a new set would surely pay for themselves....I want to see if I can fix these first. Any tips?

**pbobber** · 10-24-2008, 05:17 PM

I was cutting my dad's hair a couple of days ago and had the same thing happen. Turned the adjuster thingy (looks like a black plastic screwhead on mine) about a half turn clockwise and they worked fine.

**ambrudy** · 10-24-2008, 05:59 PM

Thanks! I tried doing it all the way up and all the way down, but not in between. I'll have to try that out!

**joyofsix** · 10-24-2008, 06:48 PM

DS's hair (very thick, very coarse, very curly) kills clippers. I usually take them apart and clean all the hair out. This helps but I do eventually have to break down and buy new ones about every 6 hair cuts. Still cheaper than having it done though.

**staciah** · 10-24-2008, 08:00 PM

I have a pair of Wahl Clippers that I purchased 12 yrs ago. They are professional hair cutting clippers and I paid I think $60 at the time but they still work perfectly and I have dropped them a few times too. I remove the metal clippers and clean it out really good. Then oil them. You should oil them frequently anyway. Line the teeth up when you screw the clippers together or they wont cut the hair.

I cut my DH hair every 2 weeks.

**shortstack** · 10-24-2008, 08:25 PM

I was also going to suggest oiling them.
Andrea

**fixer** · 10-27-2008, 04:33 PM

I was going to suggest taking the blades apart and cleaning them. Our clippers sometime refuse to cut my thick(and quickly greying) hair. My wife tries to power them though and rip my hair out by the roots. This is my motivation to keep the clippers in good working order.

**shadowfax** · 10-27-2008, 09:10 PM

Clipper blades need to be resharpened regularly.
If you turn them over you will see two screws holding the blades in place. Unscrew them and remove the blades. Replace the screws inthe hols so you don't loose them.

Now look for a local saddle shop or tack store in your yellow pages. Call and ask if they have clipper blade resharpening. Generally they do. Take the blades to them and they will send them out to be professionally sharpened. It is really not that expensive. Usually around $10. They will call you to come pick them up again in about two weeks.

Clipper blades should be oiled and cleaned in between uses to keep them sharp. And should be used on clean hair also to keep them sharp longer.

**ambrudy** · 10-28-2008, 12:09 AM

Thank you so much for all of your help! I'm going to take them apart this week and see what I'm dealing with in terms of hair build up!

What is the proper method for oiling? How much should I use on a regular basis?

**shadowfax** · 10-29-2008, 10:44 AM

I use Kool Lube. Again available at tack stores or I think you can buy clipper blade oil at stores. Not sure where though. I think WWD 40 would be fine to use.

Just give them a light spray or a bead of oil along the top of the blade after you clean them. Then run the clipper for a few seconds to evenly distribute the oil.

This should be done after every use.