Guide To Sharpen Clipper Blades Reviewed
Hair clippers are available with an array of components. However, there are only a few of these components that determine the quality of the clipper.
These components are the motor and blades. Unlike a damaged motor, the blades can be replaced. But, since they are so expensive, manufacturers are now designing their clippers with blades that automatically sharpen during operation.
If you happen to have a model that does not have auto-sharpening blades or this feature is not working, you will need to manually sharpen them. Sharpen your clipper blades by utilizing the step-by-step guide listed below.
Step 1
The first step involves breaking the clipper down. This process requires a 4-way screwdriver. Utilize the screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the blades in place.
Be careful not to lose the screws because they are tiny and it may be difficult to find replacements.
Before removing the screws note how the blades are positioned. One will be lying directly on top of the other, which is exactly how they will need to be reassembled.
Gently pry the blades up from the base. Sometimes the blades will stick to the base, so you may need tweezers or a tiny 1-way screwdriver.
Step 2
The second step involves the cleaning of the blades. Most clipper blades are constructed from stainless steel to resist rust and corrosion. Utilize soap, warm tap water, and a toothbrush or small cleaning brush to clean the blades.
Gently remove the hair and debris that is stuck in the blade’s teeth. If necessary, you can utilize a small wire brush to remove any rust or corrosion buildup.
Once all the hair is completely removed, you should rinse the blade under the tap. Gently wipe the blade with a dry cloth to remove excess water. If you want, you can let the blade air dry before moving the step 3.
Step 3
The third step involves sanitizing the blade. This step will require a small bowl and isopropyl alcohol. Pour a few tablespoons of isopropyl alcohol into the bowl.
Place the blades in the bowl and let them soak for at least 10 minutes. Remove the blades and wipe them down with a soft, dry cloth.
Inspect the blades to make sure there is no visible rust. If you detect any sign of rust, you will need to remove it. Do this by scrubbing them down with a small wire brush.
If rust was detected, you will need to repeat step 3, but this time you may need to utilize a stronger alcohol solution of 90% or more.
Step 4
The fourth step involves a careful inspection. Before reattaching the blades, it is crucial to inspect thoroughly. What you are looking for is damage caused by continuous use.
If you detect even minor damage to the blade, you will need to have them replaced. Damaged blades will not provide the cut you are looking for. They will provide you with nothing more than a painful experience, especially if the blade’s teeth are broken or missing.
Damaged blades will also cause the clipper to not run smoothly. They may also cause a complete malfunction. Instead of taking risks, replace blades that are damaged or corroded with rust.
Step 5
The fifth step involves testing the blades to determine if they are working properly. Sometimes clipper blades only need to be cleaned and not sharpened to be fully functional.
This step is not necessary, but it is a great way to determine the functionality of the blades.
Carefully reassemble the blades and make minor adjustments if necessary. Run the blades through your hair.
If they pull or tug on your hair, then you will need to move on to step 6, which involves the sharpening process.
Step 6
The sixth step involves the sharpening process. Some manufacturers recommend professional sharpening, but if you have the right equipment it will not be necessary to take them to a machine shop.
However, you will need a sharpening stone- a diamond sharpening stone is required for blades made of ceramic – with a grit surface of no more than 4000.
Place the blade in your hand, holding at the base. Try to maintain an angle of approximately 30 degrees. Gently move the blade forward across the sharpening stone about five times.
Moving the blade backward will risk damaging the teeth. Utilize a soft, dry cloth to remove any metal pieces before inspecting the blades.
If the blades are not shiny, it is likely they are not completely sharpened. Continue to repeat this step until you achieve the ideal sharpness.
Once the bottom of the blade is sharpened, you will need to flip it over and sharpen the lower edge. Utilize the same instructions to complete this process.
If necessary, you can repeat steps two and three to remove any fine metal that is stuck between the teeth of the blades.
If you repeat these steps, it may be a good idea to let the blade air dry before reassembling. The water will prevent the oil from penetrating the blades.
Step 7
The seventh step involves reassembly of the blades. Once you achieve a sharp, fine edge on your clipper blade, it will be time to start the reassembly process.
Be sure to utilize a dry, soft cloth to remove all the excess metal before reassembling.
Note how the blades were positioned in the clipper before moving forward. Gently place the blades back into the base and secure it tightly with the screws.
Once you complete this step carefully look at the blades to make sure they are secure, positioned correctly and facing the right direction. If everything checks out okay, then you can move on to step 8.
Step 8
The eighth step involves the oiling of the blades. Most manufacturers supply their customers with a small bottle of oil that is specifically designed for clipper blades.
If you do not have any, you can pick some up at a local retail or hardware store. Just make sure the oil is safe to utilize with your specific clipper blade.
Oiling the blades helps to prevent and reduce friction and overheating, which will cause damage over time.
Holding the clipper in your hand, slowly drop three to five drops of oil onto the blades. Utilize a dry cloth to remove any excess oil before testing functionality.
Step 9
The ninth step involves testing of the clipper blades. Recheck the blades to make sure they are positioned and assembled correctly. If everything looks as it should, you can plug the electric cable to an outlet.
Switch to the “ON” position and listen and feel for excess vibration. Some hair clippers must be adjusted and aligned before they can be used for the first time after each cleaning.
To do this, you will need a one-way screwdriver. Turn the adjustment assembly counterclockwise until the vibration decreases to a minimum.
All clippers vibrate to a certain degree, so do not turn the adjustment assembly beyond resistance.
Once the blades are aligned correctly, you can put the clipper to the test. But, before doing so make sure any excess oil is wiped away because it will penetrate your hair.
Attach a guide comb of your choice before trimming your hair. Moving against the growth of your hair, while listening for any abnormal sounds. If the blade moves through your hair smoothly, the sharpening process worked perfectly.
However, if your hair gets stuck in the teeth of the blade, the sharpening process failed to work or the blades are misaligned. Try realigning the blades before making any drastic decisions.
You will have two options when it comes to dealing with dull blades after sharpening. You can either repeat the steps above to try sharpening the blade again or you can replace it.
Depending on the brand, replacement blades can be rather expensive. So, it may be best to repeat the above steps to extend the life of the blades.
Consider Replacing The Blades
Before even starting the sharpening process, it is crucial to inspect the blades carefully. It will be a complete waste of time to sharpen damaged blades because they will not function correctly no matter what you do.
Damaged blades should be replaced immediately. Replacements should be able at most pharmacies, retail stores and online. Some barbershops and salons carry replacement parts for hair clippers as well.
Afterword
Your hair clipper will pay for itself over time. You can utilize it to trim your beard, mustache, sideburns, and hair. You can also utilize it to clean your face, arms, legs, neck, and ears.
A hair clipper with guide combs can be utilized for just about everything you can think of.
And, if you are concerned about saving money, be sure to only consider brands that offer affordable replacement blades.
To extend the life of the blade, it is crucial to remove excess hair and debris after each use.
Just utilize the included cleaning brush to remove hair stuck in the blade’s teeth. If necessary, you may need to complete steps two and three for a more thorough clean.