CLIPPERS, BLADES & MAINTENANCE
Understanding the Many Options of Clippers
Understanding the basics of clippers, blades and the maintenance needed will help to ensure that your equipment will have a good long life!
CLIPPERS 101
Which Clipper Style is Right for You?
There are a few basic types of clippers and each have its own specific purpose and use. Knowing which clipper you’ll need for your project is important. The first question is how many years will you be showing? Showing 1-2 years, it may not make sense to invest in a more expensive set of clippers and blades. If you are planning on 3+ years of showing, a good set should be part of your equipment.
The 3 basic categories of livestock clippers are each perfect for their purpose and use, but the challenge is to identify which is right for your project.
- Small – One blade Style (non-interchangeable)
- Small A5 Style
- Medium Clippers
- Large Shears
Small – The small one blade clippers do not have interchangeable blades and are great entry level clipper for showmen who will be showing 1 goat or pig for 1 or 2 years. Because the blades are not able to be sharpened or changed and the motors tend to be on the lighter side, these clippers are short lived in the livestock barn. But if it is all you can afford, they will get you by. Price range $25 – $45. They are sold at local drug store or variety stores.
Small A5 Style – These A5 style clippers have interchangeable blade heads and are great for body clipping a few animals such as goats, pigs and great for all face, leg and tight spot trim jobs for all species. Price range $115 -$180.
Medium Clippers – The medium sized clippers also have interchangeable blades for clipping & sheering multiple animals such as goats, sheep, pigs, horses & cattle. They are light weight and easy to handle for the bigger jobs. Price range $250 -$280.
Large Shears – The large shearing clippers have interchangeable blades and are great for large livestock or multiple animal body clipping of cattle, sheep, & goats. They are heavy duty and cover a lot of clipping in a short amount of time. Their disadvantage is getting into the tight areas & their weight. Price range $280 – $350.
BLADES 101
Most clippers will have interchangeable blade heads. This feature comes with an assortment of choices to make which can be very confusing! After researching the choices of blades, a few things became clear.
Blades are Specific – They are not interchangeable for all clippers. Specific blades are needed for specific clippers.
Low Blade numbers = longer cut – The lower blade numbers = longer hair length.
Blade numbers vary between brands – Different clipper manufacturers use different descriptions for the blade length. Some uses numbers, mm, inches or names. See the reference chart below.
Tooth Designation – The number alone indicates that it is a Skip tooth blade – Which are great first cut blades and blending two different lengths. (See how the tooth lengths are alternating between short and long?)
Finish Blades – Fine Tooth or Finish blade have the letter F following the number. This is a great second cut blade where the hair or wool is already cut. The tooth lengths are all the same.
Wide Blades – The letter T or “Wide” indicates a Wide Blade – Great for the first cut or faster body trimming.
BLADES HEAD STYLES
- A5 Clipper Blades – This is the two part blade for the small A5 style clippers. Here is how the blade attaches.
- Medium Clipper Blades – This is the two part blade type for use on medium size clippers. They will not work on small A5 style clippers. If in doubt, check it out on Pets-N-Projects.com Clipper Blade Conversion Chart before you make a purchase
- Large Shear Blades –These are the large two part blades for shears. They have a large assortment of top blades for multiple shearing styles. They are used for large livestock such as cattle, horses or multiple sheep.
CLIPPER AND BLADE MAINTENANCE
Clipper Oil –clipper oil – Blades must be oiled before, during and after use. The oil keep the blades moving smoothly. Oil the blades every 5-7 minutes while clipping.
Cleaning the Blades –cleaning the blades – After use, remove the blades, and brush all loose hair or wool. Lightly oil the blades and place them in a safe and dry place.
Cleaning the Clippers– After use, remove the blades, and brush all loose hair or wool from the clipper head. Be sure to have a safe and dry place to store the blades.
