When Sharpening Isn't Enough

One of the easiest and least expensive ways of making sure your clippers are working well is also one of the most overlooked. It's the BLADE DRIVE or LEVER that moves the blade back and forth. It should be replaced on a regular basis. This relates to all brands of clippers; Andis, Laube, Oster & WAHL. Faster and more powerful clippers need the drive lever changed even more frequently. Also remember, the more pets you groom, the more often the drive lever needs to be changed. Grooming an average of 24 pets a week usually requires the drive lever to be changed every 1 to 2 months.

It will not necessarily look worn to you. When it's not working properly there are other signs you may notice. Your clipper, even though it's running fine, will seem to lack power. The blades will have a tendency to pull the hair, leave hair behind, stick or leave streaks. Blades may also be noisier, and you may find that some blades work on your clippers and other don't. All of these conditions are signs of a worn blade drive or lever. Even the sharpest blade may cut poorly, or not at all when the drive lever is worn.

A drive lever typically costs less than having one blade sharpened, so it's an inexpensive way to optimize clipper performance. It's a good practice to keep an extra drive lever on hand. Repeatedly having your blades sharpened, when you really need to replace a worn drive lever, unnecessarily increases your costs and shortens the life of your blades.

One Final Note:

Because of today's faster and more powerful clippers it is more important than ever to regularly oil your blades (spray coolants are not a substitute). It is recommended to oil each blade before every use. Also, running your clipper continually on the highest speed is usually not necessary. Run on lower speeds unless you get into heavier coats and matting. This reduces blade heat and extends the life of your blades and clippers!

Copyright 2007 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved