There was a time not so long ago that groomers never used snap-on combs because they had not yet been invented. Once they landed on the scene many groomers adopted them quickly claiming they improved their efficiency. Yet there was another group of groomers who even unto this day don't use them favoring scissor and clipper only grooming.

From our experience snap-on comb attachments were indeed a great way to improve efficiency and overall productivity, and they were never mean to eliminate scissor finishing. Today, almost every groomer has a few sizes of snap-on combs. It's not unusual to find them useful every day. Anything that saves time and reduces hand fatigue should be important to all groomers alike as grooming has always been laborious work, and we must look to our tools and equipment to reduce wear and tear on our precious bodies.

While we may call them "snap-on combs" they may be referred to as blade guards, blade grips and blade attachments. There is not a standardized system used by manufacturers branding the various sizes of snap-on combs. Oster snap-on combs are numbered by the length of coat they leave (in inches). Non-Oster combs are often numbered in 6 common comb sizes, 1; 1 1/2; 2; 3; 4; and 5. Some manufacturers produce more than these 6 sizes usually increasing the length of coat left. Avoid using combs with sharp ends to avoid injuries.

Snap-on comb attachments are available from grooming suppliers. Ensure that the snap-on combs you desire will fit on the clippers you use. Not all combs work on all clippers.

Using Snap-on Combs

Snap-on combs are attached to the blade end of a clipper over the blade. They are best used over a #30, #40 or $50 blades. It's possible to use them on #10 or #15, but performance is not as high.

Like all grooming techniques, it takes some practice to master snap-on combs. For the most part, they are used on coats after bathing, fluff-drying and final combing so that no matts are present. Snap-on combs do not go through matts.

Always go in the direction of coat growth. Your objective is to create as even a result as possible. Once done, use scissors to smooth any uneven spots.

Some purebred dogs being groomed into non-traditional styles can make great use of snap-on combs. For example, a full-coated Sheepdog can have its coat reduced to an inch, or two, (depending upon comb used) very quickly with snap-on comb. In fact, many other purebred full-coated dogs being given an even length coat reduction cut all over are candidates for snap-on comb grooming, followed by scissors to perfect any uneven spots.

Keep in mind that with the popularity of clipper vacuum systems the traditional application of snap-on comb grooming at the same required some modifications. Because the vacuum effect is lifting the haircoat into the comb and blade, you are likely to get a shorter cut than using the same size snap-on comb with a clipper not attached to a vacuum system.

Clean snap-on combs regularly with soap and water only. Remove any clipper oil or aerosol spray on combs before use.