Are You Prepared?

In this edition of Gary's Tips, Gary discusses the importance of having your grooming equipment prepared for the busy Holiday season.

Beveled Edge and Convex Edge Shears: What's the Difference?

In this Gary's Tips video, Gary discusses the difference between beveled edge, non-honed shears and convex edge, honed shears.  He addresses the common question of why there is a difference in sharpening costs for each type of shear.  

Beveled edge shears are more durable and can be sharpened on different equipment and by using different techniques than convex shears.  Some shears also have serrated edges lose their serration over time due to the sharpening process.  Gary talks about why the serration is important and how it can be added back to a set of shears.

Clipper Blades: Common Questions

Over the years, we have received a lot of questions regarding clipper blades and sharpening. One such question is "How long does a blade stay sharp?" As Gary points out in this video, how long a blade stays sharp depends a great deal on how well you take care of your blades. Gary walks through some quick and easy maintenance tips to ensure your blades stay sharp.

Another common question is "How many times can a blade be sharpened?" As Gary demonstrates, the answer to this question depends on several factors. Proper maintenance and proper sharpening techniques play an important part in how many times your blades will need to be sharpened.

Changing Carbon Brushes

When you notice that your clipper is running hot or if it has suddenly stopped, it is important to check and change the carbon brushes.

In this installment of Gary's Tips, Gary demonstrates how to locate and replace the carbon brushes on three of the grooming industry's most popular clippers: the Oster A5, the Andis AG and the Andis AGC. When installing new carbon brushes, make sure that the brush is properly inserted in the brush tube. Needing to force a brush will indicate that you need to turn it by 90 degrees. When properly installed, they should simply fall and slide into place. A carbon brush that has been forced in will not feed from the spring pressure as it wears, causing the clipper to stop and not run at all. Further repair to remove the stuck brush will then be required.

My Blades Wobble!

You may have experienced blades that shake, wobble and chatter when attached to your clipper. When this happens, check to be sure that the hinge screws have not come loose. If they have, tighten them down as needed. If the problem persists, you may have a bent blade bracket (socket). Using a pair of large pliers or channel locks, simply bend the socket ears slightly inward and then reset the blade on the clipper. It may be necessary to change out the socket if blades continue to wobble.

In this video, Gary demonstrates how to address a noisy, wobbly clipper blade.

Clipper Maintenance

The clipper part referred to as the lever, blade drive, or swing arm is by far the most important part of any clipper. A worn out drive part can cause new and re-sharpened blades to seem dull. As a drive tip wears it actually shrinks in size and can cause the blade to cut poorly and leave lines in the coat. You may also notice that your blades will chatter or run noisy, which is another sign that the drive part needs attention. Be sure to change out the drive mechanism on a regular basis as needed.

This video demonstrates what to look for, how to access the blade part, and how to replace it on two of the most popular clipper types in the industry.

Get your drying equipment ready for the Holidays

Be prepared!  Make sure you are ready for the Holiday season.  Don't be caught during the rush with drying equipment failing due to poor maintenance.  Force dryers should have the carbon brushes checked twice a year for maximum performance and to prevent motor damage.  Stand and cage dryers should be cleaned to avoid hair build up on the heating coils.  Filters should be cleaned daily and/or replaced.  A regularly maintained dryer will run more efficiently, dry faster and use less electricity.

We've included this video to show how to perform these checks and replacements.  Don't delay!  Be ready for a successful and profitable Holiday season.