How To Clean Horse Clipper Blades
It’s that time of year when fluffy horses begin to sweat when exercised, and horse owners across the country reach for their trusty clippers to make their equines comfier and look more presentable. That being said, it is now much more common for competition horses to be clipped all year round, as well as equines who suffer from conditions such as Cushing’s which creates a much thicker coat.
Horse clippers are an all-year-round grooming kit essential which can serve a multitude of purposes, including:
Treating Wounds: In the unfortunate event of an injury, a horse's wound may require clipping for evaluation and treatment. Clippers enable precise and safe removal of hair around the affected area, ensuring a clean and accessible surface for proper wound care.
Tidying Feathers and Unwanted Hair: Horses can develop unruly leg and cheek hair, which not only affects their appearance, but can also harbour dirt and moisture, potentially leading to skin issues. Clippers provide a quick and efficient solution for tidying up these areas.
Tail Grooming: Tails can become tangled and matted, making them difficult to manage. Clippers are invaluable for maintaining a horse's tail, leaving it in pristine condition with minimal effort. Clippers can also help owners achieve a ‘pulled tail’ look without having to actually pull the tail – a much kinder solution for the horse.
Ears and Muzzle Trimming: While not all horses tolerate having their ears and muzzle clipped, it's sometimes necessary for hygiene or health reasons. Clippers designed for precision work allow for safe and controlled trimming in these sensitive areas.
The Importance of Proper Maintenance
Maintenance is the key to the longevity and optimal performance of your clippers. Neglecting the cleaning and care of your clippers and blades can lead to costly mistakes, potentially requiring you to invest in a new set. The thought of "I'll clean them later" can turn into several weeks, during which the blades might rust beyond repair, and the clippers themselves can accumulate a tangled mess of hair and grease.
Proper maintenance of clippers and clipper blades involves three simple yet critical steps:
1. Removing all hair build-up
Immediately after use, start by removing all the hair from both the clipper blades and the clipper body itself. Some clippers come with a small brush designed for cleaning the clipper blades. If you don't have one or have misplaced it, an old toothbrush can serve the same purpose. Ensure you slide the mobile part of the clipper blade, known as the cutter, from side to side to eliminate most of the hair build-up. Pay close attention to cleaning all the nooks and crannies of the clipper body as well.
2. Washing the Clipper Blades
Clean the blades in clipper blade wash. This is an affordable solution, and most clipper manufacturers offer their own brand of wash. Many of today's blades are made of steel, chromium and even titanium. Due to their composition, it's important to choose the right cleaning solution to prevent damage. Gently washing the blades ensures they remain in optimal condition.
3. Oiling the Clipper Blades
After cleaning, it's crucial to oil the clipper blades to keep them in excellent condition and prevent rust. This is a simple process, requiring only a few drops of clipper blade oil on the teeth of the clipper blades. Once you've oiled them, the blades are ready to be stored. To ensure their protection, store the blades in a container or bag that is as airtight as possible. Humidity and exposure to air can lead to rust formation.
It's important to note that sharpeners tend to grind the blades' flat areas or "rides" between them, making these spots susceptible to rust. Pitted teeth due to rust can render a blade useless. Properly working the oil into the blades is essential to prevent this issue. Please note that spray clipper lubricant is not a substitute for oil and won't prevent rust formation.
How to Sharpen Horse Clipper Blades
Typically, you will need to sharpen your clipper blades when they start to tug or pull at your horse. You may also see lines, uneven hair, gouges and major clogging of the teeth. These are all good indicators that your clipper blades may need sharpening. You should also know that clipper blades can only be sharpened so many times before they run out of blade to sharpen. The higher quality of workmanship when sharpening is one factor that can affect how many times the blade can be sharpened. For this reason, it is often advisable to have your blades sharpened by a professional. However, you can sharpen your clipper blades at home with a whetstone. Whether sharpened at a shop, or at home, it is vitally important that you oil the blades soon after sharpening. This will avoid the newly exposed metal being susceptible to rust and prolongs the life of the blades.
At Chelford Farm Supplies, we offer an on-site horse clipper blade sharpening service. Visit us at our Chelford store or call us on 01625 861 588 to find out more.
