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Much like any other kind of appliance, the hair clippers also do get worn out and blunt. When this happens, you will have to sharpen the blades to restore the clippers to their proper working conditions. When we talk of sharpening, this is a very intriguing process indeed. This stems from the sensitive nature of the hair clippers.
It is more complicated than it seems. The only way to go about the entire process is to gain the insight necessary for the attainment of this noble end. We are here to help. Simply read through our extensive research hereunder to gain that very inspiration.
How to Tell When Clipper Blades Need Sharpening
Even before you embark on the task of sharpening your clipper blades, you have to determine whether the blades are indeed ripe for sharpening or not. This requires that you be on the lookout for some signs and symptoms. Below are the two main signs which indicate so:
Uneven Cutting Actions
If your blades cut unevenly, the time is now ripe for them to be sharpened. This issue arises mainly if the blades sustain rust which in turn impede the operations of the said appliance.
Many Passes
In case the clipper requires that you make many passes over an area to achieve the desired cutting actions, this again can be a pointer to the fact that your blades require sharpening now.
Pulling Actions
Do your blades pull the hair rather than cut them? This is yet another sign that they now have to be sharpened.
How to Sharpen Hair Clippers Blade
Sharpening clippers is a delicate procedure indeed. You have to exercise some caution to be able to do it well and safely for that matter. The steps we have stipulated below will guarantee you safer operations and of course, better outcomes:
Step I: Disassemble the slipper
To be able to better sharpen your clipper, you have to first and foremost disassemble it. This will let you impact each part comfortably at a time. To disassemble yours, you will have to unscrew those parts of the clipper which bind it entirely.
As you do so, we advise that you do three things. Firstly, take a video of the entire process. This will help with re-assembly much later. Then, place all the parts and the screws in a transparent plastic bag. Lastly, adhere to your manufacturer’s manual.
Doing so will spare you from the kinds of injuries and damages which epitomize such a procedure. The least you want to happen to you is sustain unnecessary injuries in the course of sharpening your clipper.
Step II: Position the blade appropriately
Now move on to position your clipper appropriately. To do this, use a magnet to pick the blade from the floor. Though optional, this one goes a long way in preventing the same from getting lost unnecessarily.
Place the blade in such a way as to expose the sharp edge beyond the edge of the magnet. In this way, you will find it easier to sharpen the edge later on. This is also necessary as it prevents your hands from sustaining cuts.
We recommend the strong and flat magnet for the job. After positioning your blade, do go ahead to sharpen it slowly and steadily. Avoid rushing so as to ward off any possibilities of the blade falling off the magnet and possibly nicking you. Sharpen the two sides one after another.
Step III: Rub the blade atop a coarse honing stone
Move on now to rub the blade atop some coarse honing stone. You will source them from the hardware and home improvement stores countrywide. The 4,000 grit surface is by far the most recommended for the job as it is more reliable. Place the blade at an angle of 30-40°.
Move it forward slowly and progressively across the stone for around 5-10 times. The end results have to be sparklingly shiny and uniform. Once you are through, wipe off all the metal powder using some dry towel. Turn the blade that other side and repeat the procedures above. If yours is a ceramic blade, you will have to utilize the diamond sharpening stone.
Step IV: Repeat the procedure above with a fine honing stone
Though optional, we suggest that you repeat the procedures above, this time around using a fine honing stone instead. The object of this step is to make your blades more even, sharper, and finer. This one requires the 8,000 grit honing stone.
Just as the step above, pass your blade 5-10 times atop the stone. In this instance, you only have to move the blade in the forward direction. Once you are through, wipe the blade off by use of a dry towel and leave it sparkling clean.
Step V: Reassemble the clippers
The time has now come for you to reassemble the clippers. Be certain that the blades face the direction which they originally were. Just like we had already informed, this is a procedure that will rely a lot on the video which you took during the disassembly stage.
While reassembling the clippers, you have to ensure that the blades are also spaced at the exact distances they were originally. Finish off by screwing the blades tightly to prevent the same from fidgeting unnecessarily. Shake the clipper gently to determine whether the joints are secure indeed.
Step VI: Apply hair clipper oil
You are now advised to apply some hair clipper oil. This step, as a matter of fact, is recommended after every two or three uses of the hair clipper. It plays the role of quelling overheating which arises whenever the clipper is devoted to use. Moreover, it also slows down the rates of friction which potentially arises.
In this way, it lengthens the overall lifespan of the clipper in that it slows down the pace at which it wears out. We advise that you avoid those heavy and viscous oils as they have the potential to clog the moving parts of the blades. Consult your local barber for inspiration on the kinds of oils that may do the magic.
Step VII: Test the hair clipper
You are almost good to go. Before you go, you have to test the hair clipper. How else will you know whether the clipper is good for use or not? To test your hair clipper, you have to run it for quite some time. As you do so, take note of the manner in which it performs and tackles your hair.
Over and above this, the test will also hone your blades further. The end results are sharper and more reliable blades. You are required to exercise great caution at this time. Chances are that you did not re-assemble the clipper well. This might bring about the problem of electrocution of your skin.
Needless to say, you have to identify any issues and remedy them appropriately. Some of the chief issues which might persist at this stage are the loose screws, faulty wiring, and blunt edges. Do take appropriate courses of actions to remedy them.
How to Sharpen Your Clipper Blade Using Toothpaste
Though it sounds crazy, it is actually possible for you to sharpen the clipper blades using your toothpaste. You have to gather the necessary essentials like a small brush, clean water, baby oil, and of course, the toothpaste. The toothpaste you use has to be regular rather than the extreme whitening variant.
Step I: Clear all bristles
Commence the process by clearing all the bristles. Use some small cleaning brush to accomplish the task. While at it, pay extra attention to those tiny strands of hair which have the tendency to stick within the blades. Eliminate all of them as they can hamper the sharpening process later.
Step II: Apply the toothpaste
In this second stage, you are to apply the toothpaste. Do so to the razor and the screen segments of your clipper. Ensure that the entire length and breadth of the clipper is covered by the toothpaste. To spread the toothpaste more uniformly, consider turning the power on and running the razor slightly.
Step III: Rinse the blades
Finally, remove the blades from the razor. Be gentle and careful at this stage. Go ahead now to rinse the blades using some warm water. Dry the blades using a towel and thereafter apply some baby oil onto them. Leave the blades to dry for some time.
Step IV: Re-assemble the blades
After the blades have dried out completely, it is now time for you to re-assemble them. Follow the procedures you used to disassemble them but in the reverse order this time around. Test the system to be sure that all is well before proceeding.
Sharpening a Rotary Shaver Blades
To sharpen the blades of the rotary shaver, you have to follow these procedures:
Step I: Remove the shaver head
Remove the shaver head from the rest of the body of the razor. Separate the shaver blades from the entire casing.
Step II: Replace the head
Return the head to the body of the razor but without necessarily replacing the blades too! Keep the blades safely in some wrapping or paper bag.
Step III: Place the blades on top of the razor head
Now move on to place the blades on top of the razor head. Be sure to fix it firmly to prevent the same from potentially falling off.
Step IV: Turn the razor on
Power the razor by turning it on. Before you do this, place the razor underneath the ceramic coffee mug. Leave for 20 seconds to allow for proper sharpening actions.
Step V: Re-assemble the razor
Finally, re-assemble the razor blade. Be slow and careful to prevent inflicting any harm to it. You have to rely on the manufacturer’s manual extensively to arrive at best outcomes.
Cleaning Hair Clippers
To be able to clean the hair clippers, there are steps you have to follow and principles to adhere to. These clippers are very harmful in that they can easily cut or incise your skin if handled recklessly. In this segment of our discussions we endeavor to look into these in greater details:
Step I: Unscrew the blades
Kick off the exercise by unscrewing the blades. Use a screwdriver to undertake this noble chore. Start off from that portion that attaches the blades to the rest of the clippers. Many clippers have two of these at the same time. Upon removing the blades, detach any pieces that hold them together gently.
It is not uncommon for the bottom of the blades to experience some difficulty in popping out. In this case, make use of the pair of tweezers to pluck them off the base. While you do this, ensure that you take accurate track of the manner in which these happen for easier re-assembly later on.
Step II: Brush out hair and debris
Move on to brush out all the debris of hair. Use some old toothbrush, wire brush, or steel wool, to do this. Be slow and gentle as not to pose any damages to the blades or sensitive parts of the clipper. Use a dust blower to blow out any finer debris which might still get stuck within the blades of the clipper.
Step III: Remove rust with blade wash
Having cleared all the hair debris, you have to eliminate rust from the blades. This one requires the use of suitable blade cleaning agents. Choose those which are designed for matters rust elimination. Take care as some of these agents are powerful and may even eat away some parts of the metals.
Examples of the most reliable rust removal agents are isopropyl alcohol. It is potent on the rust yet gentle on your skin and metals. The agent is hence more likely to do a better and more reliable job all factors considered.
Step IV: Dry the blades
After eliminating rust, you now have to dry the blades. Wipe the sides of the blades by use of some clean towel. The aim of this is to remove all particles which bear dust. Be on the lookout also for any spots of rust that may still exist. This is the time to replace the blade if need be.
Step V: Test the blades
Lastly, test the blades. Ascertain whether they are in their proper functioning positions or not. Power the blade and see how it operates when in contact with your skin and hair. You might have to redo a few steps here and there to achieve the finer outcomes you might be yearning for.
We have indeed labored to offer you the details you need to sharpen your clippers better. Having done our part, we now pass the ball to you. We ask you now to make appropriate arrangements to put the information you have learned into action. You need not be an expert to do this.
All you have to do is be extra cautious and diligent. Follow the procedures we have spelled out above to the letter and repeatedly for that matter. That way, you will be able to become an expert in all these. We wish you all the best in your subsequent undertakings.
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