Why You Shouldn't Swap Small Clipper Blades Between Dog Clippers
Why You Shouldn't Swap Small Clipper Blades Between Dog Clippers
Although dog clippers manufacturers claim that their clipper blades are universal (fit other dog clippers), they work best on the dog clippers they were designed for.
The socket (clipper blade), the hinge assembly and blade drive assembly (dog clippers) vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you are using different brands of clipper blades on different brands of dog clippers, there will not be a perfect fit.
HINGE ASSEMBLY
The hinge assembly secures the clipper blade (via the blade socket) to the dog clippers.
If the hinge assembly is not regularly replaced, your clipper blades will start to rattle on your dog clippers. The ears on the clipper blade socket are constantly rubbing against the metal hinge assembly, which consequently causes wear on both the socket and hinge assembly. You must ensure that there is a snug fit between the clipper blade socket and the hinge assembly or the blade will eventually rattle.
On average, if a groomer is clipping 8 dogs a day, the hinge assembly will probably need replacing every 12 weeks.
When replacing the hinge assembly, make sure that the screws are secure because if they are too loose the clipper blade will not cut correctly or not at all.
It is not advisable to try to adjust the ears on the socket to enable the clipper blade to fit the hinge assembly, because you will risk breakage which will render the blade redundant until you get the socket replaced by a sharpening professional. The best person to adjust clipper blade sockets is an experienced clipper blade sharpener because he has the relevant tools and should the socket snap, he has spares.
BLADE DRIVE ASSEMBLY / BLADE LEVER
The plastic lever on the blade drive assembly locks into the cutting blade and drives it backwards and forwards.
Problems occur because the black plastic lever is constantly rubbing against the metal cutting blade; so consequently, the plastic will gradually wear away. Once the lever is worn, the cutting blade won't be driven side to side as much as it should.
If the blade drive assembly is not regularly replaced, the clipper blade will leave tram lines in the coat, pull at the hair, the dog clippers will sound noisier and the clipper blade will eventually, stop cutting.
On average, if a groomer is clipping 8 dogs a day, the blade drive assembly will probably need replacing every 6 - 8 weeks.
If your blade drive assembly is worn, your newly sharpened blades will not cut because the cutter blade is not being pushed along the whole width of the clipper blade (it is more noticeable on blades where the teeth are further apart - 3,4 5 & 7). If this is the case, we would strongly recommend that you replace your blade drive assembly.
