How to Sharpen ANY Hair Clipper Trimmer Blade
Education
Introduction
If you’ve noticed that your hair clippers are snagging or pulling hair, it may be time for a sharpening. This guide explains how to sharpen hair trimmer blades using common tools, applicable to most standard trimmer setups.
Materials Required
- Sharpening Stones: A 1000 grit stone to start, followed by an 8000 grit stone for finishing. If you don’t have sharpening stones, a sheet of sandpaper can suffice.
- Water Trough: To keep the stones wet during the sharpening process.
- Flat Surface: If using sandpaper, a tile or sheet of glass can be used for lapping.
- Lubricant: Light machine oil or sewing machine oil for reassembly.
- Screwdrivers: For adjusting the screws on the blade.
Steps to Sharpen Hair Trimmer Blades
1. Preparation
Start by soaking your sharpening stones in water. You'll notice they absorb quite a bit of moisture. For this task, a 1000 grit stone is ideal for initial sharpening, while the 8000 grit stone will provide a smooth polish.
2. Understanding the Clip Blades
Hair clippers have two blades: one stationary and one that vibrates. The interaction between these blades is what allows them to cut hair. To ensure effectiveness, you must create sharp and flat edges through sharpening.
3. Sharpening Process
Using the Sharpening Stone: Place the bottom blade on the 1000 grit stone. Use a figure-eight motion, applying even pressure. Check progress periodically to ensure you’re wearing down the blade evenly.
Switch to 8000 Grit Stone: Once satisfied with the results from the 1000 grit stone, move onto the 8000 grit stone for polishing. Keeping the stone wet is crucial to the sharpening process.
4. Cleaning and Oiling
After sharpening, clean the blades thoroughly to remove any metal shavings, as water can lead to rust. Apply a light coat of oil to the blades before reassembly to prevent future corrosion.
5. Reassembly and Setup
Reassemble the blades, ensuring they are snug but not overly tight. Setting the blades correctly is vital. The top (vibrating) blade should be slightly lower than the bottom blade when the lever is all the way down to avoid any cutting mishaps.
Test the setup to ensure that the blades are cutting properly. Adjust the top blade's position if necessary for optimal cutting performance.
Conclusion
Sharpening your hair clipper blades can extend their life and improve cutting performance. Implementing these steps will ensure you maintain your scissors and enjoy smooth cutting for years to come.
Keywords
sharpening hair clippers, clipper blades, 1000 grit stone, 8000 grit stone, metal removal, lubrication, setup, maintenance, DIY trimmer sharpener.
FAQ
Q: How often should I sharpen my hair clippers?
A: It is generally recommended to sharpen your clippers every couple of years, or sooner if you notice a decline in cutting performance.
Q: Can I sharpen clippers without a sharpening stone?
A: Yes, you can use sandpaper on a flat surface as an alternative to sharpening stones.
Q: What oil should I use on the blades?
A: Light machine oil or sewing machine oil is ideal for lubricating hair clipper blades.
Q: Is it necessary to soak the sharpening stones?
A: Yes, soaking the stones helps to keep them effective during the sharpening process and prevents clogging.
Q: How can I tell when my blades are properly aligned?
A: The vibrating top blade should be slightly lower than the stationary bottom blade when the lever is down. Adjust as necessary to avoid cutting issues.