Blade Coolant Handling

by Jeff Andrews, Northern Tails Sharpening

Many opinions surround the subject of blade coolants and their role in regular blade care. The most basic principle to keep in mind is that the lifetime of a clipper blade depends on the amount of time devoted to caring for them. Taking time to create and adhere to a blade care regimen reduces sharpening expenses as well as lowering the frequency of having to purchase new blades. Consider as well, using neglected blades can damage clippers.

Blades can be cleaned every day, but if the proper tools are not used correctly, the desired results will not be seen. The two most important steps to follow are 1) to remove hair and buildup and 2) to maintain daily lubrication of the blades.

Perhaps the most common misused blade care product is spray coolant. They are available from nearly every clipper manufacturer. Instructions on the back of most cans of coolants state the product should be used occasionally in a well-ventilated area.

Coolants are for cooling blades. These sprays contain little to no lubricant and thus do not lubricate blades. In fact, the solvent in a coolant spray is used to displace moisture to prevent rust. Therefore it is crucial for coolants to be used in conjunction with oil.

Hair wicks away moisture and coolants displace moisture. Therefore, clipper blades are very susceptible to drying out.

Blade Coolant Handling

Dry blades create more friction and thereby heat faster than properly oiled blades.

When a blade becomes overheated follow these steps before using a spray coolant. Do this in a well-ventilated area. Turn the clippers off and point the tip down towards the floor. The blade should be facing outward.

Spray the back of the blade with one short burst. Immediately turn the clippers over to oil the cutter teeth with clipper oil. Do not spray the front of the blade. You don’t want the solvent to remove lubrication and invite even more heat.

Keep in mind spraying the cutter teeth increases the likelihood of the coolant entering the clippers. In extreme cases, this can melt the carbon brushes and short the switch and armature, as well as weaken the plastic of the blade drive assembly.

After oiling the cutter teeth, the clippers are ready for use.

At the end of the workday don’t overlook the importance of cleaning clipper blades. Hair left on blades will absorb oil and prevent lubricating the blade. Use a high velocity dryer to blow loose hair from dirty blades. Slide a pipe cleaner under the cutter to further remove any hair or debris.

Once hair is removed, excess coolant and oil must be cleaned to prevent buildup from forming. Remember, spray coolants are for cooling, not cleaning. H-42 is one of the most effective blade cleaners available.

To use, carefully submerge the blade into the cleaner while the blade is at-