A Dog Groomer's Guide to Hair Clipping Blades - QC Pet Studies (2024)

Oiling the Blade

Oil your blade at the end of each day to make sure the blade stays smooth and in good working condition. Apply a few drops of oil onto the two cutting guides of your clipper and on each side of the clipping blade. Make sure the clipper is running to ensure that oil is adequately distributed across cutting surfaces. Use a dry clipper brush (or a toothbrush) to brush off any excess oil.

Also make sure to use an oil that is specifically formulated for clipper blades. It should be easy to find; most companies that sell dog grooming equipment will also sell an appropriate oil.

Cleaning the Blade

How often you clean your blades will depend on frequency of use. A blade that is used regularly will need to be cleaned at least once a week. A clipper blade that is visibly dirty should be thoroughly cleaned before being used again.

To clean your clipping blade, submerge the blade end of clippers into a bowl of blade cleaning solution. You’ll need your clippers running. Keep them submerged for 5-8 seconds. Make sure to wipe the clipper blade dry after.

Using Cooling Spray

If your blades heats up in the middle of use, you should switch blades. Alternatively, you can apply an aerosol cooling spray to the blade. Spray it onto the blade as it is running. An audible RPM change indicates the clipping blade is working more efficiently. Be sure to wipe the blade clean of coolant if you are working in between canine clients.

Clipper blades may sound complicated, but choosing the rights ones should be a straightforward process. The great thing is that many are designed to optimize the grooming process!

A Dog Groomer's Guide to Hair Clipping Blades - QC Pet Studies (2024)

FAQs

Does a #7 or 10 blade cut shorter? ›

3FC = 1/2", 5FC = 1/4", 7FC = 1/8", 10FC = 1/16". The higher the #FC, the shorter the cut.

What does the F mean on dog grooming blades? ›

F or FC stand for the same thing: fine cut or finish cut. One brand might call their blade an F and another might say FC but they are referring to the same thing. The teeth on an FC blade are all the same length, so result in a smoother finish than the same blade in skip tooth (ST).

What is a 7 blade in dog grooming? ›

Blades differ in both size and material, with each blade given a number indicating the length of cut. Larger numbers trim hair shorter than lower numbers, with a #7 blade leaving about 1/8” of length. #7 blades are great for an all-over summer cut on the body of the animal, especially on mixed and wire coated breeds.

What is a 10 blade used for in dog grooming? ›

#10 blades are ideal for very short summer haircuts and for clipping inside the ears, around the backside and under the hind legs of any breed. These areas should stay short to promote good hygiene and prevent matting between grooming sessions in harder to access areas.

What is a 30 blade used for in dog grooming? ›

Using a #30 blade and a 1” comb is typical for grooming a puppy or show dog with extremely soft hair. The #30 can also be used for the feet and in between paw pads of some breeds, such as poodles.

How short does a 5FC blade cut? ›

Andis CeramicEdge Carbon-Infused Steel Pet Clipper Blade, Size-5FC, 1/4-Inch Cut Length (64370),Silver.

How do I know if my dogs clipper blades are dull? ›

If you find your clipper blades dragging and snagging on hair, they might be dull and ready for sharpening. Underperforming clipper blades put you under even more pressure than normal to do a perfect groom (we've been there) – something you can seriously do without.

What is the length of a summer cut for a dog? ›

“These cuts vary in cutting lengths from ¼” to 2-1/4” (or longer if scissor cut). The owner would discuss the desired length with the groomer.”

How often should you oil dog grooming blades? ›

To extend the life of your blades, always try to groom a clean, well-brushed dog. Even a small amount of grit or dirt can blunt a blade quickly. Regularly oiling your blades (every 10-15 minutes during a clip) ensures they stay cool and sharp.

What is a skip blade? ›

Skip tooth blades have steeply-curved points for cutting fur quickly, while straight comb blades are typically used on sensitive areas and hides such as face and feet as they offer more control.

How short does a 10 blade cut? ›

Blades come in various sizes, each numbered to indicate the length of cut it will give. Higher numbers give shorter cuts, with a #10 blade leaving about 1/6” of length. #10 blades are ideal for very short summer haircuts and for clipping inside the ears, around the backside and under the hind legs of any breed.

What is the difference between a 7 and 7f blade? ›

A 7 is a skip-tooth blade, it's usually used for pre-shaves and can also get through light matting. As the name suggests it only has 1/2 the teeth of the 7f, making it a more dangerous blade because skin can easily get snagged between the spaced out teeth. For 99% of grooming purposes what you want is a 7f.

What is the difference between grooming blades? ›

The three main types of blades are skip tooth, straight comb, and curved comb. Skip tooth blades have steeply-curved points for cutting fur quickly, while straight comb blades are typically used on sensitive areas and hides such as face and feet as they offer more control.

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