Help needed please re clippers not working!!

[NellRosk]

I've been doing my nut in all day!!! Drag mud plastered horse in from field, spend ages curry combing dried mud off and getting covered in the mud dust in the process. Ask YO where the plug socket in my row of stables is and informed there isn't one and that I have to clip outside. Discover my clipper oil has gone missing so drive to the shop to get more. Oil them, drag horse outside into the wind and then...... The bloody things wouldn't work!! I've done everything I could think of, took them apart, oiled the blades and put them back together. Tensioned them, untensioned them, tensioned them again (did this approximately 1000 times). Googled on my phone what to do if they didn't work and went through the rigmarole of untensioning them and tensioning them again. And they still didn't work they're not cutting the hair and just making a mess, I could do a better job with a knife and fork. Does anyone have any tips I could possibly try? I have a lady coming tomorrow to try him for a share and desperately need him clipping as he looks like an abandoned cart horse at the moment. Oh and to add insult to injury he rolled in a massive mud patch as soon as I put him out, I despair.

 

[NikNak1]

Argh sounds v annoying!! Am far from a clipping expert but do maybe the blades need sharpening?

 

[thatsmygirl]

You either have blunt blades or to much grease in the horses coat which will stop them cutting. I assume the clippers sound ok? Just not cutting

 

[EquiEquestrian556]

Your blades sound like their blunt, or too much grease on pony's coat. I'd go out tomorrow and try and see if there's a shop open that sell clipper blades. Or are you at a livery yard? Could you ask one of the liveries if you could borrow their clippers?

 

[NellRosk]

Argh sounds v annoying!! Am far from a clipping expert but do maybe the blades need sharpening?

It was so irritating!! I got them sharpened last year and have only done 2 clips so I think they should be okay?

You either have blunt blades or to much grease in the horses coat which will stop them cutting. I assume the clippers sound ok? Just not cutting

Yeah they sound fine! I read an online guide and when I loosen them and tighten them they change sounds which is what the guide said they should do. Hmm he's not really a greasy horse and his coat isn't *too* thick yet. I don't really want to give him a full bath at this time of year if it is grease issues, I am despairing

 

[NellRosk]

Your blades sound like their blunt, or too much grease on pony's coat. I'd go out tomorrow and try and see if there's a shop open that sell clipper blades. Or are you at a livery yard? Could you ask one of the liveries if you could borrow their clippers?

I just don't see how they can be, they've only done 2 blanket clips I thought sharpened blades did a lot more than that I'm at a yard but I don't think anyone else clips!! It's only a tiny yard with a few liveries that just hack occasionally.

 

[EquiEquestrian556]

It was so irritating!! I got them sharpened last year and have only done 2 clips so I think they should be okay?



Yeah they sound fine! I read an online guide and when I loosen them and tighten them they change sounds which is what the guide said they should do. Hmm he's not really a greasy horse and his coat isn't *too* thick yet. I don't really want to give him a full bath at this time of year if it is grease issues, I am despairing

Perhaps you could ask someone experienced to take a look at them?

 

[EquiEquestrian556]

I just don't see how they can be, they've only done 2 blanket clips I thought sharpened blades did a lot more than that I'm at a yard but I don't think anyone else clips!! It's only a tiny yard with a few liveries that just hack occasionally.

Erm yeah, we bought some new clipper blades last year and they've done 2 full clips on a VERY woolly pony, a blanket clip, again on the woolly pony and two hunter clips on my mare and still not blunt. What make are they? Could the filter be clogged up? (I'm afraid I'm not an expert on clippers, just clipping)

 

[NellRosk]

Perhaps you could ask someone experienced to take a look at them?

I have no idea who to ask who's good with clippers might have to send them off to be looked at. I've taken apart and put them back together loads before I just have no idea why they're not cooperating! I was a nanosecond away from throwing them across the yard and then driving over them today!

 

[NellRosk]

Erm yeah, we bought some new clipper blades last year and they've done 2 full clips on a VERY woolly pony, a blanket clip, again on the woolly pony and two hunter clips on my mare and still not blunt. What make are they? Could the filter be clogged up? (I'm afraid I'm not an expert on clippers, just clipping)

They're Heineger ones and only about 2 years old so should be perfect! I've taken them apart and brushed all the hair out of them to no avail thanks for your suggestions though!!

 

[EquiEquestrian556]

Are there any friends you could ask that have clippers? Or just explain to the people that you were planning on getting him clipped but the clippers don't work?

 

[NellRosk]

Are there any friends you could ask that have clippers? Or just explain to the people that you were planning on getting him clipped but the clippers don't work?

Yeah I've texted a few people but they have no idea either! I might have to do that, he looks awful at the moment though bless him. I might have to take up his photo album to show the lady that he doesn't always resemble a yak!

 

[EquiEquestrian556]

They're Heineger ones and only about 2 years old so should be perfect! I've taken them apart and brushed all the hair out of them to no avail thanks for your suggestions though!!

This is from Heineger's website:

Clipper cuts badly or not at all.

Causes: Could be one of several reasons as listed below.
One or both blades are blunt - get blades sharpened.
Blades incorrectly ground when last sharpened - get re sharpened.
Lack of sufficient oil - oil frequently - every few minutes.
Tensioning of blades not correct - re-tension blades.
Wet animal hair - Dry hair or stop clipping until the animal is naturally dry.
Hairs between blades - remove blades and clean.
Incorrect spacing between blades (see above) re-align blades correctly.

Here is the link to the page:
http://www.peasridge.co.uk/clipperadvice/clippers-products-heiniger-cordless.php

 

[NellRosk]

This is from Heineger's website:

Clipper cuts badly or not at all.

Causes: Could be one of several reasons as listed below.
One or both blades are blunt - get blades sharpened.
Blades incorrectly ground when last sharpened - get re sharpened.
Lack of sufficient oil - oil frequently - every few minutes.
Tensioning of blades not correct - re-tension blades.
Wet animal hair - Dry hair or stop clipping until the animal is naturally dry.
Hairs between blades - remove blades and clean.
Incorrect spacing between blades (see above) re-align blades correctly.

Here is the link to the page:
http://www.peasridge.co.uk/clipperadvice/clippers-products-heiniger-cordless.php

Thank you for the link seeing as I've ticked everything else off it could only be them being 'incorrectly ground' as I've done all the other things!!

 

[thatsmygirl]

If the clippers sound fine it will be the blades, you will be surprised that grease will stop them cutting. I get it on mine in a few spots on them so just end up cutting that bit in line with the hair and then they seem to cut through alright after that.
How far did u get? Did u try loads of different areas of the horse? The blades shouldn't be blunt after a couple of blanket clips but I have known people blunt blades very quickly by having the tension to tight.

 

[NellRosk]

If the clippers sound fine it will be the blades, you will be surprised that grease will stop them cutting. I get it on mine in a few spots on them so just end up cutting that bit in line with the hair and then they seem to cut through alright after that.
How far did u get? Did u try loads of different areas of the horse? The blades shouldn't be blunt after a couple of blanket clips but I have known people blunt blades very quickly by having the tension to tight.

I didn't actually!! Just repeatedly tried the same bit on his shoulder and it looked awful and really chewed up so didn't want him ending up all patchy. That's a good point, I'll try them again tomorrow in different bits as that might work! Also a good point, if they don't work tomorrow I'll send them off for sharpening, got nothing to lose by doing it! Thanks

 

[Equi]

If you are clipping a dirty horse the blades can and will blunt in two clips. I have learned this the hard way

 

[Tnavas]

They sound blunt or you have a hair between the blades.

I know there will be some that disapprove but I use a mix of 50% Diesel and Engine Oil that I run the clippers in, just dip in the mix while running (to the depth of the adjusting screw) hold clippers on side to drain mix off, wipe and use. A cavalry officer at The Royal Mews gave me this tip and I've used it for 30+yrs since with no problems and 25 full clips on one set of blades and no sharpening during that time.

When I hit a greasy patch where the blades try to chew the hair, turn clippers around and take the top off the hair by clipping with the hair growth. Then usually when you go back up into the hair it will clip.

Something I've read recently on an American forum is they are clipping with soaking wet horses! I guess they would be using battery cordless clippers as I would be scared of electrocuting horse or myself. It seems they wash the horse well then clip while it's still soaking. They reckon they get a great finish and no hair flying around.

 

[Equi]

Something I've read recently on an American forum is they are clipping with soaking wet horses! I guess they would be using battery cordless clippers as I would be scared of electrocuting horse or myself. It seems they wash the horse well then clip while it's still soaking. They reckon they get a great finish and no hair flying around.

Yes i know many americans who clip this way, not something i have tried but i get the logic. Hairdressers usually mist hair or cut it wet don't they.

 

[Tern]

'TheEngineer' or 'Shear Ease' may be able to help you here. May be worth PMing them.

 

[Tnavas]

Yes i know many americans who clip this way, not something i have tried but i get the logic. Hairdressers usually mist hair or cut it wet don't they.

I think it would work great so long as you have cordless clippers

 

[windand rain]

I run mine in surgical spirit to keep the grease at bay and to cool them bit academic now as they exploded next to the pony's ear so not sure she will forgive me. Found the problem with them it is the switch so have decided to bin them as I am not sure even if I could get a new switch that I would trust them again. Baby pony has outgrown her saddle so I reckon the clipper money will be going to buy her a new one so might be xmas before they get clipped at this rate. there was a person clipping but I am afraid I was not impressed by the quality so will leave the odd clip until I can get some new clippers or it grows out. Love my trimmers they have done a great job of tidying her up but are just not quite man enough for a full clip

 

[Becca-84]

Mine did this last year. Had blades sharpened twice, checked tension etc. In the end I sent them off to shear ease who replaced a couple of damaged springs and serviced them. They *touch wood* seem ok now.

 

[EquiEquestrian556]

Hope you can get your clippers to work OP!

 

[TheEngineer]

Hello, sounds like a problem, so please have some free advice. Please remember this is my advice and opinion garnered over nearly 20 years in the clipping trade, based on the many many sets of clippers I have seen and blades I have sharpened.

As you have a Heinegar machine, at least we are starting with a "known quality" item. (one of my favourites)

Firstly, we will clear a little myth re blades and also a clue from your story. You said

"I've been doing my nut in all day!!! Drag mud plastered horse in from field, spend ages curry combing dried mud off and getting covered in the mud dust in the process."

Did you wash your horse? If not, there is a very good chance that there is still dust/mud/grit in the coat. If you imagine this debris mixed with clipper oil, rubbing together at 3,200 rpm under pressure I am sorry to say thats the edge gone of the blades very quickly.

If you had done two blanket clips with the blades before you started this horse, were these two clips on clean washed horses. ? If not, there is a good chance they are blunt.

As a rule of thumb, when clipping you hopefully should expect to get 2 to 3 full clips on clean well groomed horses out of a set of blades that have been correctly sharpened.

BUT and its a big but, this depends on many factors, coat condition being only one. Tension on heiniger machines tends not to need to be too heavy and this is why I like them. It is a bit tricky to set, but assuming you have been using them for a while I would think you are aware of that.

All large type blades, either brand new or sharpened are concave: The easiest way i use to describe it is this:

Imagine you are praying (probably for your clippers to work) with your hands together. If you keep your finger tips and the heel of your palms touching, but move your knuckles apart, this is what a set of blades under no tension looks like, applying tension, ie bringing your knuckles back together shows what happens when you tension, just as your hands come together it is at this point that the blades should cut, when all the individual teeth act like 100 pairs of sharp scissors in tandem.

As you can imagine, this small amount of concavity can be damaged by dirt or excess pressure and then the blades are re ground to put the correct concavity back.

Also another thing to be aware of is "how where the blades sharpened"? There are basically two types of sharpening, one is "grinding" the other is "lapping". Lapping is much more precise and if the sharpening firms machine is correctly calibrated, gives excellent results. Grinding, again on the correct type of grinding machine is not as precise as there is a large portion of operator input required, with the engineer holding the blades manually and applying pressure. Different pressure can cause good or bad results, maybe even mean blades blunt quick or don't cut.

Quality of blades, also a factor. Crap cheap Chinese machines often use recycled steel, which does not hold an edge. Many of these machines are poor quality copies of Heiniger machines/blades. What make are your blades?

Oil. Use only a quality oil, drip type 30 grade oil is best. Manufacturers oils are best. Remember they wouldn't sell you **** oil to use on a machine they had produced.

WD40.......Diesel.......White Spirit.......NO NO NO Do clipper companies put a can of WD or a pint of diesel in with a new machine.....No they dont.

Dipping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NO NO NO NO.......anyone who dips an electrical appliance into any form of liquid, especially inflammable, either has a death wish or has not understood that electrical motors contain live voltage and sometimes sparks from brushes. The art of dipping, came from the old sheep shearers, who used to mix diesel and oil 50/50 in a tub, whilst shearing they would dip the shearing handpiece into the mix,which would clean of the lanolin from the blades and lubricate them. This was safe, because the shear hand pieces are run on the end of a flexi drive, with with the motor 6ft up the drive,hung on a wall.

Pause......sorry this is so long,but if I am passing on some tips I like to cover all bases....

Right, things to check on your machine.

1) Do the blades move fully from left to right when under tension. Yes/ok....No/drive gear could have stripped teeth. (Once tensioned,blades normally stop and a high pitch squeal is heard if gear is stripped)

2) When blades move left/right looking from above, is the sweep straight or do they oscillate. Check the little triangular pins on which the cutter sits if worn, may cause problem.

3) Is the machine rattly when blades are fitted. If so and the blades leave lines, check the square drive block mis in place on the drive shaft tip in the head. (this block moves the rectangular carriage left to right)

4) Lift the carriage up (with machine off) so the carriage slides up off the drive block. Hold the carriage (bit with triangular tips) and try moving forward and back. If it moves, the spring arms could be worn and need replacing.

All done.


Sorry long winded, but PM if unsure/more advice....it's free.

Would suggest if all mechanical bits look ok, get blades re sharpened and also I always say, you cannot clip horses and only own one set of blades. Two is minimum,as a set of blades can go blunt with no warning at any time and a spare set saves aggro.

All the best,hope you sort it.