Using Clipper Coolant Spray

Clipper Blade Parts

• The comb and the cutter are the two primary pieces of the clipper blade. The larger piece that rests on your horse is the comb. This part feeds the hair into the blade for proper cutting. The cutter is the smaller part of the mechanism that moves side-to-side and chops the hair.

• Of course, there are other parts in there, too, like screws and what-not, depending on the style of the blade.

The cutter (smaller piece) and comb components of horse shear blades. 

Shears vs. detachable blades

• Horse clipping shears have wide blade systems that disassemble entirely. You can easily discern the comb and cutter, which pair together as you screw them on your shears for use. The tension knob on the top of your shears adjusts to provide the best cutting and the least friction between the parts.

• Detachable blades are one unit, but you can still see the comb and cutter if you slide the smaller piece to the side, as you would while cleaning with disinfectant. The cutter, when attached, works with the drive tip to move sideways for clipping.

• For horse trimmers, their 5-in-1 blade can’t separate like detachable blades or those for shears, but the two pieces are still there.

The comb (smaller piece off to the left) and the comb are connected with detachable blades. 

Why Blades Need Cooling

• The motor in the clipper body moves the cutter back and forth. Friction is a natural and expected consequence of this action and creates heat. This friction happens as soon as the clippers switch on.

• Several things increase the friction and heat. One is a lagging motor that needs service. Another is the added dander, dust, and stray hair bits tangled between the metal pieces. This dirt and hair amplifies the friction and will damage the surface over time, making the blades heat faster.

• Grit is one reason clipping a dirty horse is more challenging and will wear your equipment faster.

Coolant is a Cleaner and Lubricant

• Enter blade coolant! This magical spray has three functions:

• • Instant cooling
  • Lubrication
  • Helps to clean between the comb and cutter

• Coolants are delicate sprays that will push out dirt, add lube, and remove heat from your blades, thus extending the life of clipper blades.

Cool care sprays evaporate quickly, and that lubrication vaporizes with it.

Cooling sprays evaporate quickly, so apply oil to your blades before use. 

How to use cooling sprays

• First, brush out your clipper blades. You may want to remove the blades to get into the area around the drive tip, which can collect a fair amount of hair and dirt.

• Pop the blades back on and spray around them. Let this sit for a few seconds, then wipe away any extra. Less is more, but repeat this if your blades are still hot.

• Here’s the most essential step – use clipper oil after the cooling spray to replenish the evaporated lubrication.

When to use clipper coolant

• Make it a habit to stop every five minutes to check your blades for heat. Even if they are not hot (which is the goal), it’s a great time to brush away excess hair.

• If your blades are consistently hot after 5 minutes, stop more frequently or switch to some sharper blades. If you notice that your horse is dirty, stop to bathe your horse if you can.

You’ll need to oil the teeth and the profile where the two blade pieces interact. 

What Does Clipper Oil Do?

• Oil makes the connected surfaces of the blades slippery to reduce friction and, therefore, reduce heat. Clipper oil prevents rust, so you should oil before storing your equipment.

How to use clipper oil

• Add a few drops of oil across the blade’s teeth. Then, place a drop or two along the side, where the two pieces touch.

• There may also be two or three holes to drop some oil for shears.

• Turn the clippers on and let them run for a few seconds before wiping away any extra oil. Now, you are ready to clip again.

• Oil protects against heat by reducing friction and helping to wash away too much dirt and dander between the blades.

• When you take that break every 5 minutes, add more oil even if you don’t need coolant.

Oil along the sides of your clipper blade where the two pieces touch.

Is clipper oil the same as WD-40?

• Nope! WD40 is a solvent that can disintegrate helpful grease and oil from your clipper blades. If any WD-40 enters the clipper body, it will interfere with the motor’s grease.

• A long list of “NOPES” on the WD40 can make it wildly inappropriate for use around horses.

Help Prevent Hot Blades

• It’s easy to prevent hot blades when clipping.

• Sharp, clean, and oiled blades on your clipper body with a tuned-up motor are the place to start.

• Then, ensure your horse is groomed, bathed or hot toweled, and dry. Any grit on your horse will increase the heat and dull the teeth.

• If you notice excessive heat, the hair not clipping well, uneven patches, or hair that’s tugged, you need to stop and evaluate your equipment and your horse’s cleanliness. Trouble clipping boils down to:

• • A dirty horse
  • Dull blades
  • Not enough clipper oil
  • A motor due for servicing

Save some money, keep your equipment in great shape, and make clipping stress-free for everyone with coolant and oil.

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