Dog clippers are a type of grooming equipment that will enable the dog owner to groom his or her pet at home to sustain the various grooming services offered by professional groomers. However, a common issue that many owners complain of is that the clippers get jammed or clogged frequently while grooming. The reasons why dog clippers jam may vary, so one should be aware of the possible solutions to this issue.
Poor Blade Maintenance
One of the causes of dog clippers jamming most of the time is due to the negligence of the owners in maintaining the blades properly. Scissors also require cleaning and oiling to glide through the coat neatly. Thick layers of built-up hair, dirt, dander, and oil on and in between the blades are the most significant culprits of mid-trim jamming.
To avoid the accumulation of hair on the skin surface, it is essential to first groom your dog by brushing the hair off his/her skin before shaving. Do not let any hair residue stick to the blades and make it a point to oil the blades with proper clipper oil only. Blades should be replaced at least once a year or more often, when frequently used. Fresh, adequately oiled blades reduce friction and entangling.
Use of Low Quality or Damaged Blades
Jagged blades are usually sold cheaply and may be low quality; inferior clipper kits also are sure to jam very often. The metals may be rougher, or blades in these inferior kits may be positioned wrongly. Always use sharp knives, and ensure you use or invest in only quality blades from known pet clipper manufacturers.
Also, if the clipper blades are bent, nicked, or in other ways damaged, they will not shave as smoothly and with the same elegant gliding as before. Check the appearance of a blade before using it for grooming your pet by physically examining it. It is advisable to replace the blades as soon as they get damaged in order to have a smooth run and avoid frustration by mid-groom stops.
Not Knowing the Proper Length or Thickness of Your Pet’s Coat
It is important to note that due to the design of the clippers, especially the lower-powered versions, there are certain limitations about the length and thickness of a coat that a dog can effectively cut. It is ill-advised to try to cut hair that is so long, thick, or tangled that it simply cannot be dealt with by the clipper in question, as this will result in clogs and jams.
It is also essential to make sure that your clippers are suitable for the fur of your dog or the breed of your dog. To cut long or very thick coats, there are more robust clippers that have more powerful motors and far more effective blades. Also, it is advisable to brush out the undercoat and make sure that you de-matt your dog’s coat well to enable easy gliding of blades on the skin instead of excessive entanglement of hair that may jam the motor.
Poor Clipping Technique
Even the way you operate the clippers and the movements you make with them can be blamed for the frequent jamming. Pressing too hard, holding them in one position, or trying to insert them in by pushing through the fur quickly increases the chance of getting them jammed.
Instead, let the weight of the clippers rest gently on the fur and let it guide itself over the coat surface. Always place the blades parallel to the body surface and try to shave slowly and lengthily across your dog to avoid creating an uneven surface.
Clipper Maintenance Issues
Many people do not clean and lubricate their dog clippers and other grooming tools. This will significantly contribute to the frequent mid-groom jams. Food debris, fats, dust, hair, and other dirt may settle on the motor housing and blades after being used frequently. Then part of the device gets clogged and will not be able to operate to the optimal capacity.
There’s an expectation that all clippers will be cleaned accordingly. Maintenance of the external housing through brushing and wiping should be done often. Clean the oil blades before and after each operation. Consult your operating manual on how to lubricate the motor and how to clean them using cleaning sprays or compressed air when you have trimmed many dogs so that you do not clog the inside of the clipper bodies with debris.
Conclusion
An example of a major inconvenience while using dog clippers is when the clippers get jammed mid-grooming, which is disappointing for the owners. Nonetheless, you should learn the correct usage and maintenance procedures corresponding to your chosen clipper model, so such clogs should not be a significant concern, and you can clip peacefully. Choose appropriate blades based on the coat texture of your dog, make sure you brush your dog before you shave him/her, maintain the right brushing angle and pressure, clean the blades and the clippers, and replace the damaged blade or clipper head. To avoid your dog clippers continually jamming in the future you need to meticulously care for your equipment you need and analyze why it is jamming in the first place.
