Posted 2008-03-05 7:51 AM (#78686) Subject: Blade wash - what's in it?
Veteran
Posts: 296
Location: Tennessee
Okay, I just got some Oster Turbo A5 clippers and have found an abundant supply of horse owners willing to let me practice on their horses (whoda thunk it?? ). The instructions say to periodically wash the blades with Oster Blade Wash solution. Anybody know what's in the blade wash stuff? Is it alcohol or detergent, or???
Posted 2008-03-05 8:46 AM (#78691 - in reply to #78686) Subject: RE: Blade wash - what's in it?
Veteran
Posts: 294
Location: Fort Worth, Tx
Not sure what exactly is in Blade Wash, but it is important to use. It will get the dirt and fine hairs out of your blades that will cause uneven cutting, wear down the blade, and cause the motor to work harder. It will also disinfect your clippers if you use them on any area with fungus! Just pour some in a bowl, dip your clipper blades in while running, turn off and wipe off, continue. Another tip-work on a clean animal if possible, dirt RUINS your equipment. Get a few extra blades so that you can switch them as they become hot-I don't like to use Kool Lube or anything like it b/c it can also dull your blades, and the blades will become very hot. I currently work as a dog groomer, so you can pm me if you have any other questions related to clippers.
Posted 2008-03-05 11:37 AM (#78716 - in reply to #78686) Subject: RE: Blade wash - what's in it?
Veteran
Posts: 151
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Well, I just went looking for my Blade Wash can to see if there was a label, but came up empty. Kerosene and mineral oil is probably right, judging by the smell, which is not totally unpleasant.
I've never clipped my horse with the big clippers, but plan to give it a whirl this year. I also used to clip dogs, so that's what the clippers were for. Definitely buy the blade wash, it's a must, your blades will be better for it. I also had a "blade caddy" with slots for holding the blades, and I used to keep some blade wash in it so they blades were permanently stored in it. When I needed one, I took the blade apart, wiped it clean and added a small dot of oil, and voila! However, I also used the Kool Lube, and I think it's great, as blades do get hot, and they run better with a shot of that stuff. Spray it on while the clippers are running, and you can hear the difference. I never noticed the blades dulling particularly fast because of it, but I also had back up blades I could switch too.
I'd recommend washing the blades between horses, at the very least.
Posted 2008-03-05 12:48 PM (#78722 - in reply to #78686) Subject: RE: Blade wash - what's in it?
Expert
Posts: 1989
Location: South Central OK
For storing blades it's good to use oil soaked rags and wrap your blades up then insert into plastic bags. This keeps the blades from rusting and breaking teeth by banging into each other. (Writing the blade size on the baggie helps too)
As for blade wash, I use a lubricant and disinfectant found at Sally beauty supply in a small bowl. I also use an old paintbrush to help get hair out of the blades and a quick blast of air from the compressor.
Here is a product similar to what I use but I can't seem to find it at Sally's now. Get the jar and just dunk!
Posted 2008-03-06 11:01 AM (#78797 - in reply to #78784) Subject: RE: Blade wash - what's in it?
Veteran
Posts: 296
Location: Tennessee
That's exactly what I was thinking, rinse them in diesel with a little baby oil mixed in there. Maybe hit them with an occasional shot of WD-40. Should be good to go.
I looked at the MSDS for several of the blade cooling fluids and they were mostly alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol) with some other high-evaporative things added in. I guess the quick evaporation cools the metal. I think I'll just let them cool off periodically.
BTW, here's a pretty good site for looking at the MSDS sheets for various clipper blade products: