In the world of pet grooming, scissors are more than just a tool; they are an extension of the groomer's hand. These indispensable instruments can elevate a grooming session from satisfactory to exceptional. However, to maintain their efficiency and longevity, proper care and maintenance of your grooming scissors is vital.
This guide will explore some best practices for maintaining your pet grooming scissors, helping you ensure they always perform at their peak and prolong their lifespan.
1. Clean Your Scissors Regularly
Cleaning your scissors after each grooming session is crucial. This prevents hair and product build-up that can dull the blades over time. Wipe them down with a clean, dry cloth to remove any remaining hair or product residue. Once a week, consider giving your scissors a more thorough clean using a mild soap and warm water. After washing, dry them thoroughly and apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rust.
2. Oil Your Scissors Daily
Proper lubrication is a critical component of scissor maintenance. Regular oiling keeps the scissors functioning smoothly, reduces the wear and tear on the blades, and prevents rusting. Use a high-quality scissor oil, applying it to the pivot point, or fulcrum, of the scissors. After applying the oil, open and close the scissors a few times to distribute the oil evenly. Wipe off any excess oil before using them again.
3. Regularly Adjust the Tension
The correct blade tension ensures your scissors cut efficiently and extends their lifespan. Incorrect tension can lead to unnecessary wear on the blades and subpar grooming results. Scissors with too loose tension will fold or bend the hair instead of cutting it cleanly, while too tight tension can cause the scissors to cut unevenly and make them hard to open and close.
You can check the tension by lifting the scissors by one handle with the blades open. The other handle should fall slightly but not completely. If it doesn't fall at all, the tension is too tight. If it falls completely, the tension is too loose. You can adjust the tension using the adjustment screw in the center of the scissors.
4. Store Your Scissors Properly
When not in use, store your scissors in a clean, dry place, preferably a case or a holder. This protects them from damage, moisture, and accidental drops. Never leave your scissors lying open on a table or grooming station.
5. Regular Professional Servicing
Just like any other professional tool, pet grooming scissors require regular professional servicing. Even with meticulous care, the blades will eventually dull with regular use. A professional can not only sharpen the blades but also realign them if necessary, ensuring your scissors always deliver a clean, smooth cut. Depending on how often you use your scissors, they should be professionally serviced every 6-12 months.
6. Handle with Care
Last but not least, always handle your grooming scissors with care. They are precision instruments that can be easily damaged by mishandling. Avoid using them to cut anything other than hair, such as tags or tape. Also, avoid dropping them as this can misalign or damage the blades.
7. Avoid "Dry Cutting" or "Air Cutting"
Another important rule in the maintenance of your grooming scissors is to avoid "dry cutting" or "air cutting". This refers to the act of opening and closing the scissors without cutting anything. This action can cause unnecessary wear on the blades and can dull them prematurely. Always aim to cut hair with every snip. This not only keeps your scissors sharp but also makes for a more efficient grooming session.
To avoid the habit of air cutting, practice having your scissors open only when you are ready to make a cut and closing them when not in use. This habit not only prolongs the lifespan of your scissors, but it also contributes to safer grooming procedures.
In conclusion, maintaining your pet grooming scissors involves a routine of regular cleaning, oiling, adjusting tension, proper storage, professional servicing, and careful handling. Incorporating the additional practice of avoiding dry cutting can further enhance the performance and lifespan of your scissors. By incorporating these practices into your grooming routine, you can maintain the optimal performance of your scissors and prolong their lifespan, ensuring they continue to be a valuable asset in your grooming toolkit.
Maintaining Your Pet Grooming Scissors: A Comprehensive Guide