Dog Clipper Blade Sizes Chart – Just for YOU

The Importance of Using the Right Dog Clipper Blades

When purchasing dog grooming clippers, it helps to consider the length of the blades and combs. In this sense, having a dog clipper blade sizes chart is critical. Furthermore, it is essential to note that most companies that manufacture blades are the same ones that manufacture clippers.

Blades are available in multiple lengths, each unique number creating different coat lengths and styles. In this regard, it would help to check if the blade you are purchasing is compatible with the clipper you plan to purchase.

Additionally, clipper blades are made for different purposes, including show edge and ultra edge. Besides that, they are manufactured with different metals and coatings, including ceramic, stainless steel with titanium, and carbon coatings. Read the following section to discover different types of dog clippers.  

Groomer with Hair Clipper Grooming Little Dog

The Different Types of Dog Clippers

Do you want to buy dog clippers, but you don’t know which one you should get? If this is you, worry no more! Here is a description of the various types of dog clippers to help you get value for your money.  

Corded Dog Clippers

Corded dog clippers come with an electrical code. This means that you must have a ready source of power to use. Professional and amateur groomers love corded dog trimmers. Moreover, they are available at different prices, from low-priced to top-of-the-range.

Corded dog clipper models are famous for fast rotation speeds, their vibrations are quiet and low, and they are available in professional quality. Furthermore, the cord allows you to groom more than one dog successively. As a result, professional groomers prefer corded dog clippers.

This is because they wouldn’t have to interrupt their grooming to wait for the battery to recharge. The regular power source ensures you get the job done without getting new extra batteries. Generally, corded clippers are lighter than those that have internal batteries, but it varies as per the model.

While corded clippers don’t hinder the grooming process, the cord can be the source of problems for some dogs. For example, as you groom your dog, the cable can touch your furry friend randomly and at various places, which may increase the dog’s anxiety.

When your dog moves during grooming, it makes the process more challenging. Moreover, it might make it difficult to groom tricky places as precisely as you should.

Finally, you cannot use corded dog clippers anywhere you need them. For example, if you attend a dog show, there might not be a wall to plug into. Therefore, if you missed some hair, you wouldn’t trim your dog before it goes to the ring.

Cordless Dog Clippers

Unlike their corded counterparts, cordless dog clippers use a rechargeable battery. But, several amateur and professional groomers love using them. The cordless clippers come with different batteries, including ordinary rechargeable batteries and longer-lasting lithium batteries.

Moreover, cordless dog groomers come with various features groomers would want. Besides that, all the three top-rated manufacturers have their cordless clippers also.

The advantage of cordless clippers is that you can travel with them to different places. For instance, you can go with them to dog shows where there is no power source. Moreover, you can use them as a backup plan when traveling to different parts of the world where you wouldn’t be able to plug into power sources without extra attachments.

You can use cordless clippers to make necessary cuts before a dog show. Dogs are also less noticeable because they don’t have the cord moving around as you use them, resulting in a better grooming experience. The fact that they are cordless gives the groomer freedom of movement, especially when making precision cuts.

The only challenge with cordless dog clippers is that the batteries hardly last long enough. It can be frustrating for a groomer when the battery runs out during the grooming process. If you are a professional groomer, that would mean you get out and get additional appliances.

During this pause, the dog might assume that the grooming process is over. As a result, you have to get the dog resettled before you can proceed with the interrupted grooming process. On the other hand, if you are a home groomer, you might have to wait another forty-five minutes before the battery is charged well.

Fortunately, the more sophisticated models have a lithium battery that works better. However, you have to pay more to enjoy better battery performance. Additionally, you cannot recharge batteries forever. You will have to replace many dog clippers once the battery ceases to hold a charge.

Cordless Dog Clippers

Cord and Cordless Clippers

Several dog clipper models offer both cord and cordless options. Buying these dog clippers saves you the trouble of having to choose between the two. If that is the easiest option available, you can plug it into a power source. Alternatively, you can use it as a cordless clipper if you need to maneuver without the cord for a quick, easy, and best-looking cut.

The beauty of this dog clipper is that you will not interrupt your grooming session before it ends. The main drawback of the hybrid clipper is few choices available in the market. Moreover, there are very few reviews of how these dog clippers compare to their counterparts.  

Single-Speed Dog Clippers

This kind of dog clipper comes with a blade that rotates at one speed only. This means that you cannot make the blade move faster or slower than it was designed to. Therefore, single-speed dog clippers are ideal for individuals with dog breeds that require regular grooming.

Moreover, most of the single-speed dog clippers come with cords. But they also come with other common attributes such as high rotation speed and replaceable blades.

The advantage of this type of dog clipper is that its motor and blades don’t heat up as much as that of a variable-speed motor. Heat is an undesirable feature for the groomer and the dog.

Additionally, single-speed dog clippers are generally less expensive than multi-speed dog clippers. They are ideal for end-of-winter quick shears on several dog breeds. You can pair it with another cheaper trimmer to perform the finishing.

Professional groomers use the single-speed clipper on dogs with trickier cuts. However, if you are an amateur, you might make a mistake if you try to use it to make a tricky cut. Nonetheless, it is ideal for amateur groomers interested in performing a quick coat shortening job. 

Regrettably, you cannot use it in a scenario where you need excellent results for a show championship.  

Variable Speed Dog Clippers

Variable Speed Dog Clippers are for groomers (both professional and amateur) having a bigger budget. These clippers come with a setting for multiple cutting speeds. You will find several two-speed dog clippers, but the majority have five-speed.

The slower speeds allow you to be more careful while grooming trickier areas. For instance, it is ideal for getting the best tuft on the poodle’s tail. Moreover, you should use lower-speed cuts to cut through the more refined coat.

On the other hand, higher speeds work well for thick coats. In this regard, variable-speed clippers enable a professional groomer to use one gadget on different dog breeds. So, if you have been wondering what clipper blade to use on a Yorkie, the variable-speed clipper will work just fine!

The only disadvantage to this dog clipper type is that the extra motor gears make the tool heat up in your hand. Additionally, your clipper’s model will determine how hot it can get. Secondly, the additional gears mean that the clipper is heavier than its single-speed counterpart.

You may think that the extra speed is negligible for a single cut. However, if you are doing several cuts over some time, it may start to hurt your fingers, wrists, and hands.

Quiet and Low Vibration Dog Clippers

You will find some dog clippers marked as quiet and low vibration. This means that the manufacturer made the sound of the clipper’s operation quiet. Moreover, the person using the tool and the dog will feel minimal vibration.

You can quiet dog clippers by lowering the motor’s rotation speeds per minute. Alternatively, manufacturers use a design that muffles sound in a certain way.

If you have a nervous dog that is easily frightened, this is your ideal clipper. When you use a quiet and low vibration dog clipper, you reduce the excessive stress of noise and vibration. As a result, there will be less heat emission while in use.

As a professional groomer, getting the best results depends on how the dog cooperates during the grooming process. In this sense, if your clipper produces loud noises, it will bother the dog. If you think this is a joke, it will help to know that the sound of a clipper near a dog’s ear is similar to what a truck or jackhammer would sound to your ear.

Therefore, if you are grooming a dog that is rarely groomed, the sound of the clippers might cause it to panic. Even though you can use restraints to prevent the dog from moving, that is not the most advisable approach to use.

In this regard, using silent dog clippers allows you to finish the grooming process without stressing the dog with loud noises and vibrations. Moreover, it is friendlier to the groomer as you don’t have to use force to prevent the vibration from leading to a poor cut.

The challenge with this type of clipper is a trade-off between power and cost. For instance, a quiet motor may mean fewer rotations per minute, making it difficult to cut large matting. It is not the best clipper blade for matted dog hair.

Professional Dog Clippers

Professional groomers usually use a wide range of grooming tools. As a matter of fact, some of the tools at their disposal are not sold publicly. Many dog clippers are presented as professional dog clippers in the market.

Professional groomers usually use clippers daily for several years and several hours a day. Therefore, professional-grade grooming hair clippers have high rotation speeds and variable speeds. They also come with quiet and cooling elements.

Another common attribute of professional dog clippers is that they come with ceramic blades to make their sharpness and precision long-lasting. Professional dog clippers also have more extended warranties and a wide range of dog grooming blade lengths.

The leading manufacturers, such as Andis, manufacture professional dog clippers. According to the user and expert reviews, these clippers are built to handle the most challenging and most matted dog hair. Therefore, you can use it to shave your skittish poodle or style your princess Pomeranian for the big exhibition.

The main advantage of professional dog clippers is that they have a well-thought-out ergonomic design and are built with top-quality materials and technology available. However, their cost sets them apart. They usually are more expensive than the usual dog clipper.        

Dog Clipper Guide Combs Size Chart

Dog clippers are available in a wide range of numbers, as you will see later in the dog clipper guide combs chart. The numbers show the length of the cut. You will find clipper blades labeled with a hash symbol and a number.

For instance, you may find one labeled ‘Blade #7’ or ‘Blade #4F’. Each of these numbers indicates different dog haircut lengths. So, if you are wondering- what does grooming note 4F tb indicate? You are in the right place.

The letter F on the blade number means that it is a “fine-tooth blade.” These blades are ideal for dogs with fine and soft coats. Their final clip is usually very smooth. Moreover, it would help to use these blades on regularly groomed dogs.

However, if your dog has a rough cut, consider using a “skip tooth” blade as it helps to feed hair into the cutting blade. On the other hand, it might not be the best to give your dog the perfect finish. This is because, after the cut, your dog will remain with a layered look, albeit neat.

Generally speaking, a lower number indicates a longer cut, while a higher number indicates a cut closer to your furry friend’s skin. Additionally, very high numbers such as blade 40 or 50 are only used by veterinarians when performing surgical procedures.

If you want to perform dog clipping, it would be best to use a middle range, resulting in a medium cut. Moreover, it is not a must to have several blades. However, if you want to clip your furry friend to exhibition standards, you might need different dog grooming blade lengths. This is because you might have to cut different lengths.

Alternatively, you might need to keep a 10 blade length to clip your dog around the anal area and underneath the hind leg, which gets knotted sometimes.

The chart below shows different clipper blade numbers and cut lengths. Different clipper brands may vary a little in length, but they are more or less the same. If you need specifics, you will have to look at specific brand charts. For instance, there is an Andis dog clipper blade sizes chart.

Moreover, the dog clippers from different brands come in varying shapes and sizes. Therefore, before purchasing a clipper blade, ensure that it is compatible with the clipper blade you are purchasing. Some of the most popular brands you should consider are Andis, Wahl, and Oster.

Number on Clipper BladeLength of CutBody Part and CoatExamples of Dog Breeds
Blade #3 (#3F)After the cut, the dog has a ½ inch (13 millimeters) coat length.Ideal for a short coat. Can also be used on tails.Collie, Newfoundland, and soft-coated Wheaten Terrier.
Blade #4 (#4F)After the cut, the dog has a 3/8 inch (9.5 millimeters) coat length.Ideal for short coats.Kerry Blue Terrier.
Blade #5 (#5F)After the cut, the dog has a ¼ inch (6 millimeters) coat length.Ideal for lamb trim and summer trim.Poodles.
Blade #5/8 Toe BladeUse this blade for clipping between toes and feet.For clipping between toes and feet.Different dog breeds.
Blade #7 (#7F)After the cut, the dog remains has a ⅛ inch (3.2 millimeters) coat length.Ideal for matted coats and wiry coats.Afghan Hound.
Blade #7/8 Toe BladeUse this blade to clip between toes and feet.Ideal for clipping between toes and feet.Different dog breeds.
Blade #8 ½After the cut, the dog remains has a 7/64 inch (2.8 millimeters) coat length.Ideal for clipping ears, head, and neck.Different dog breeds.
Blade #9After the cut, the dog remains has a 5/64 inch (1.98 millimeters) coat length.Ideal for clipping the head, neck, and ears.Different dog breeds.
Blade # 10After the cut, the dog remains has a 1/16 inch (2 millimeters) coat length.For clipping ear tips, face, feet, and tail base. Ideal for very matted cats also.Different dog breeds.
Blade #15After the cut, the dog remains has a 3/64 inch (1.2 millimeters) coat length.For clipping the face, ears, and throat.Different dog breeds.
Blade #40 and #50These are used exclusively for short surgical cuts.For veterinary use only.Different dog breeds.

It is also vital to understand clipper blade edgings. You will encounter a wide range of dog grooming clipper blade edgings specially designed for different finishes. Examples include

  • Ultra Edge Blades: These are manufactured using carbon-infused steel resulting in harder cutting surfaces. This design makes the blade more durable.
  • Ceramic Edge Blades: These blades are made of high-grade ceramic. They are built to remain sharp for longer than the steel-edged blades. Additionally, their design ensures they resist heat meaning the blade remains cool, making it more comfortable for your furry friend.
  • Show Edge Blades: These blade types are built to create the smoothest finish possible on your dog’s coat. Moreover, it does not leave tracks in the dog’s hair. This type of blade is ideal for dogs competing in a show ring.

Other points to note:

  • Consider using dog grooming #7 blades over your furry friend’s body during the summer. Additionally, you should use the 10 blade length when clipping the anal area and underneath your dog’s hind leg area.
  • Use #4 or #5 blade dog grooming over the winter. However, you will still use the #10 blade to clip around the anal area and underneath the hind leg.
  • If you use shorter blades, the cut might end up too close to your dog’s skin. Alternatively, using longer ones means you have to clip your dog regularly to keep it neat.
  • Suppose you are performing breed-specific breeding; it will help follow the recommendations for that particular breed. Additionally, you may have to buy extra grooming tools.

Finally, you can use clipper combs to achieve different cut results. Clipper combs are simply attachments that work together with a short blade producing a longer cut length. Most clipper combs are usually used with blade numbers 10, 15, 30, and 40.

To use the clipper combs, clip the blade onto the clipper before snapping the clipper comb onto the blade. The clipper combs can also result in an even final look with regular length. However, you should remember that you cannot use clipper combs on dogs having ungroomed hair.

How to Put Blades on Dog Clippers

Putting blades on the clippers is a straightforward affair. Here is the procedure to follow:

  • Simply slide the blade onto the clipper’s metal holder and ensure it is secure.
  • Line up the plastic holder on the clipper to fit into the matching space of the top blade.
  • Snap the blade and the clipper, ensuring they are tightly together. You are now good to go!

Precautions:

Don’t attempt to put a blade on or take it off while your clipper motor runs. This is because removing or putting blades on the clippers while running will destroy your clipper’s motor.

If you have issues slotting the blade into place, consider adjusting the top slide of the blade until it lines up perfectly. Finally, before you begin grooming your dog, ensure the grooming clippers are working as they should. You should also ensure that the blades are sharp.

They are probably blunt if the blades don’t cut through the fur. In this case, you need to sharpen them. How do you sharpen dog clipper blades? This will depend on how frequently you use the clippers to groom your dog. Moreover, it also depends on how often you clean your dog’s grooming blades.

Nevertheless, you should sharpen your dog clipper blades professionally, meaning you will need an expert. Being a specialized service like any other, you can get good and bad service. If you don’t know where to get an expert to sharpen your dog clipper blades consider talking to your local dog groomer. 

They will advise you on where they get their equipment serviced and sharpened.  

How to Clean Dog Grooming Blades

You should ensure you regularly maintain your dog clipper blades and keep them clean. If you don’t clean them after every clip, the fur and dirt will remain in them. They become blunt quicker if you use them in that condition.

Therefore, consider cleaning the blades after use to minimize the need for sharpening. Moreover, keeping them clean increases their lifespan.

Fortunately, you can find products to help you with dog clipper blades cleaning. For example, look for a cleaning product that flushes the hair accumulated between blades and removes preservatives applied on the blades at the factory. Moreover, look for products that will help lubricate the cutting blades.

On the other hand, look for specially formulated products to cool, clean, and lubricate your clipper blades. Additionally, the products should help prevent the blade from rusting. The best products are those that can also sterilize the clipper blades.   

Based on the products described above, blades need cleaning and cooling down. The metal clipping blades usually become hot quickly, especially during hot weather. Therefore, spray it with a coolant to cool it down and avoid hurting your furry friend when the blade is too hot.

Follow this procedure to clean your dog clipper blades:

  • Pour some of the cleaning solution into a small container.
  • Run the clippers with the blade in its place.
  • Immerse the blade into the cleaning solution just enough to cover the blade area while the clipper is still running. This will help to remove hair and dirt trapped between the two metal plates.
  • After that, wipe them with a clean piece of cloth.
  • Spray some little oil on both ends where the blades brush each other. Keeping the blades clean and well oiled ensures they quickly become blunt.
Barber cleaning his clipper

Conclusion

Dog clipper blades are an essential tool for every dog owner. However, they come in different sizes and materials, meaning you need knowledge on how to select the most appropriate one. Some of the critical issues to consider when purchasing a dog clipper blade include:

  • Size: As illustrated in the dog clipper blade sizes chart above, there are different clipper blade sizes. Moreover, each size is ideal for clipping specific coat types and dog body parts. This means that selecting the correct size for your situation is vital.
  • Material: Clipper blades are made of either steel or ceramic. Each one has its strengths and weaknesses, as explained in this piece.
  • The purpose of grooming: If you groom your dog for a show ring event, it will help to go for a clipper blade that gives a more refined finish.
  • Clipper model: It is advisable to look at different Andis blade sizes if you have an Andis clipper. This is because the clippers come in different shapes and sizes as per the manufacturer.

With this knowledge, you are ready to give your furry friend a professional grooming treat!

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