Why does my blade get hot so fast? (and how to fix it)

Blades getting hot is not avoidable.  This is normal for any metal on metal contact, which heats metal over time, especially for the newer model, modern clippers which have much higher speeds. There are a number of ways to reduce blade heat which are considered best practice when using any blade / clipper. Here are the top 10 ways to reduce blade heat...

Oil

Always oil the blade before every use, after coolant is applied, and after cleaning before storage. Apply oil correctly, as shown in this how to oil video 

 

Coat prep

Only clip a freshly washed, dry coat, that’s 100% free of all tangles, knots and mats. Check you're following ideal coat prep. Trying to cut a coat that has not be adequately prepped will cause blade and clipper to work harder than they should, and heat up faster than normal.

Speed

Modern clippers are up to twice as fast as old model clippers. faster speeds means faster blade heat-up. Always use multi-speed clippers on the lowest speed. Save the higher speed for thick or difficult areas only.

If you’re a beginner / less confident groomer, so are taking longer than normal to clip, with practice or training you will become faster as you gain confidence (meaning blades run for less time).

While learning, use the lowest speed possible. Grooming schools are well worth attending and most run short classes for learning the basics. Good coat prep will also help shorten clipping time.

Two blade minimum 

Do not rely only on one blade to do all the work. It is best to own at least two standard (size 10) blades minimum, and simply swap for a cool blade when one heats up.

 
Ceramic

Consider a ceramic blade instead of a steel blade (note however that ceramic  stays sharper longer however cannot be sharpened once dull like full-steel blades can). Ceramic is a material that stays cooler longer, however note even a ceramic blade is still combined with a steel blade, so will still heat up with use.

Touch check 

Touch the blade every 5 to 15 minutes. It may be warm, but should not be too hot to hold your finger on. If it’s hot, swap for a cool blade, or apply coolant. Always re-apply oil after applying coolant.

Remove dead coat

Thin the coat before clipping to remove dead coat. Do not use a blade or clipper to cut through dead coat (this is a more common issue in non-shed breeds). Brush out dead, stuck coat out before clipping, use a de-shedding tool, and use a deshed shampoo to loosen stuck coat in the bath. Removing dead, stuck coat is part of correct coat prep for any coat type, but even more important with non-shed coats.

Blade care 

Correct blade care will keep your blade running cooler for longer. You can check you’re following correct care here https://allgroom.co.nz/blogs/blades/blade-guide-care

Sharp blade 

A dull or blunt blade will heat up faster. Check your blade does not need sharpening. Using a hot blade will dull and blunt it faster. Owning a second blade is always recommended rather than using one blade that's constantly heating up and cooling down, which will shorten the blade's lifetime and cause early wear and tear. TIP: Sometimes what you think is a blunt blade - is actually just a dry or dirty blade that needs a good clean and oil!

Motor type 

Consider the motor of your clipper. If budget allows, a brushless motor runs cooler than a traditional brushed rotary motor.  

New clippers

If shopping for new clippers, it's useful to choose a clipper with a slower low speed to avoid fast blade heat-up. Look for a 5 speed clipper, or compare low speeds when choosing a new clipper. Older model clippers were about 2,000 SPM on high.  New models are closer to 4,000 SPM. Double the speed means blades heat up twice as fast as they used to. 

WARNING: Keep in mind some coolant sprays do lightly lubricate, but will never replace the need to lubricate your blade with oil.  Coolant sprays can dry parts over time and residue can build up with frequent use. The cleaner in most coolant sprays also removes oil.  This slows down a blade and can make even a new blade seem to cut like it's blunt, due to increased friction, the blade not being able to move and cut freely, or product residue build-up.  Always thoroughly clean your blade after every use, then re-oil blades after cleaning, oil before storage and oil before every use.