If you’ve ever wondered what clipper oil actually does or why you need to oil clipper blades at all, the answer is simple: clipper oil lubricates the blades so they run smoothly, stay sharper for longer and produce far less heat during operation.
Clipper oil is a very light, clean lubricant designed specifically for fast-moving clipper blades. Whether you’re using Masterclip clippers, Wahl, Andis, Lister or any other brand of clipper, they all need clipper oil to run optimally. A few drops of the correct oil make a huge difference to cutting performance, the comfort of the clip and blade life.
Wondering where to buy clipper oil from? We offer this clipping essential online with free delivery here and these inexpensive bottles last for ages! Read on to find out more about what clipper oil is and when and how to use it.
What Is Clipper Oil Made Of?
Clipper oil — such as our Masterclip Clipper Oil for horses, dogs, cattle and sheep — is typically made from a highly refined mineral-based oil. This petroleum-derived oil is clear, odourless, safe on skin and hair and is very stable. The particular viscosity of clipper oil is thin enough to sit between moving blades and stays thin so that it doesn't go sticky and gum up when it mixes with hair and heat.
Some clipper oils come as sprays, and a few include additives such as bactericides or extra rust inhibitors. Whatever format you choose, the oil must be safe on skin and coats, must not turn tacky, and must hold up under heat.
What Is Clipper Oil Used For & Why It’s Essential
What does clipper oil actually do? Clipper blades are made up of two pieces of metal that rub together at high speed to create the cutting action required to clip hair. A thin sheet of clipper oil on the blades:
- Reduces friction between the two parts of the blades
- Prevents heat build-up
- Keeps edges sharper for longer
- Improves cut quality and comfort for the animal as the blades can glide through the hair more easily.
- Protects the metal from excess wear and corrosion.
- Preserves the working lifespan of your clippers - The smooth function of the blades reduces stain and excess wear and tear to the clipper motor and components.
Regular lubrication is an essential part of using any clipper, especially if you want your clippers to last!
How Much Clipper Oil Should You Use and How Often?
Clipper oil should be applied little and often. When to use clipper oil:
- Before clipping: You should run a few drops of oil along the teeth of the blades. For heavy duty clippers, pop a drop of oil down each side of the blades in the gap between the cutter and comb and also a few drops into the holes on the clipper head to lubricate the internal workings. For medium duty clippers such as A5 (Masterclip Pedigree Pro, MD Roamer and Royale clippers) pop a few drops of oil along the teeth of the blades and a drop along the guide rail.
- During clipping: Clipper oil should be applied regularly every 5 minutes to keep the blades running smoothly and cool throughout the clip and to help flush out hair from between the cutting surfaces. Stop the clipper a couple of times during the clip to throughly clean hair from the cutting surfaces and apply a drop of oil to them.
- After clipping: When clipping is complete, remove the blades from the clipper to clean them of hair and apply a few drops of oil to prevent rust forming whilst in storage. You can follow our YouTube tutorials here.
How To Oil Clipper Blades
To apply clipper oil to your blades during use:
- First, brush away any loose hair collected on the blades.
Add a few drops of oil along the teeth and down the sides of the blade in the gap between the comb and the cutter. A thin film is enough, you’re not trying to flood the blade.
Run the clipper for 5–10 seconds to distribute across the blades.
Then wipe away any excess with a soft cloth. Our microfibre cloths are perfect for wiping away hair and moping up oil.
What Is A Clipper Oil Substitute — And Why Not Use One?
You might wonder what is a clipper oil substitute? Some try WD-40, baby oil, coconut oil or motor oil — but all of these are too thick, evaporate too quickly or turn sticky. WD-40 especially is so thin, it can travel into the motor and erode the grease around the gears causing all sorts of issues. Other oils can attract hair, overheat blades, potentially cause a reaction to your animals skin and shorten the life of your blades or clipper motor.
At Masterclip we also hear that people have dipped their clippers in water, diesel or other liquids to flush out trapped hair whilst they clip. Not only can this be very dangerous with electric clippers, water doesn't do your blades any good at all and is sure route to rapid rusting. A good clean with a brush, soft cloth and clipper oil after clipping is the best method to look after your blades.
Professional grooms may use specialist blade wash to help disinfect their blades between animals but this must be used carefully to keep blades in the best condition.
Looking After Your Clippers
Clippers are in investment so it's best not to improvise when it comes to using the right lubricant. Clipper oil is one item worth buying properly and is very inexpensive. At Masterclip we sell clipper oil on our website and also on Amazon UK with prime delivery. Don’t be tempted to skip it — it is the cheapest “insurance” for your blades.
If you need something with a little extra cooling action when you have to clip thick or dirty coats or have a lot of clipping to do, the Andis cool care spray is a great product to rapidly cool the blades during use. This spray lubricant has additional properties to help clean and disinfect the blades with anti rusting agents - ideal for busy grooms, farmers and professional groomers clipping multiple animals.
Clipper oil can be used on trimmers as well as full-size clippers. Some customers also ask if clipper oil can be used for scissors? In a pinch, yes — a drop at the pivot can help. But scissors benefit more from a slightly heavier scissor oil designed for their slower movement.
Top Tips for Using Clipper Oil
Apply a small amount of oil to your clippers regularly for best effectiveness.
Use clipper oil before, during and after clipping.
Do be tempted to use use substitutes (WD-40, baby oil, veg oil etc.) as these could damage your clipper, blades or even cause a reaction to the animal you are clipping.
Correct lubrication = cooler, sharper blades, happier animals and a smooth, even result.
With proper maintenance and sharpening, your Masterclip blades will continue delivering precise results time after time. Wondering which clipper or blades would be best suited for your needs? Whether you need to clip horses, dogs, cattle or sheep, contact our friendly and knowledge team today for our personalised recommendations.
