Can't find the RIGHT clipper!!

[sydsmom]

I'm hoping you guys can help me. I've been using the Andis 2 spd (red round and black square) for some time and they are both crapping out. I need a new set BUT I have an ongoing issue with my right hand with numbness/ thumb pain and need something that won't contribute to that. The vibrations in the andis both just hit the wrong spot. I just bought the switchblade but I'm not sure I can get used to the constant vibration...I think it will just make things more numb? At this point money is not an issue; just wondering if anyone has some good suggestions? I've only been grooming for 3 years and hate already having problems. And yes, I've seen a MD they claim its just thumb arthritis....

[windfall4]

I've heard that Laubes don't vibrate too badly.

[northerntailssharpening]

Your Switchblade is vibrating because you used those blades on your Andis clipper before using them on it, its really not the clipper. The Andis hinge is a tiny bit wider and spreads the socket ears of your blades apart wider. So, when you put that blade on a clipper with a narrower hinge (Wahl/Oster/Laube), they rattle. I know nobody told you about this, but I'll tell you how to fix it.

On the video page of my website is a video called "How to fix blades that rattle on the clipper" Get your Switchblade clipper and a few blades and follow along with me as I show you how to tighten up the socket ears to cut down on the vibration.

Another trick you can do because you have an inflammed thumb is go to Walmart and get that rubber kitchen drawer lining mesh that comes in different colors. Cut a strip about 6 inches wide and the full length of piece you bought. Then start wrapping it around the Switchblade until it feels good to you, then just cut it off. It sticks to itsself so there is no need to glue anything here. I had another groomer tell me about this and I passed it along to other groomers with hand ailments or gripping problems and its worked for them.

-------------------------------------------
Jeff Andrews
Northern Tails Sharpening
Mobile, Alabama &
New Orleans, Louisiana
251-232-5353
www.northerntails.com
jeff@northerntails.com
"You Now Have A Better Choice"

Search for “Northern Tails Sharpening” on Facebook.

[petgroomaustralia]

The Laube mini micros are small, light and dont vibrate. I used to have issues but dont anymore since i switched to these.

[sittingpretty]

Jeff,
I like the idea of the shelf liner, it sounds helpful and easy.

What have you found to be the big differences; pro's and con's between the clippers?





sittingpretty

[northerntailssharpening]

When you start getting into the Wahls, LAube's, and GRC, your getting into powerful clippers that bust through coat no matter what. These clippers are going to have some vibration because they are powerhouses.

I use the Wahl KM-2 and the Laube Micro-mini. If the Wahl can go throught it, the LAube will. But these clipper do have some vibration to them and they are louder than Andis. If you do get a Wahl, or Laube you will have to segregate blades to use on them exclusively. The Wahl and the LAube have the same width in the hinge where the Andis seems slightly wider. On new hinges, you can put a blade on the Andis, then the LAube, and it will vibrate louder. That is the reason most groomers send these two clippers back and get another Andis because they dont know about the hinge differences and vibration. So if you pass blades around the shop and your using something besides Andis, keep some pliers in your pocket so you can squeeze the socket ears together a little after that blade is used on the Andis clipper. The reason the Andis hinge seems wider is because its not champered(sp). All the other hinges are angled on the sides where the blade ears fit and the Andis hinge is just straight and flat on the sides. Once the Andis hinge gets worn a bit from putting blades on it wont spread the socket ears apart so much and cause vibration. But, when it gets to that poiunt, its usually worn out enought that it needs replaced so the problem never really goes away.

Now, I have the new Andis 5 speed clipper that I think is a great one for being Andis. It has torque and is very light (0.8 lbs) and very ergonomic. I was given one to give an opinion on and I think its a great clipper. Everyone in the shop wants to use it and in the two months Ive had it there hasnt been any breakdowns or mishaps. Its running 10 hours a day. The cost is $200 for one, but if it doesnt press that inflamed joint where it hurts all day then its worth twice that. Research the clipper and see what you think. If I ever get a few minutes from sharpening I plan to make a movie about it where I demonstrate the clipper and weigh it on camera. Its very light and is a small powerhouse. Ive attached a small picture of it and you can see how ergonomic it is and its rubberized for comfort. Google "Andis Excel 5 speed" if you want information about it. Its not on the Andis website yet.

Hope this helps

-------------------------------------------
Jeff Andrews
Northern Tails Sharpening
Mobile, Alabama &
New Orleans, Louisiana
251-232-5353
www.northerntails.com
jeff@northerntails.com
"You Now Have A Better Choice"

Search for “Northern Tails Sharpening” on Facebook.

[sydsmom]

I'll definitely try that Jeff, but I actually have yet to use the switchblade. I plugged it in right out of the box just to check how they felt. I would assume that the wrapping would help the vibrations as well. But I have no problem adding to my clipper collection and will look into the laubes as well! Are the laubes reliable? I believe I have heard alot about them having issues and the company not being easy to work with...

Sitting Pretty--its usually how much I need to manuever the clipper with my thumb (if that makes sense..i pivot with my thumb and fingers instead of my wrist) and depending on how they are balanced. I find I have the tendency to have the clippers slide out of my hand as my grip can occasionally weaken and having a "shape" to the housing per say to counteract that

[Helly]

Sitting Pretty--its usually how much I need to manuever the clipper with my thumb (if that makes sense..i pivot with my thumb and fingers instead of my wrist) and depending on how they are balanced. I find I have the tendency to have the clippers slide out of my hand as my grip can occasionally weaken and having a "shape" to the housing per say to counteract that

Well that's a big part of your problem, right there. Most of us hold our clippers wrong anyway, but if you're holding them with your thumb and fingers, rather than your whole hand, you're a case of tendonitis waiting to happen.

[neanea]

hummm, when I took Melissa Verplank's workshop, she said hold your clipper like a pencil?

[k9cosmetologist]

I've heard that Laubes don't vibrate too badly.

I super love mine

[sydsmom]

Yup "hold it like a pencil" thats how I was taught too. I do grip it with my whole hand but I use my fingers to twist and pivot in the small areas..."like a pencil". So far so good with the Switchblade though I'm still getting used to the cord. Thank you everyone for your input!!!! Hopefully I won't have this problem too much longer as I am finally seeing a specialist!! Seems to be more nerve problems NOT arthritis as long as its fixable I guess!

[celebpet]

Yep pencil hold.

On anothe note, you might want to actually see a hand specialist and get a second opinion. Your hands have lots of tendions (spelling). They actually run through little openings in the bones. Kind of like the way fishing line runs through the eyes on a fishing rod. If they they swell they will hang up in the bones. A lot of physicians call it trigger finger. I had a bout of it 20 years ago. Its painful and can limit motion and cause numbness and fatigue in your hands. Vibration and repetive motion can cause it as well. They can operate or you can get steroid shots that will help as well. I have a sister that is a OT and another sister that is a Radioligst, with many other cerifications and they see a lot of this. Its not uncommon, but finding a good doctor may make all the difference in the world.

I would also take Jeffs/NTails recommendations combine the two. He knows what he is talking about.

[Kubota]

If you are still having issues with vibration, there is an anti-vibration wrap available through your local safety supply company. It is made for the purpose of wrapping tool handles to reduce the vibration absorded into your hands.
It is more pricey, but is made specifically for that application.

[Particentral]

Having had a thumb fusion, I can tell you the Laube Micros or Lightenings are the best thing EVER for my thumbs. It keeps them from stretching to far which causes the thumb to ache and slightly dislocate (called supplexation I think). My right thumb kill sme when i drive but not when clipping because of how the clipper I choose to use fits my hand. I also love my Speed and my Ivac because I find them fast and efficient.

[sydsmom]

Thanks everyone! So far the Switchblades are a big improvement over the Andis..albeit louder. I am hoping the specialist at Tufts Medical will be able to actually give me a diagnosis.

Parti--thank you for your input! I am looking into buying a pair of laubes now so I have a backup and can just toss the andis all together.