CPS Equipment & Tool Maintenance 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How frequently should clipper blades be oiled during continuous use?
- Every 2 hours
- Every 10–15 minutes of continuous use (Correct answer)
- Once per grooming day
- Only when the blade feels hot to the touch
Correct answer: Every 10–15 minutes of continuous use
Oiling every 10–15 minutes of continuous use reduces friction, prevents heat buildup, and extends blade life.
Question 2: Which clipper blade number leaves the SHORTEST coat length?
- #3
- #7
- #10
- #30 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: #30
Higher blade numbers cut closer to the skin; a #30 blade leaves approximately 0.5 mm of coat, making it the shortest of the listed options.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of blade wash (blade coolant) used during grooming?
- To sharpen dull blade edges
- To cool and flush debris from clipper blades (Correct answer)
- To sanitize blades between pets
- To lubricate the clipper motor housing
Correct answer: To cool and flush debris from clipper blades
Blade wash removes accumulated hair and debris while simultaneously cooling overheated blades to maintain safe operating temperature.
Question 4: What is the BEST way to store grooming scissors to preserve their cutting edge?
- Loose in a shared drawer with other tools
- In individual sheaths or a fabric scissor roll (Correct answer)
- Submerged in a disinfectant solution
- Hung open on a wall hook
Correct answer: In individual sheaths or a fabric scissor roll
Individual sheaths or a fabric roll protect blades from nicks, moisture, and contact with other metal objects that can dull or damage the edge.
Question 5: What does 'blade tension' refer to on a pair of grooming scissors?
- The flexibility of the blade under lateral pressure
- The tightness of the pivot screw controlling blade movement (Correct answer)
- The angle ground onto the cutting edge
- The overall length of the scissor blade
Correct answer: The tightness of the pivot screw controlling blade movement
Blade tension is controlled by the pivot screw; correct tension allows smooth, effortless cutting without the blades being too loose or too tight.
Question 6: Which symptom MOST clearly indicates that clipper blades need to be sharpened?
- The clipper produces a louder operating sound
- The blades pull, snag, or skip through the coat (Correct answer)
- The clipper motor runs faster than normal
- The blade surface appears darker in color
Correct answer: The blades pull, snag, or skip through the coat
Dull blades lack a sharp cutting edge and will grab and pull coat rather than gliding cleanly through it.
Question 7: What is the correct procedure for maintaining clipper blades after each grooming session?
- Soak the blades in water overnight to loosen debris
- Brush out hair and debris, then apply a drop of blade oil (Correct answer)
- Wipe with a dry cloth only to avoid moisture damage
- Place blades in an autoclave for sterilization
Correct answer: Brush out hair and debris, then apply a drop of blade oil
Brushing out debris and applying oil after each session prevents rust, reduces friction, and keeps blades cutting cleanly for the next use.
