Clipper blades affect both the finished look and the way a groomer works through the coat. With common A5-style blades, a higher number generally leaves less length, while letter codes describe the blade design. Knowing the approximate length is useful, but the coat, the area being groomed and the equipment instructions still determine whether a blade is suitable.
1. Common blade numbers and the length they leave
The table below is a reference for familiar blade sizes. Lengths are approximate and can vary by manufacturer. It is not a universal list of safe settings for every pet or body area.
| Blade | Approximate length | Typical context | What to remember |
|---|---|---|---|
| #10 | 1.5–1.8 mm | Close detail work and some compatible comb-attachment systems | A close-cutting blade still requires suitable training and technique. |
| 7F | 3.2 mm | Short body trims and some breed-style work | Take particular care around skin folds; assess the coat before choosing it. |
| 5F | 6.3–6.4 mm | A short body finish with more coat left than a 7F | Preparation affects how evenly the blade travels through the coat. |
| 4F | 9.5–9.6 mm | A fuller body finish before scissoring and blending | Use on a suitably prepared coat and record the finished result. |
| #30 / #40 | About 0.5 mm / 0.25 mm | Very close blades; some are used with specific attachment systems | Check the exact comb and blade compatibility. Do not assume every combination is suitable. |
2. Finishing blades and skip-tooth blades
An F or FC marking commonly identifies a finishing blade, with a more even tooth pattern intended to leave a smoother finish on a prepared coat. Skip-tooth designs have alternating teeth and are used differently in professional grooming.
The wider spaces in a skip-tooth design call for particular care and experience. Read the manufacturer’s description of the actual blade rather than assuming that a missing letter tells you everything about it. A blade’s number and design are separate pieces of information, and both belong in a useful equipment record.
3. Manage heat and maintain the blades
Friction can make a metal blade warm during use. Checking it only at the start of an appointment misses what happens as the groom progresses, so include temperature checks in your working routine.
- Check throughout the groom: Pay attention to blade temperature as you work and stop using a blade that has become too hot. Do not wait for the pet to react.
- Have a spare ready: A second blade of the required size lets you change tools while the first cools. Keep used, cooling and ready-to-use blades clearly organised.
- Use compatible care products: Follow the equipment instructions for cleaning, cooling and lubrication. Product choice and application matter, so a generic spray routine should not replace those directions.
- Keep up with maintenance: Remove trapped hair and lubricate as directed. A repeatable care routine supports the equipment you depend on throughout the working day.
4. Record the choice, not just ‘a short trim’
A note such as ‘body: 5F; legs: scissored; paw pads: #10’ is an example of the detail that helps at a return visit. Include comb attachments, styling changes and the owner’s response to the result so the next groomer has the full picture.
PatiPilot keeps those grooming preferences with the pet’s history. Your team can look up what was done previously, confirm whether the owner wants the same result and adjust the plan to the coat’s current condition.
Make every grooming record useful to the person handling the next appointment. Explore PatiPilot’s grooming records →