AG Housings Fix

Clipper: Andis Model AG & BG

Symptoms:

Runs intermittently

Speeds up and slows down

Cuts out

This issue has been a real stumper for me!  I would usually be looking for shorts in the cord, a bad armature, or faulty switches when this issue arises.    Even when all of these tests good, I often will still get continuing complaints of the same symptom from the consumer. 

It can often be observed that these switches are touchy.  If you bump the switch they will shut off or slow down to the first speed while still in the two speed position.  In the past, I have always just replaced the switch when this happens.  This has yielded mixed results.

“If the switch is cutting out or jumping speeds just put in a new switch!”  ~the frustrated repairman

This was my only solution until recently.     After continued frustration, a more thorough investigation brought on a new discovery!  

Discovery: There is a mechanism molded into the top housing and switch actuator of the clipper! 

This is designed to help with this specific problem.   It consists of notches on the inside of the housing and a flapper on the actuator.  They function together to keep the switch in the right place.  As the clipper’s life progresses, wear will start to diminish the function of these two pieces.  This wear starts allowing the switch to move outside of its designed range of motion.  This is when the symptoms start showing up.  

So next time this happens, try a new top housing and actuator before you throw a spendy switch in the clipper. This new technique has solved many of our recent repairs without a hitch!

~Ronnie

The Edge Pro

(515) 963-1990

theedgepro.com

Oster Heat Trick

Clipper:  Oster A5 & 76 Styles

Symptoms: Internal parts will not come out

Are you frustrated by trying to get armatures and fields out of OsterA5 and Classic 76 Clippers? Are you tired of breaking housings, brushes, ruining fans, and cracking housing?  Then read on because I have a simple fix for you! 

“I’ll just grab onto the back of the motor and give it the old heave-ho!”  ~frustrated repairman

Remember, when working on these clippers there are several fragile parts. Do not resort to using your brawn.  I know it is tempting but I’ve tried about every way to pull out those parts without avail.  All you are going to do is break parts.  In this case, we want to use our brains instead of all that brawn.   First off make sure you have removed these parts:

• End cap assembly
• Snap ring & retainer
• Brushes
• Lid, link, lever, & gear

Think back to science class, remember how different substances will expand when introduced to heat?  Plastic Oster housings are the practical application of this science class.  Next time you get one of those stuck housings, try putting it in a toaster oven (or regular oven for that matter) for 250 degrees and about 5 minutes.  Use a hot pad and do not try it in the microwave!  After 5 minutes the field and armature will literally fall out of the housing! 

Reverse these steps if you cannot get the armature and field to go back into the housing.  Hopefully this easy tip will help save you a headache!

Bonus tip: When removing your snap ring, put a hose clamp on the back of the housing to prevent the housing from breaking in case you slip with the snap ring pliers

~ Ronnie

The Edge Pro

(515) 963-1990

theedgepro.com

Volt Hinge

Clipper: Oster Volt & Heiniger Saphir

Symptoms: Hinge/ latch will not take blade

Not too long ago a new clipper came on the market, and with it comes another repair trick you will need to learn. The Heiniger Saphir, also marketed as the Oster Volt, is the clipper in question for today’s article.

“I keep putting on volt hinges and none of them work!” – the frustrated repairman

In this case our friend, the frustrated repairman, is correct!  Brand new volt hinges will not work.   That’s right folks, they will not work.  Before you panic though, be rest assured. This one is a simple fix and just takes a little “know how.” 

These hinge springs do not come preloaded, and before they will work you must load it.  Some of you might remember doing this on older model Osters (say pre 2000 era). There is a small triangular piece on the bottom back of the hinge (see figure #1), and this is the trouble maker!  It prevents the spring from being able to move into its correct position. 

 All you have to do is gently guide the springs around this triangle piece so that they are now on the bottom of the hinge and can freely move forward (see figure #2 for finished position).  That’s all! You’ve solved the problem! Install the new hinge, and it will work as designed!

~ Ronnie

Volt Hinge #151807

Volt Latch #151809

The Edge Pro

(515) 963-1990

www.theedgepro.com

AGC Switches

Clipper: 

Andis AGC & Ultra Edge

Symptoms:

-Clipper suddenly quits

-Smells burnt

-Gets really hot

-Switch is bad

If you have not been in the following situation before, count yourself blessed and pay attention to the following.  In your repairs, you will, at some point, come across an Andis AGC that has a bad switch. Don’t be too quick to install a new switch!

“Andis must have defective switches because they all go up in smoke when I install them.”

~the frustrated repairman

Usually when the switch goes bad on an AGC Clipper, it is in the resister (see picture above).  Many times this resister burning up is not because of a faulty switch, but rather it is a side effect of a greater issue. If you just slap in a new switch, it will often go up in a puff of smoke. If you want to be sure you do not fall victim to this same frustration, then you will need to know is what the real problem is.

Here is a trick to help you identify the problem: Take a pair of insulated pliers and bridge across the resister to “jump start the motor.” Please be careful not to touch anything but the insulated handles to avoid shock. Once you have the clipper running, listen to the motor. If it is running nice and smoothly, most likely you just have a bad switch. If it is running really roughly, you either have a bad armature or a foreign substance (such as oil) on the armature. In this case, you must test the armature and clean it before installing your new switch. Also, if you discover clippers with oil inside them, a thorough cleaning can prevent such switch fails.  Hopefully this can keep your switches in clippers and out of the trash!  

~Ronnie

The Edge Pro

(515) 963-1990

www.TheEdgePro.com

AGC Armature #27072

AGC 2spd Switch #22681

See our video on testing armatures: 

For more videos you might find helpful visit our YouTube channels:

https://www.youtube.com/user/Jasonedgepro

and 

https://www.youtube.com/user/nebraskablades