How Do I Adjust the Tension on My Shears?

Posted by Scott Wilson

14th Dec 2024

How Do I Adjust the Tension on My Shears?

As a professional stylist or barber, maintaining the proper tension on your shears is essential for achieving precise, clean cuts while prolonging the lifespan of your tools. Incorrect tension can lead to uneven haircuts, blade damage, and even hand fatigue. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about adjusting the tension on your shears.

Why Is Shear Tension Important?

The tension on your shears determines how tightly the blades come together when cutting. Proper tension ensures:

  • Clean Cuts: Prevents hair from bending or slipping between the blades.
  • Blade Longevity: Reduces unnecessary wear and tear on the edges.
  • Hand Comfort: Avoids the need to use excessive pressure while cutting, minimizing hand and wrist strain.

Incorrect tension—whether too loose or too tight—can result in poor cutting performance, increased maintenance needs, and frustration during styling.

How to Tell If Your Shear Tension Is Correct

Here’s a simple test to check the tension of your shears:

  1. Hold your shears vertically, with the thumb ring pointing up.
  2. Open the blades to a 90-degree angle.
  3. Let the top blade fall gently.
    • If the blade falls completely closed, the tension is too loose.
    • If the blade doesn’t move at all, the tension is too tight.
    • The ideal tension allows the blade to fall about halfway down, stopping at a 45-degree angle.

Steps to Adjust the Tension on Your Shears

  1. Clean and Oil Your Shears
    • Before adjusting the tension, ensure your shears are clean and lubricated. Use a soft cloth to wipe away hair, dust, or debris, and apply a drop of shear oil to the pivot point. This ensures smooth operation and prevents damage during adjustment.
  2. Locate the Tension Screw
    • Most professional shears, including those from Shear Fanatic™, feature an adjustable tension screw near the pivot. Depending on your shear model, this may be a flat screw, a thumb-adjustable dial, or a decorative screw.
  3. Adjust the Tension
    • Use a small screwdriver or your hand (if your shears have a thumb-adjustable dial):
      • To Tighten: Turn the screw or dial clockwise in small increments.
      • To Loosen: Turn the screw or dial counterclockwise in small increments.
    • Avoid over-adjusting; small turns can make a big difference.
  4. Test the Tension
    • Perform the tension test described earlier to see if the adjustment is correct. Repeat the process if needed until the top blade falls to a 45-degree angle.
  5. Double-Check Performance
    • After adjusting, test the shears on a piece of hair or paper to ensure they cut cleanly and effortlessly.

Common Shear Tension Problems and Solutions

  1. Too Loose
    • Symptoms: Hair bends or slips between the blades, and cuts feel uneven.
    • Solution: Tighten the tension screw slightly and retest.
  2. Too Tight
    • Symptoms: Shears feel stiff, difficult to open and close, or cause hand fatigue.
    • Solution: Loosen the tension screw slightly and retest.
  3. Frequent Slipping
    • Symptoms: Tension loosens over time during use.
    • Solution: Ensure the tension screw is securely tightened, and consider using a tension screw with a locking mechanism.

How Often Should You Adjust Shear Tension?

Regularly check the tension on your shears, ideally at the start of each day. Environmental factors, such as humidity, and frequent use can affect tension. Additionally, always check tension after cleaning, oiling, or sharpening your shears.

The Shear Fanatic™ Advantage

At Shear Fanatic™, we understand that proper tension is key to maintaining the performance and longevity of your shears. That’s why all of our professional shears come with:

  • Adjustable Tension Screws: Designed for easy and precise adjustments.
  • Lifetime Warranty: Protection against manufacturer defects and worn parts.
  • Complimentary Maintenance Kit: Includes oil and a tension key for convenient at-home care.
  • Free Shear Education: Resources to help you get the most out of your tools.

Our premium shears are crafted from Japanese 440C and YG10 steel, ensuring durability and smooth performance even after years of use. Whether you’re working with our dry cutting shears, swivel thumb scissors, or texturizing tools, maintaining the right tension has never been easier.

Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Shears

  • Clean Daily: Remove hair and debris after each use.
  • Oil Weekly: Lubricate the pivot point regularly to prevent friction.
  • Store Properly: Keep your shears in a protective case to avoid accidental drops or damage.
  • Use Professional Sharpening Services: Maintain sharpness and alignment with our mail-in sharpening service.

Take Care of Your Tools with Shear Fanatic™

Maintaining proper tension on your shears is a small step that makes a big difference in your cutting performance and comfort. At Shear Fanatic™, we provide everything you need to care for your shears, from maintenance kits to professional sharpening services.

Ready to upgrade your tools or learn more about shear care? Explore our collection of professional hairstyling shears and take your craft to the next level.

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