A sharper pair of shears is still the cheapest way to speed up a day on the floor. The catch? Consistency. Use this five-minute routine to strip product build-up, protect coatings, and document servicing so warranties and resale value stay intact.
Daily wipe-down (takes 60 seconds)
- Clean: Spray a lint-free cloth with isopropyl alcohol and wipe blades, pivot, finger rest, and handle grooves.
- Dry: Follow with a second cloth to remove moisture—especially important in coastal or humid cities (see our stockist hub).
- Inspect: Run your finger pad along the blade to feel for burrs or nicks; note anything unusual in your maintenance log.
Oil and tension (two minutes)
- Oil drop: Place a single drop of lightweight scissor oil at the pivot, open and close the blades five times, then wipe any excess.
- Drop test: Hold shears upright, lift one blade to 90°, and release. They should close about two-thirds of the way. Adjust tension using the supplied key.
- Record: Log date, tension adjustment, and any issues. ScissorPedia recommends tracking each pair separately so sharpeners know the service history.
Storage routine (90 seconds)
- Silica support: Keep a silica gel sachet or moisture absorber in every scissor case—replace monthly in humid climates.
- Blade guards: Use rubber or silicone tip guards when transporting shears between chairs or sites.
- Separation: Store colour-only pairs separately to avoid cross-contamination with precision sets.
Weekly deep clean (Fridays, three minutes)
| Task | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Remove screw cover (if manufacturer allows) and clear trapped hair | Prevents tension drift and premature wear |
| Disinfect finger inserts and rings | Stops product build-up that can alter grip |
| Review maintenance log | Spot trends—e.g., tension slipping sooner than expected |
Monthly checklist
- Sharpening schedule: Confirm upcoming bookings (mobile or mail-in) and bundle multiple pairs to save on freight.
- Backup rotation: Swap in your secondary pair for a week to balance wear between blades.
- Warranty audit: Ensure receipts, serial numbers, and technician invoices are stored together (digital folder + printed copies).
Printable checklist
Copy this list into your salon operations manual or print for the back room.
Daily
[ ] Clean blades with isopropyl alcohol
[ ] Dry thoroughly and inspect for burrs
[ ] Oil pivot (1 drop) and perform drop test
[ ] Log any adjustments or issues
[ ] Store with silica gel + blade guards
Weekly (choose a day)
[ ] Remove trapped hair around tension screw
[ ] Disinfect finger inserts and grips
[ ] Review maintenance log for patterns
Monthly
[ ] Confirm sharpening bookings
[ ] Rotate backup pairs into service
[ ] File receipts and technician reports
Pair the checklist with proactive sourcing
- Need a new sharpener or supplier? Start at the national stockist map.
- Wondering which lightweight pair to add next? Review our lightweight scissors guide.
- Managing shoulder pain? Combine this routine with the crane-handle relief playbook.
Set a calendar reminder, print the checklist, and keep your shears ready for every client—no extra overtime required.