Monday, November 27, 2023

How to fix the on/off switch on a Wahl Color Pro clipper

Wahl Color Pro Color Coded clipper, with a closeup of the power switch taken apart
The Wahl Color Pro Color Coded clipper is a good, reliable, inexpensive clipper set that will serve you well for years.  It comes with several adjustable screws that may need to be played with over time for optimum performance, but otherwise it runs mostly problem-free.

However, one issue that this clipper can develop after a significant amount of use is difficulty in turning on or off.  It may be hard to push the power switch in, or just tapping the switch slightly may cause the clippers to turn on or off.  This problem is typically caused by dirt that builds up on the switch itself and on the switch's contact, and it can easily be rectified in just a few minutes.  Cleaning the switch is much cheaper than purchasing a new clipper set, and it can probably be done with tools that you already have.

1. Remove the lower cover
Make sure the clipper is unplugged from any power source.  The white cover on the underside of the clipper comes off to allow access to the clipper's internal workings.  To get this cover off, remove the two small Phillips screws located at the base of the clipper (away from the blade) on the top (black) side.  These screws are recessed, so you'll need a Phillips screwdriver with a thin head.

Once the screws are out, remove the white cover by pulling it away from the body.  Set the screws somewhere safe.

2. Clean the switch
As you're looking at the inner workings of the clipper, the power switch is located on the left side.  It's the black and gold assembly with two wires (one black and one green) screwed into it.  This switch should slide easily when you turn the clipper on or off.

Unscrew the Phillips screws holding the two wires.  Move the wires away from the switch so they're not touching anything (to prevent damage from static electricity).

To clean the switch, spray some lubricating oil (WD-403-in-One, or even some olive oil in a pinch will work fine) onto a rag or paper towel.  Wipe down the switch assembly and wipe away any dirt or other debris that you see.  Then test the switch to make sure that it flips between on and off easily.

If the switch is still hard to push, you can spray some oil directly onto the switch assembly, but be careful not to spray too much.  Wipe away any excess oil and try the switch again.  It should flip without much effort.

🛈 While you have the cover off, it's a good time to clean any hair or other debris from the inside of the clipper.  A can of compressed air or a small keyboard brush will work well.

3. Reassemble the clipper
Reattach the two wires into their original positions with the small Phillips screws.  Then reattach the white cover and secure it with the two screws.  Once everything is back together, plug the clipper in and test it to make sure it turns on, stays on, and turns back off.


(Originally published on Helium.com, 2011)

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