Tools, Equipment, and Implements
This domain tests the difference between implements and equipment, correct tool handling, and the maintenance routine that keeps tools safe and sharp.
Implements versus equipment
Implements are the hand-held tools you use on a client - shears, razors, combs, clippers, brushes. Equipment is the larger fixtures - chairs, shampoo bowls, dryers, sterilizers. Both fall under your sanitation duties, but implements must be cleaned and disinfected after every client.
Shears
Hold shears with the thumb in the thumb ring and the ring finger in the finger ring, pinky on the finger rest. Keep the tension screw adjusted so blades cut cleanly without dragging; over-tightening wears the pivot. Match shear length to hand size and cutting style; texturizing shears remove weight without shortening length. Never carry shears open, and never cut anything but hair.
Clippers, trimmers, razors
Clipper blades are sized (for example #000 to #1.5) and guards convert them to cutting lengths (#1 is 1/8 inch, #2 is 1/4 inch, #3 is 3/8 inch, #4 is 1/2 inch). Remove hair and oil after each use, disinfect the blade, then lubricate. Trimmers and outliners are for edges and detail work. Straight razors are honed on a water stone and stropped on leather.
Combs and brushes
Barber combs have fine and coarse teeth; taper combs suit clipper-over-comb work. Clean combs and brushes of hair, wash, disinfect, and store in a closed clean container.
Worked example
A clipper blade starts dragging and pulling hair. Pulling means the blade is dull or misaligned, not that the client's hair is tough; clean and oil the blade, check alignment, and replace it if it still drags rather than pressing harder.
Traps
Using the same container for clean and soiled tools; over-tightening the shear screw; storing clean implements uncovered; neglecting to oil clippers.