Discover Your Scissors Tension System
A scissors tension is the ability of the blades to gently push against each other, this allows the blades to cut hair effortlessly, and with accuracy. Choosing to ignore the importance of this daily maintenance, will cause premature dulling, or damage to the scissors edge, and it will hinder your ability to create precise cutting results.
Every scissor has only one correct tension setting. The type of tension system that is on the scissor determines each scissors setting. There are only three and it will match one of the three types that are described in this article.
First determine your scissors type of tension system, then read the detailed discription.
System A
Option 1
System A
Option 2
System B
System C
Tension System A - Option 1
Also called a click or ratchet tension system. It is highly popular because of the dependable spring plate or washer that secures the setting.
There are numerous variations of these external tension systems. However, they all will have small grooves beneath the nut that grasp a tiny bump on the plate or washer. A slight click can be felt as it is turned with the fingers.
In addition, what is significant about this system is that the tension nut clicks when it is turned. Systems B and C do not click. The spring plate or washer may occasionally require a fine-tuning or even need to be replaced when the scissors are inspected.
Tension System B
This system has a tension with a traditional machine screw that matches a flathead screwdriver, or a coin if the slot is wide. It is reliable and has been widely accepted for centuries. System B tension screw does not click when adjusted.
The screw is specifically tapered so that the tip will be compressed to ensure a continuous tension setting. Nonetheless, when the tension is allowed to remain loose, the rocking motion of the blades will cause the screw threads to wear.
Generally, this screw system is quite durable unless its required adjustment is not implemented. Occasionally this type of screw may need to be replaced when the scissors are service. Check the scissors tension daily to determine that it has not loosened.
Tension System A - Option 2
This system is designed with a low-profile or a recessed tension nut, which requires a special slotted tool to adjust and cannot be turned with the fingers. The adjusting tool is provided by your scissors dealer or the manufacturer and should be easily made available if misplaced.
Option 2 has the same capabilities as Option 1. As it also clicks and has small grooves beneath the nut that grasp a tiny bump on a washer. Stylists that reverse flip their scissors prefer not having the external tension nut that might restrict their cutting techniques.
It is a dependable system, and a slight click can be felt as it is adjusted. Systems B and C do not click. The spring washer may occasionally require a fine-tuning or even replaced when the scissors are service. Check the scissors tension daily to determine that it has not loosened.
Tension System C
A pressure type tension system that is not as common for newer scissors. This system can be any type of external, or recessed nut, that does not click when turned.
Many of these systems have a metal umbrella shaped washer connected to the tension nut, or a rubber washer embedded within the nut. It pushes against the outside of the blade creating resistance on the pivot area of the scissors.
When cleaning it is not recommended to place a disproportionate amount of oil directly under this type of tension nut, as the oil will cause the nut to loosen easily. System C in my opinion is not the best option. The tension nut or rubber washer may occasionally require replacement when the scissors are service. Check the scissors tension daily to determine that it has not loosened.