Electric shavers are increasingly popular with both men and women--especially shavers that can be used in the shower. But, like everything else, electric shavers can break down. Here's how to fix them before you get nicked.
How Does It Work?
An electric shaver is a motorized small appliance for cutting body hair. A motor inside the shaver moves miniature blades. A fine screen holds the hairs that protrude through the screen so that the cutting blades can slice through them. The shaver is powered by either household current through an electric cord or an internal rechargeable batteries.
The two most popular types of electric shavers are foil-head and rotary-head. A foil-head shaver moves rows of blades back and forth using an oscillator. A rotary-head shaver's motor rotates three blades in unison, each with its own gear, blade, and screen.
What Can Go Wrong?
Many repairs to an electric shaver can be avoided by cleaning the appliance after every use and following the manufacturer's maintenance guide. In addition, the electric cord may need replacing, the recharger may need service, or the motor may be faulty. The head can become clogged and the cutting edges can be damaged. Fortunately, you can make many repairs yourself.
Fix-It Tip
The best way to avoid problems with your electric shaver is to regularly inspect and maintain it. Review the owner's manual for specific requirements of your model.
What Can Go Wrong?
Most electric shaver problems are easily identified and resolved. If the shaver doesn't work at all, make sure power is on at the outlet, check the battery and recharge it if it is low, and check the electrical cord . If necessary, test the motor and switches (see the Appliance Controls Fix-It Guide).
If the shaver operates sluggishly, clean and lubricate the heads. For rechargeable units, check the battery and recharge if needed. If the shaver is noisy or cuts poorly, clean and lubricate the shaver. Also check the motor . On foil-head shavers, check the oscillator.
If the shaver pinches skin, check the screen for corrosion or damage and service the head.
Fix-It Tip
You can find replacement-part kits for popular brands and models of shavers at large retail chains. The kits include new screens, blades, and other replaceable components. Shaver cleaning kits include special brushes and lubricants.
What Parts, Materials, and Tools Do I Need?
Replacement parts for electric shavers are available through retail stores or online from the manufacturer or from aftermarket suppliers. Basic repair tools include:
- Screwdrivers
- Shaver lubricant
- Small brush
What Are the Steps to Fixing It?
A foil shaver is relatively easy to disassemble and service. Your model may vary from this illustration, but the components are the same.
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- Unplug the appliance. Remove the head assembly held on by screws, clips, or a pressure button.
- Remove the screen from the head and carefully clean it. If the screen is damaged or corroded, replace it.
- Remove the blade assembly from the oscillator assembly. Inspect and clean the blade assembly with canned air.
- If your foil-head shaver requires lubrication, follow the manufacturer's instructions for doing so.
Fix-It Tip
If your electric shaver is intended for use in a shower, the inner workings will be protected from moisture by O-ring seals that require professional service.
Rotary-head shavers, too, are simple to maintain with periodic cleaning and lubrication.
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- Unplug the appliance. Remove the head assembly from the housing.
- Remove the shaver head from the blade assembly and place the assembly on a flat surface.
- Remove the screens and the blade unit. Clean the screens with a small brush and inspect the blades. If the screen is damaged or corroded, replace it.
- If your rotary-head shaver requires lubrication, follow the manufacturer's instructions for doing so.
Caution!
Water and electricity don’t mix. Be extra careful using a plugged-in shaver around the sink. And never use a corded shaver in the shower or tub!