Bought new last year the A-5 and seems like already after light use, is not cutting as smooth. Tried to change the blades figuring they were dull but still have the problem. The do seem to chatter a bit. Using the clip on blade assembly. I think it may just be a tension issue. How do you adjust the tension?
Health & Beauty - Oster - Golden A5 2-Speed Universal Motor Clipper 78005-140
Answers & Comments
Here is how I fixed my problem with the A5: There is a curved piece of metal that is meant to push the moving blade down on the stationary blade (that is attached to the handle with the two short Phillips-head screws). It fits into a slot on the moving blade. There is also a very thin nylon cover that fits on to this metal piece that goes between the blade and this piece. It adds a slight extra thickness that causes the moving blade to press harder on to the stationary blade.
It came off unnoticed when I took off the blade and went underneath the curved piece. The blade goes back together without it and there was no indication that something was missing, other than the A5 did not cut.
When I took the tool apart again under a strong light, I saw that thin nylon cover hiding in there and worked out how to assemble the tool with it in place. It started working after that.
One other thing: in the meantime I also rubbed the two blade faces against a Japanese water-stone. Extremely mild grit (4000) but maybe this removed some unwanted residue. Perhaps this also helped in getting it going.
Before adjusting spring pressure check the two screws either side of the hinge *** make sure they are tight and also check to see if this component has pulled away from the body.