What Are the Different Types of Grooming Tools?

Grooming tools are available for all types of grooming tasks, from cutting nails and trimming whiskers to bathing. Combs and brushes are typical grooming staples, while specialty tools, such as thinning shears and shedding blades, are also available. Fur clippers, nail trimmers and rakes are other grooming tools used in caring for animals.

Brushes are one of the more commonly used grooming tools, as most animals with fur require periodic brushing. The pin brush is one of the more versatile grooming tools and features stainless steel pins with rounded ends mounted to a cushioned surface. Slicker-style brushes have small pins set close together and are often used for coat brush-outs and mat removal. Rubber brushes can be used on wet or dry hair, and are often used to massage skin and aid in shampooing an animal's fur.

Combs are a versatile grooming tool, and usually have rust-resistant metal teeth that can be disinfected. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, and the distance between the teeth can vary. Flea combs, which are used to extract fleas from animal fur, have teeth that are spaced very tightly together so the fleas cannot slip between the spaces. A finishing comb typically has round-tipped, close-set teeth and is used to remove dead hair, add lift to the fur and remove tangles. De-matting combs remove fur mats by sawing through them with serrated blades.

Some grooming tools, such as shears, are often available in general-purpose as well as specialty styles. Grooming shears are usually constructed of stainless steel and are often specifically designed for left- or right-handed users. Straight, curved and swivel shears are available. Thinning and blending shears are used to lessen the fur's bulk, while finishing shears allow a groomer to make fine touches to the animal's coat. To help protect groomers from hand damage caused by repetitive motion, swivel shears feature a movable thumb ring in optional sizes to allow a custom-formed grip.

Electric and battery-powered clippers are commonly used grooming tools for many types of animals. They are used with assorted sizes and styles of blades and comb guides to quickly and precisely remove and trim fur. Many animals also require their nails or claws to be trimmed periodically. Grooming tools, such as reptile claw clippers and bird claw clippers, are available. For dogs, nail clippers, scissors and grinders can also be used.

Stripping knives, shedding blades and rakes are all specialty grooming tools and are also typically made of stainless steel. Stripping knives are used for removing undercoat from an animal's fur. Shedding blades are used to remove dead hair from an animal's fur, and rakes are used to remove dead hair along with undercoat. Sweat scrapers can be used on horses to remove excess water from the animal's coat after bathing, allowing the fur to dry faster.