Adjustable hair clippers have their kings Andis Master and Wahl Senior. Detachable clippers for barbers have one emperor – and that is the Oster Classic 76. You can say a lot of praises about this beast of a barber tool. Undoubtedly, one of its most cherished features are the Oster 76 blades.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about these sharp pieces of art:
A full, detailed Oster 76 blades chart
What to use various blades sets for
How Oster Classic 76 blades are produced and why are they a pinnacle among detachable blades
How to change the blades in a simple way
Let’s start!
The comprehensive Oster 76 blade chart
When you buy this model, your Oster blades set will include a #000 and #1 detachable Oster clipper blade. These are the most commonly used blade sizes, so there’s nothing surprising. If you’ve ever had an adjustable clipper (like Andis Master or Wahl cordless Magic clip), you know these have an “open” and “closed” position.
There is no adjusting these blades. They are fixed at a certain length and when you want to go shorter or longer, you have to detach the blades. This may not give you as much accuracy as being able to change the length incrementally, but it does give you more power and cutting ability.
The #000 Oster blade is the same as the closed position of any adjustable hair cutter. That said, you have a lot more options and versatility with your professional 76 clipper. Here’s the chart:
| Blade number | Size (inches) | Size (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| #00000 | 1/125" | 0.2 |
| #0000 | 1/100" | 0.25 |
| #000 | 1/50" | 0.5 |
| Modified 0A | 1/50" | 0.5 |
| #0A | 3/64" | 1.2 |
| #1 | 3/32" | 2.4 |
| #1A | 1/8" | 3.2 |
| #1 1/2 | 5/32" | 4 |
| #2 | 1/4" | 6.3 |
| #3 1/2 | 3/8" | 9.5 |
| #3 3/4 | 1/2" | 12.7 |
| Flattop T | 1/50" | 0.5 |
| 18 Skiptooth | 1/8" | 3.2 |
| Texturing Blade | 1/8" | 3.2 |
This blade set gives you more options and versatility with your professional 76 clipper.
Using the various Oster 76 blade sets
As you can see, the blades from #00000 to #000 are for quite close cuts. The #00000 is for a complete shave, resulting in a totally bald look. The #0000 and #000 are amazing for bald fades. A #0A is perfect for light caesar haircuts. While the #1A Oster Classic 76 blade is fitting if you want to use it as a clipper for fades, the #1 is for bulk hair removal.
If you plan to do clipper over comb haircuts, then your best bet is to use the #000 or anything shorter. Over that and you won’t be cutting the hair right to the level of the comb. This isn’t a bad thing, but you may find it doesn’t go short enough and you will need to get closer to the head with the comb to take that extra few millimeters off.
You can easily see how some sizes differ:
I want to emphasize on #3 1/2 and #3 3/4. They are awesome for getting some length on the nape and the sides and taking it from there afterwards.
If you will be doing a lot of regular haircuts where you work then you’ll be using these two blades a lot. The #3.5 is great to start the taper and then finish it with the #3.75 right to the crown where you’ll begin the blend in. The length of the blade makes the transition to the longer hair so easy to blend.
With the special 18 Skiptooth, Texturing and Flattop T included, you have fourteen blades to pick from. Quite the variety!
One word of warning, though is that the carbon steel blades are expensive. You will end up spending a few hundred dollars if you buy every version available. For new barbers on a budget, setting up your kit can be pretty expensive so I recommend just getting the blades you absolutely can’t live without at the beginning and then adding more later as you need them.
Of you can opt for the plastic comb attachments to extend the length cheaply. This isn’t a good long term solution but will get you started. Using the plastic combs doesn’t get you as accurate a haircut as the naked blades will.
By the way, if you still haven’t decided whether you want this hair cutter, head out to our professional Classic 76 clipper review. It will help you gauge whether it fits your style.
This blade set gives you more options and versatility with your professional 76 clipper.
What makes Oster Classic 76 blades so special?
The masterful art of producing and strengthening any Oster 76 blades set is outstanding. I doubt there’s something as meticulous as their creation. Maybe only Andis equally spectacular CeramicEdge blades used by their barber BGRc clipper.
Any Classic 76 blade is made of the highest quality stainless steel with up to 1.2% carbon inside. This allows for not only tougher and sharper performance, but also makes these accessories last way longer than your usual clipper blade. Oster ensure that through rigorous tests:
First, the blades are treated in scorching heat of around 1000°F. This lasts for an hour or so. The purpose is to allow the <=1.2% carbon to disperse equally among the steel material. Every speck of the blade gets “infused” with the carbon molecules’ strength.
Then, the Oster Classic 76 blades are thrown into the exact opposite: a harsh, freezing environment. In temperatures lower than 300°F, these beauties spend over 20 hours to receive a further boost in their durability.
The result is an insanely solid, long-lasting and ultra tough blade that cuts through any hair type with zero effort. A knife blade of tremendous quality will rank around 55 to 60 on the Rockwell scale. Oster 76 blades can take pride in a 62 to 66 score.
That doesn’t mean you should neglect your Oster clipper blades. The opposite: owning such a beauty should inspire you to undertake proper clipper blade maintenance.
Make sure you oil your Oster 76 blades frequently so it cuts smoothly and lasts even longer. In case your blades run hot (and they do, considering this Oster barber cutter’s power), spray some coolant on them.
How to change Oster 76 blade set: easy and fast
At first, you’ll think you’ll never be able to cope with Oster 76 blades. Changing them seems so intimidating, you’d think! Think about it. Didn’t cutting your own hair with clippers seem like a scary thing to do in the beginning too?
To be honest, changing Oster 76 clipper blades will be ridiculously easy for you once you ditch the fear. Here’s how I do it – in line with what Oster themselves recommend.
Step 1
Don’t turn off the clipper. I know it sounds counter-intuitive. I know it sounds like you’ll be cutting your fingers in no time. But you won’t. So just keep it running. You can also do it with the 76 being turned off, but then you might encounter an issue (see Step 3.)
Step 2
Pick the Oster 76 blade at its sides. Pull away from the clipper head gently, but with a quick motion. This will release the latch that’s holding it. Then, remove it by sliding it off.
Step 3
In case you decided to turn off the clipper when removing the old Oster 76 blade, turn it on! Here’s the thing: in the middle of the clipper head there’s a lever. This is where the new blade will “fit” (you can see the blade’s “slot” if you look closely.)
WARNING: this lever stops on different places when you turn off the Oster barber clipper. This leads to the risk of the new blade not properly lining up and falling in too hard. Why does it matter? In time, the blade will get loose and will start pulling hair. And nobody likes a powerful beast of a hair cutter pulling on their locks.
Letting the clipper run while inserting the new Oster Classic 76 blade will avoid such a hassle. Again, don’t worry about it – you won’t get hurt if you follow these directions. The new Oster blade will snap back on very easily.
If you prefer a video guide, just watch this walk through, courtesy of the brand itself:
Hope that this guide on Oster 76 blade sets has helped you out in more than one way. If you have any questions, let me and Alex know in the comments below. If you’ve decided on the new detachable blade you need for your 76 clipper, then…
This blade set gives you more options and versatility with your professional 76 clipper.
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Hi! I recently purchased the oster 76 and some attachment combs (while i save to buy the blades one at a time) you say that using the #000 is like using a closed blade- I have a few questions. If I use the #000 blade with a #3 attachment comb that would be equal to a closed #3 on any other clipper? And assuming that is correct, my second question is, what blade would I use with a #3 comb to get the effect that an OPEN #3 guard would have with any other clipper?
This is what I’m trying to find out as well!
I would say either the 1 or the 1A would give you the effect you’re looking for.
Its not recommended to use the plastic attachments with any blade longer than a #000.
I see. Is that the reason why the #1 plastic guard get broken when attached to a blade that #1? So with the #000 blade, you can use the #1 plastic guard and it will cut the length of the #1 plastic attachment which is 1/8” length? I’m balding so I have to shave my head that close. I don’t want the Bruce Willis look yet if I can help it. Lol. Hope someone responds. I just don’t want my plastic guard to break anymore.
Will a blade for model 50 fit the 76?
Hello Rick,
Wow, we really didn’t see your comment, sorry about that!
Honestly, I’m not familiar with the Model 50. Are you from the US? Clipper model names sometimes differ across countries, so it might be something localized.
If it’s a detachable blade clipper, Oster tend to share their blades across all their models without an issue!
Cheers,
Ryan
Question: I’ve got an Oster 76 and would like to know which size blade and guide(s) I need to buzz my hair to 3/8″
Thanks!
Hello Ears,
You mean a #3 1/2 size blade? It leaves hair at 3/8″ so you could go with it. A #3 size guard will achieve the same result – you just have to be careful on which Oster 76 blade you’re putting it. Do you have a #000 blade or a #1?
Cheers,
Ryan
Thanks for the info! Which blade is used for the guides?
I find 000 works well with the plastic guides.
Why is there not a #3? Only a 3 1/2.
Hi!
They do have a #3, but it’s a Cryogen X blade for pets.
Oster’s blades for human hair clippers have only the 3 1/2 followed by 3 3/4.
I’ve wondered too, but maybe blending with the 3 1/2 achieves similar results so it wouldn’t make sense for them to have a #3 too?
Above all, however, the length of the #3 1/2 blade is the same as the length of a #3 clipper guard. So it’s just the number label that differs.
Regards,
Ryan
Wondering if you can answer a question of blades vs. guides. I use the Oster fast feed with the stock 913-50 blade, and the blending comb/guide (which I understand is about 1/8″) to shave my head down to a shortish stubble. BUT, the plastic comb keeps breaking, and I have to order replacements now and then. I’m trying to figure out if there’s an alternate metal blade that I could use without a plastic comb, and still get my desired length (I still have some old Wahl #1: 3mm – 1/8″ combs, but those don’t fit) . Possibly using the side thumb lever to retract or extend the blade in combination with some particular length of blade would yield the same length? Thanks for any help!
Hello Eric 🙂
I really, really LOVE Oster clippers, but their guards can be a total pain. Did you check another short guide I have on the Fast Feeds and guards here: https://www.hairclippersclub.com/what-to-do-with-oster-fast-feed-guards/
Summed up in short, what a lot of barbers and home users do, is grab a pair of Andis magnetic guards. They’re more durable and allow for a better “fit” to the blade. A bit expensive, but probably the best choice. As you said, Wahl guards come in different dimensions, so no Oster or Andis clipper can use them.
Otherwise what some people do is perform a zero gap on their Fast Feeds with an Andis ceramic blade.
This is more advanced, however, and I’d recommend it only if you feel like experimenting. Zero gapping also increases the chances of you poking your head, so that’s another drawback.
Wishing you a great day,
Ryan
Thanks for the info Ryan.
I will look into the Andis purple magnetic guides next time my plastic Oster one breaks.
Meanwhile, I am still wondering if you know the answer to my original question. Is there a stand-alone replacement Oster blade that can accomplish the same length as the 1/8″ guide on the Fast Feed (used in its shortest position)? Maybe the #1A based on your chart, if the 76 blades would fit my model? I think my old Wahl #1 guide was also 1/8″, so that’s more or less my target length.
It seems like a blade-only approach would be the most durable, and I’m not clear if Oster makes any alternatives for the Fast Feed, or just other models. If only the model 76 accepts all the various blades, that would be good to know for the future. Anyhow, thanks again for your help.
Hey Eric!
Ryan’s away for Thanksgiving, so I figured I’d reply to you!
The problem is that the #1A on this chart is, as you guessed, only for Oster’s detachable clippers. It won’t fit the Fast Feed.
They do have this “Medium blade” here: http://www.osterstyle.com/blades/clipper-blades/oster-medium-blade-for-adjustable-clippers/076913-506-001.html which is for their adjustable line. However…from what I see, it, as well as all the adjustable blades Oster have are 000-1 (so the usual Fast Feed length.) What differs is the amount of teeth on the blades.
Maybe if you wrote to their support they’d be able to help?
Hope I helped at least a little bit!
Alex
I have a question about oster outline trimmers, tee trimmers. I have had mine only 5 months, work at Supercuts so they are being used rapidly but all of the sudden they no longer cut the hair but push it around. What is the problem?
Hi Stephanie! Sorry for the late reply.
In other words, it seems like the blade is misaligned? Does it also nick the skin?
Usually there’s two possible causes:
1) The blade is misaligned and the blade teeth can’t properly cut through hair
2) The motor is at fault and doesn’t transfer enough power to the blades.
If you don’t feel that the motor of the T finishers has become slower, then it’s good to think about adjusting the blade, maybe? There’s this comprehensive video on the topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TarkBGCvalM
Cheers!
Alex
Can u be more specific please? A 1a for fades? Like what kind of fade and when and how am I using it? I asked Zoot and couldn’t get a straight answer. 1a as a guideline? Clipper over comb?
Same with the 1 guard, it removes bulk how? Clipper over comb? I keep hearing the same thing about these blades but no one wants to go in detail.
Hello! I just got the oster 76 clipper and am used to the Wahl adjustable clippers… the detachable blades lengths are confusing me in conversions to the Wahl/plastic guards I am used to for fades…. What blades should I get for my oster that will allow me to do a fade from 0 to a size 2 plastic guard? Thanks!
When I fade I do both methods . blade by blade and skip blade . Yet I find between the 1 and 1A there always seem to be a light line . How can I erase that line ?
I find myself having to use my adjustable for that step , when I know there should be an effective way with the blades
Hi Rudy, great question. You always want to make sure that you blend properly whenever you do a fade. Once you’ve done the 1 and the 1A, you’ll want to fade down using the 1 1/2. You really have to concentrate on the blending because this section is going to be the most obvious. Alternatively, you could put it on 1 in a closed position with a guard. Keeping the blades closed, or at least in the middle, is important for fading. You might even consider getting a ceramic blade for the bottom to help them to cut even closer.
Hello, the advice to turn off the hair clipper while changing the blades is also applicable for the Supra ZR ???
You should also keep it on. It states so right in the manual:
REPLACING OR CHANGING BLADE SET
To replace or change your blade set, slide the blade bracket onto the hinge of the
clipper (Figure F), and with the clipper turned “ON”, push the blade towards the
clipper to lock into position.
I have a question about changing the blades. In the instruction manual of m 76 Oster clipper it says to change the blade when it is turned off. The video I watched says to change the blade while it is running.
Hi Cindi,
The official manual will have you turn the blade off just to take extra precautions. They don’t want to be blamed in the case that someone’s not careful and cuts their fingers. However, as the video shows, if you don’t keep the blade on while you change them, you’ll end up damaging the lever that vibrates on the inside. You’ll wear down the inside moving parts on the inside very quickly if you don’t remove the blade, so it’s better to follow the advice in the video. Because it’s an official Oster video, you can trust the advice as credible and useful.
What is the difference between texturizing and skiptooth blade?
Hi! I recently purchased the oster 76 and some attachment combs (while i save to buy the blades one at a time) you say that using the #000 is like using a closed blade- I have a few questions. If I use the #000 blade with a #3 attachment comb that would be equal to a closed #3 on any other clipper? And assuming that is correct, my second question is, what blade would I use with a #3 comb to get the effect that an OPEN #3 guard would have with any other clipper?
I assume when you ask about an open #3 blade on other clippers that you mean the metal blades that work on the Andis rotary system clippers as well as any of the Osters like the 76 or Model 10. If that is the case then, unfortunately, you can’t get exactly the same length. That said, it is close enough that you would be very hard pressed to tell the difference. With a 3 3/4 metal blade you will get as close to the same as possible as the open #3 guard with a #000. I hope that helps.
I have the Oster titan with about nine blades I was wondering if I can change the cutting blades and put in some ceramic cutting blades
I have a client with very revealing hair and plastic guards do not work well above a 1. 76s work much better. What do you use to blend between 2 and 3. 1/2 I can’t seem to get that right
This is the big downside with removable blades. There is a 2.5 blade out now but it is hard to find. Otherwise you have to go in with a thinning shears to remove the line to blend it in.
Hi, I have a US classic 76, and was wondering, here in the UK, we have the 97 model, will the blades for this model 97 fit the classic 76????
Hey Guys,
I am looking to get a triple zero blade for my Oster Crewmaster 2.4mm. I’ve searched eBay but seem to find it. Any ideas of where I could source them from pls?
Thank you!
I’ve just purchased the Oster 76 clippers and I’m new to learning about them and wondering does their have to be a certain blade on the clipper to get a guard to fit over them?
Nice article. Is the Classic 76 flattop T blade intended for lining up beards or am I better off allocating the price of a new blade towards purchasing the Oster T-finisher clipper?
Hi
I am learning to cut my own hair using the Oster 76 classic.
I need help understanding which blades/comb attachments to use for a low fade.
Also, if I add a 1/16 comb attachment to the Oster 000 what does that make it in mm?
Do you have to add certain comb attachments to certain blades?
My Set Up
I use the Andis Outliner blade .1mm to skin the back and sides, the Oster 0A 1.2mm blade on the top and the Oster 000 0.5mm to fade, I also own an Oster 1 1.2mm blade which I don’t use as I find it too high on top.
Hello, I have all the blades 2, 2.5 and 3.5 for the Oster 76 Classic.
My question is if I use a #4 or #6 attachment comb over top of the blade does it matter what blade I put the # 4 or #6 attachment on?
Thank you,
Tony
Do you know the reason for using the modified 0A, considering it’s the same length as the #000?
Hello. I normally use e Oster 76 for my cuts. I blend out some of the lines with just the clipper and some clipper over comb after I do the fade with the fast feed. Im wondering what blades would be the same as the fast feed? I’m trying to decide if I can do everything with the 76 and not have to purchase another fast feed bc mine is almost done.
Is there anyway I can get close to a #4 attachment on an Oster76 ? I like my hair 3 weeks out after a 3 1/2 clipper cut. I wonder if the 3 3/4 will give me that look ?
Thanks
I have an Oster Power Line Classic 78 set of hair clippers. I need to replace the blade but have not been able to find replacement blades for the model 78. Is it possible to use blades for a Oster Model 76 in my Oster Model 78 set of clippers?
Also, my clippers came with Blade No. 70 – size 00000. I would like to replace them with the very same size blades. If that size is not available anymore, what is the closest size blade that I can buy that will fit my Oster Model 78 clippers?
I have lost the Blade Guide on the Oster 76 Classic. The clippers seem to work without it. Is it okay to use without the guide? Thanks.
Great article! Would you recommend the classic 76 to trim my own beard? I keep it between 1/4in and 1/2in. Should I buy #2 blade if I want a 1/4 beard? Or is it better to use plastic guards for beards? Thanks!