Grinding Nails

Allright, should I use teh high or low setting? So far ive been using the low setting.

I use the high setting.  It is faster and, I suspect, has less torque.

Thanks for all the great info - my little guy is afraid of standard nail clippers, so I'm going to learn how to dremel him down This thread is super!

ORIGINAL: probe1957

I use the high setting.  It is faster and, I suspect, has less torque.

 
Allright, thanks, because I've heard of a dremel being too fast and made enough friction to make it blazing hot, and the dog wasnt very happy.

Ummmm,
 
I do not think you can say "just use the HIGH setting".   I *think* there *might be* various "grades" or rpm's / or speeds of Dremels out there based on what I have read from some posts here. 
 
On mine, I must use the LOW setting because the rpm's can get too high.  I read a very good long article on it when I first started.  I don't remember the site because it has been so long  I do know not to use the dremel for more than 2 seconds on each nail.  It can become very hot.
 
So, I'm thinking it would be much better to err on the side of caution and say to only use the low setting.  I think the torque issue is not as important as to how very hot the nails can get.  Also, sometimes you end up accidently rotating to the side of the nail.  I think the lower setting is safer all the way around.
 
I will also add that is can be a very good idea to use a dust mask and even eye protection.  I also try and keep my dog's noses from being right over the nails being dremeled.  One dog has thin nails, and it isn't much problem with dust.  But, the other dog's nails are very thick, and it can really put the dust out, and also whatever dirt is on the nails get's into the air as well.  Dust mask, especially is a good idea.  But if the eye protection is advantageous will depend more on on how thick the dog's nails are.

Well, we're talking about the cheap 20 dollar one, so, it only gets 10000 rpm. is that too fast?

I *think* that should be the absolute upper most limit.  Mine is at 6500 on low and 13000 on high.
 
I would still use only the low on puppies and most adult dogs.  I think Billy (probe) has larger malumute type dogs that probably have very thick nails. Since I don't groom, I can't speak for generalities.  I can only speak for what I use on my dogs.  On those dogs that are adults, that are large breed with very thick nails,  it *might* be alright to use the higher setting.  But, generally speaking, I would only recommend the lower setting.  It can get really hot in 2 seconds.  That is a whole lotta of rpm's going on right next to the pad of the finger.  My boy has much thicker nails than my girl does, and I still only do his on the lower setting.  My theory is that besides it getting hot, that if it does get too hot for them, then the dogs would probably be less friendly about me doing them next time.  I want the experience to stay a good one, so they will easily let me do this, and not have to fight them about it.
 
Maybe Jennie_cd, who is a groomer, will be back on here and tell us what her upper limit is on the rpm's and under what circumstances she would use the higher setting.  Hmmm, I would be interested in that.

Allright, thanks, I think I'll continue using low just to be safe. FYI, my dog's a husky, I'm not sure how their nails compare to other dogs.

Which grinding wheels are you guys using? 

I use the cheapy Dremel from Walmart, and I use it on high. Of course, I grind nails almost every day. As long as it's under 15,000, it's considered 'safe'. I've used faster ones, but they were TOO fast. Seems like the 15,000 is good, to me.

ORIGINAL: tia2

Which grinding wheels are you guys using? 

 
The sandpaperish one.

FINE sandpaper, not the course one, and never ever anything but the sandpaper.

Ok Thanks!

ORIGINAL: chasza

FINE sandpaper, not the course one, and never ever anything but the sandpaper.

 
Hmm. I call it the rocky one, but w/e.

I just dremeled my own nails. Didn't feel like anything at all. And no, i didnt hurt myself