What do you mean not cutting well? How are you using them? Are you "inverting them" and using the blade at a 90 (ish) degree angle to the skin, or, putting the plate against the skin? "tuning up" a blade by closing the gap will in some cases increase closeness, but introduces a major risk of injury if you aren't careful and know exactly what you're doing. Make sure you libricate the blade. 2 drops on the moving blade area, and 1 on the heel of the blade, before every use. Also not a bad idea to gives a spray with some andis cool lube spray to disinfect.