Paper jams always happen when you least expect them. They can be right before a meeting or minutes before a deadline. Well, you are already late, and you don’t want to delay the job anymore. A paper jam in a printer is the last thing you want to handle right now. How to fix a paper jam may seem a next-to-impossible task. Well, resolving a paper jam can be easier than you think.
Typically, you don’t need any special skills or tools. Just a little patience, along with the following steps mentioned in this guide. Even if you are dealing with a paper jam for the first time, it won’t be a mess.
Besides, you will learn how to prevent paper jams soon. Let’s get started.
What Leads to a Paper Jam in a Printer?
Before you jump into the solutions to a paper jam, you might be curious about the reasons. Decoding the causes helps prevent it from happening again.
Among typical reasons, here are the most recurring ones:
- Overloaded paper trays.
- Use of wrinkled, curled, or damp paper.
- Incompatible paper kind or sizes.
- The printer has gathered dust or debris within.
- Damaged or worn-out rollers.
In essence, poor maintenance or handling issues are responsible for most paper jams. Whatever causes paper jams, they are rather simple to resolve. With the correct preventive maintenance, you may also stop them from recurring.
How to Fix a Paper Jam: Step-by-Step Instructions
A paper jam is a cry for help for most printers. If it’s your first time handling a paper jam, then your printer is fine. However, frequent paper jams indicate a serious issue.
Now, let’s check out how to fix a paper jam.
1. Shut Your Printer Down
Safety should not be compromised, no matter how minor the repair work is. That’s why you should shut down your machine properly and unplug it from the power outlet. This will prevent damage to any movable part while you work on it.
Additionally, wait a few seconds after unplugging the printer. The printer must cool down if it has been operating for a while.
2. Open Up All Possible Access Points
If you are not clear on how to get to your printer, consult the user manual. Most printers have:
- Front cover.
- Rear panel.
- Paper tray.
- Top lid (especially in all-in-one models).
Now, open each of those gently. It’s important to see inside the printer clearly to find out the jammed paper.
3. Carefully Bring Out the Jammed Paper
Now that you can access the printer interior, you can look for the stuck paper. You may check it out:
- Stuck within the printer rollers.
- Peeking out of the rear panel.
- Curled inside the paper path.
After you have located it, pull the paper slowly and gently in the direction it should normally move. Make sure you don’t yank it in the opposite direction. Or else, your printer’s internal components can be at stake.
In case the paper tears, remove every small piece. Indeed, a tiny leftover scrap can lead to paper jams shortly.
As a tip, you can use both hands to keep the jammed paper steady while pulling it. This reduces the chance of ripping the paper further.
4. See the Paper Rollers
You may have cleared the paper jam, but you are not done. It’s high time you inspected the rollers. If they are dirty or worn out, then the chances of paper jams increase. Hence, you should clean the paper rollers for the sake of uninterrupted printing.
Here’s how to prevent paper jams through paper roller cleaning:
- Begin by arranging a lint-free cloth.
- Dampen the cloth. For that, use distilled water.
- Then, wipe the paper rollers with the damp cloth.
- Avoid using chemicals or alcohols unless the printer manufacturer recommends it.
Do the rollers appear too slick or smooth? Then, you should renew them. Consider expert intervention to replace your printer rollers without hassle.
5. Properly Reload the Paper
By far, the jam should have gone. Now, you must be cautious while reloading the paper into your printer correctly. Not sure how to load paper into the printer?
Here’s what you can observe:
- First, fan the stack of paper before you place it in the tray. This reduces static and doesn’t let sheets stick to each other.
- Additionally, all the sheets should be aligned.
- Check every sheet. If any of them appear curled or wrinkled, dismiss them right away.
- Also, you should never overfill the tray. Try to cling to the recommended limit.
- Moreover, adjust the paper guides so they slightly touch the paper. Too loose or too tight guides can lead to a paper jam in a printer.
6. Test Your Printer
Is your printer out of danger? Testing your printer will reveal the truth. So, close all the panels of your printer. Plug your printer in and power the device on. After that, you need to run a test print.
If the paper flows in smoothly, then congratulations! You have made it free from the paper jam. In case your machine jams again. Double-check for any missed scraps or misaligned rollers.
How to Prevent Paper Jams: Proven Tips
Hopefully, you have discovered how to fix a paper jam. It does not, however, ensure that your printer will never get jammed once more. Rescuing your printer from a paper jam takes enough time. So, you don’t want to waste such precious time just to resolve a jam.
Instead, you might be interested in preventing the next one. That’s even better.
For your convenience, here are some habits that can keep your printer jam-free.
Proceed with the Right Paper
You are familiar with what your printer supports when it comes to paper. Hence, use the recommended size and type. Verify the compatibility from the packaging. Also, avoid paper that is
- Wrinkled or curled.
- Placed in a humid environment.
- Thinner or thicker than usual.
Properly Store Paper
Particularly in humid areas, paper is quick to soak up moisture. Keep your paper in a cool, dry location, therefore. Additionally, keep your paper in the original packaging if possible.
Maintain your Printer’s Clarity
Particularly in the paper path, dust can quickly accumulate within your printer. Once a month, cleaning your printer will help to keep it working. Some printers are available with integrated cleaning modes. Otherwise, use a soft, dry cloth to clean the accessible parts of your machine.
Never Overload the Tray
Follow the tray’s paper limit. Well, overstuffing the paper tray is a guaranteed way to cause a jam. On top of that, this bad habit can wear out the feeding system quicker than anticipated.
Feed One Sheet at a Time for Specialty Paper
Are you printing on photo paper, labels, or envelopes? Then, you must load them individually. Such sheets are usually thicker and need special handling.
Signs You Need a Professional Printer Repair
Sometimes, your printer can still face paper jams, even after doing everything right. Here are the warnings you should not ignore and call a printer technician:
- The same area of the printer keeps jamming.
- You can hear your printer making clicking or grinding noises.
- The paper keeps crumpling every time.
- Error messages of paper jams won’t go away.
If your printer is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer first.
Concluding Notes…
What if it’s a jam in a laser printer? Then, the steps remain the same. Laser printers are more sensitive, especially if the jam is close to the fuser. So, wait until the printer cools down. Thus, you can be safe from burns.
If you can’t get rid of a paper jam in a printer, contact Atdoorstep. Their technicians can diagnose the issue and resolve the jams. It’s worth investing in a printer repair services, especially if you run a home office or business.
