HOW TO FIX PAPER JAMS IN PRINTERS
There’s nothing worse than a paper jam when you’re in the midst of printing a document, especially if you’re working to a tight deadline.
The good news is that a paper jam in a printer can be fixed relatively quickly, if you know how, so you can get back to your business without stress.
Here’s an helpful guide on what to do if you have a paper jam in your printer:
Turn off and unplug the printer
First, ensure that all printing jobs sent to the machine have been cancelled, then turn it off and unplug it. This is important as you must not prod and poke the printer when it is turned on. If you have a laser printer, you will need to give it at least half an hour to cool off after unplugging it to prevent burns.
Examine the paper tray
Start by removing all of the paper from the tray. Then, check the opening where the paper feeds out. Remove any stuck pieces by very slowly pulling the paper in the direction it would feed out, one sheet at a time.
Make sure to remove all bits of paper from the feeder, no matter how small. Once you have finished this step, you can reload the paper into the tray.
Access the inside of the machine
Next, examine the rest of the paper’s path through the printer. Open the door or panel that gives you access to the rollers. Again, carefully pull any stuck paper out slowly and remove all bits of paper left afterward.
Take the opportunity to check the rollers for debris and give them a cleaning. Clean them by gently using a soft, damp towel to help prevent further jamming.
Plug in and restart the printer
Once you have inspected the printer, close all the doors and panels and plug in the machine before turning it on. Print a test page to make sure that the machine is working fine.