How to Fix A Paper Jam in 7 Easy Steps!

Regular copier maintenance and use of the right paper will minimize the occurrence of paper jams. However, there will inevitably be an occasional jam.

When you can troubleshoot the issue yourself, you will be able to resolve most paper jams on your own, reducing copier downtime and the need to call in a technician. The next time you’re dealing with a paper jam, take the following steps.

How do you fix a paper jam in a copier?

• Locate the paper jam. You may have to open the cover of the machine to find the problem. If the issue is not in the machine’s interior, check the paper trays.
• Once you have found the paper jam, turn off the copier. You don’t want to have the copier on while you attempt to remove the jammed paper.
• Remove the jammed paper. Hold the paper and pull it out in the opposite direction that it was fed into the machine. Be careful not to pull too hard, as you may tear the paper.
• Check for remaining paper. Once you have resolved the paper jam, check the area for any remaining paper shreds. If you find any, remove them.
• Inspect the copier rollers for damage. Make sure that all of the components are in good working order. As you check the rollers, keep an eye out for snags that may cause future paper jams.
• Put everything back in place. After you have fixed the paper jam and confirmed that everything is working properly, put the paper trays and cover back in place. If there are any damaged pieces, replace them or call in a technician to replace them.
• Cancel paper jam error messages. If there are any paper jam messages on the display screen, cancel them out.

What can you do to prevent paper jams from occurring again?

If you experience paper jams regularly, take one or more of the following tips to prevent them.

• Keep the paper sealed and dry. Paper works best in a copier when it is fresh and dry. Keeping paper sealed in a package in a warm, dry environment until you use it minimizes exposure to humidity and dampness, both of which can result in curling edges and sticking sheets. Any time the paper does get damp, replace it right away.
• Avoid using statically charged paper. While this paper is less harmful to your copier than damp paper, you should still play it safe and replace highly charged paper, as it can cause sticking.
• Use the correct type of paper and paper settings. Whenever you prepare to make a copy, check that you are using the right type of paper and settings for the job. If the wrong setting is selected, the machine may indicate that there is a jam even when there isn’t one. Using the wrong type of paper presents a potential risk of damaging the machine’s inner workings.
• Load the paper correctly. Take the time to load the paper gently and evenly so that it doesn’t feed into the machine at an odd angle, which increases the risk of a jam.

Who can fix a jammed copier in Amarillo, Texas?

UCI is a full-service Amarillo copier company with services for copiers, printers, and scanners. We have been serving the greater Amarillo area for over two decades. Whether you need a simple fix like a paper jam or a new copier, UCI’s reliable technicians can be at your business in a matter of hours. Give us a call today at 806-372-7722!