Wiktor Wise
Electric pencil sharpeners are convenient tools to have at home or in the classroom, but they can sometimes be frustrating when they malfunction. The most common issues with electric pencil sharpeners are clogs from wood and lead shavings, dull blades, and problems with the electric cord or motor. Luckily, many of these issues can be fixed at home with a few simple tools. This guide will take you through the process of identifying and fixing the most common problems with your Staples electric pencil sharpener, so you can get back to sharpening your pencils with ease.
Characteristics and Values Table for Fixing Staples Electric Pencil Sharpener
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Problem | The pencil sharpener is jammed, not sharpening properly, or not working at all |
| Possible Causes | Clogs from wood and lead shavings, dull or worn-out cutter blade, foreign object jammed in the pencil bore, faulty electrical cord, malfunctioning motor, broken internal parts |
| Tools Needed | Screwdriver, knife, paper clip or other small tools, canned air, safety goggles, multimeter, superglue |
| Steps | 1. Put on gloves to protect from pencil lead. 2. Take pictures of the sharpener from different angles to remember how the pieces fit together. 3. Unplug the sharpener and remove the sharpening chamber or disassemble the unit to locate the problem. 4. Clear any foreign objects or residual debris using a paper clip or small tool. 5. If the cutter blade is dull, try sharpening it or replacing it. 6. Test the electrical cord and motor using a multimeter and replace if faulty. 7. Lubricate the motor or shaft annually, unless it has sealed bearings. 8. Reassemble the sharpener by sliding the sharpening chamber back into the outer casing and securing it with screws. 9. Plug the sharpener back in and test it. |
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What You'll Learn
How to fix a jammed sharpener
Fixing a jammed electric pencil sharpener is no fun, but it doesn't take much time or many tools. Before you begin, put on some gloves if you don't want pencil lead covering your hands. Then, take a picture of the sharpener so you can remember how the insides sit in the outer case—this will help when putting it back together.
Most electric sharpeners have screw holes under the stick-on footpads. Turn the sharpener over and look for these holes. Use a screwdriver to remove the footpads and any screws around the sharpening blades. Be cautious, as the blades are sharp! Now, you should be able to access the jammed object. Try to extract it by pulling it out with your fingers, turning the sharpener upside down and shaking it, or gently prying it out with a knife or screwdriver.
If the issue is not immediately obvious, unplug the sharpener and remove the shavings receptacle. Tap the sharpener while holding it over a bin to remove any residual debris that could be blocking the cutters. If this doesn't work, turn the sharpener over and use a paper clip or another small tool to clear any foreign objects from the cutters.
Once you've cleared any blockages, plug the sharpener back in and test it out. If it still doesn't work, the problem may be with the power cord, sensor wire, or electric A/C motor. Check the power cord for any damage, and replace it if necessary. If the cord is intact, the sensor wire or motor may be at fault and need replacing.
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Clearing clogs and debris
Clogs and debris are a common problem with electric pencil sharpeners. To clear the blockage, first unplug the device and remove the shavings receptacle. Then, turn the sharpener over a bin and tap it gently to dislodge any loose debris. If this does not solve the problem, use a paper clip or another small tool to clean around the cutter. Be sure to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from any debris that may be dislodged.
If your sharpener is still not working, the problem may be with the power cord or the motor. To test the cord, plug in another appliance that you know is working. If the other appliance does not work, then the power outlet may be faulty. If the other appliance works, then your sharpener's cord may be damaged. Do not use a sharpener with a damaged cord, as this can create a fire hazard. Instead, replace the cord.
If the cord is not the problem, then the sensor wire or the electric A/C motor may be at fault. A humming sound indicates that the motor is receiving power but is mechanically blocked. Test the motor and replace it if necessary.
To prevent clogs and debris buildup in the future, be sure to empty the shavings tray regularly. Additionally, preventive maintenance such as cleaning and lubricating the sharpener can extend the life of the device. At least once a year, unplug, disassemble, and lubricate the motor or shaft, following the owner's manual.
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Testing and replacing the electrical cord
If your electric pencil sharpener is not working, the first thing to do is to check your power outlet by plugging in another appliance. If this does not work, then the problem may lie with the sharpener itself.
Unplug the sharpener and check the power cord for any frays, cuts, or shorts. Do not use a sharpener with a damaged cord as this can be a fire hazard. If the cord is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
To test the electrical cord, you will need to remove the fasteners to access the inside of the sharpener. Most electric pencil sharpeners are powered through a 120V electrical cord. You can use a multimeter to test the electrical cord and motor.
If the cord is not the problem, then the sensor wire may be at fault and will need to be replaced. If neither the cord nor the sensor wire is the issue, then the electric A/C motor may be the cause. The humming sound indicates that the motor is getting electric power but is mechanically blocked.
If you are confident that the electrical cord is functioning, then the problem may lie elsewhere. The most common issues with electric pencil sharpeners are clogs from wood and lead shavings. A loud grinding noise may indicate that the gears are worn or need replacement. Off-center sharpening may be caused by a worn or dull cutter.
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Testing and replacing the motor
If your Staples electric pencil sharpener is not working, there could be several reasons for this, and the motor may be one of them.
First, check to ensure that your power outlet is working by plugging in another appliance. If the outlet is working, then the problem could be with the power cord. Check the power cord for any frays, cuts, or shorts. If the cord is damaged, do not use the sharpener as it could be a fire hazard. Instead, replace the cord.
If the cord is not the issue, the sensor wire may be faulty. If the sensor wire is not the problem, then the electric A/C motor may be the culprit. A humming sound coming from the sharpener indicates that the motor is receiving power but is mechanically blocked.
To test the motor, you will need to remove the fasteners to access the inside of the sharpener. Once inside, you can use a multimeter to test the motor. If the motor is faulty, you will need to replace it.
To replace the motor, you will need to purchase a new one. Once you have the new motor, carefully disassemble the sharpener, following any relevant instructions in the owner's manual. Remove the old motor and install the new one, ensuring that all connections are secure. Reassemble the sharpener and test it to ensure it is now functioning properly.
It is important to note that electric pencil sharpeners contain high-speed blades that can be dangerous. Always unplug the sharpener and proceed with caution when performing any maintenance or repairs.
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Sharpening or replacing blades
Before attempting to sharpen or replace the blades of your electric pencil sharpener, make sure you are wearing protective gloves to avoid getting pencil lead on your hands. Next, turn the sharpener over and look for screw holes, which are usually hidden under stick-on foot pads. Remove the foot pads and use a screwdriver to unscrew the sharpener and access the blades. It is important to be cautious when handling the blades, as they are very sharp.
If the blades of your electric pencil sharpener are dull or worn, they may need to be sharpened or replaced. To sharpen the blades, you can use a sharpening stone or a sharpening tool specifically designed for this purpose. Carefully follow the instructions provided with the sharpening tool to ensure safe and effective sharpening. If the blades are severely worn or damaged, it may be more advisable to replace them entirely.
To replace the blades of your electric pencil sharpener, you will need to purchase replacement blades that are compatible with your specific model. Once you have the new blades, follow the steps outlined above to access the old blades. Remove the old blades carefully, being mindful of their sharpness, and dispose of them safely. Then, install the new blades, ensuring they are securely attached and aligned correctly.
After sharpening or replacing the blades, it is important to reassemble the sharpener correctly. Refer to the pictures taken during the disassembly process to guide you in reversing the steps. Make sure all screws are tightened securely and the foot pads are properly adhered before plugging in and testing the sharpener. By following these steps, you can effectively sharpen or replace the blades of your electric pencil sharpener, ensuring it functions optimally.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common problem with electric pencil sharpeners is clogging from wood and lead shavings. To fix this, carefully clear the foreign object out of the cutters using a paper clip or other small tools. If this doesn't work, the blade may be dull and need sharpening or replacing.
This is most likely due to worn gears. See a guide for help replacing the gears.
First, check to be sure that your power outlet is working by plugging in another appliance. If this does not solve the problem, then unplug the sharpener and check the power cord for any frays, cuts, or shorts. Do not use a sharpener with a damaged cord.
First, put on some gloves to avoid getting pencil lead on your hands. Take a picture of the sharpening chamber before removing it from the outer plastic case. Grip the insides and gently slide them out. Use a screwdriver to remove the covering that is screwed around the sharpening blades. You should now be able to access the jammed object and extract it.
Perform preventive maintenance by regularly cleaning and lubricating your sharpener. Empty the shavings tray often and ensure that the unit is unplugged before cleaning.
