Otis Singleton
Electric pencil sharpeners are convenient tools, but they can sometimes malfunction or jam. This can be caused by a dull or worn cutter, a foreign object being stuck in the sharpener, or even just a build-up of pencil shavings. To fix a jammed electric pencil sharpener, you will need to disassemble it, remove the object causing the jam, and then reassemble the sharpener. This process typically requires a screwdriver and a knife, and it is recommended to take pictures during disassembly to aid in reassembly. To prevent jams, ensure that no erasers or metal end caps are placed into the sharpener, and regularly empty the shavings bin. Additionally, applying too much force when sharpening can damage the blades and motor, so it is important to use the appropriate amount of pressure.
Characteristics and Values Table for Electric Pencil Sharpener
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Avoiding Jamming | Avoid pushing the pencil in too hard, as it is not good for the blades and motor of the sharpener. Also, ensure that no erasers or metal end caps are placed into the sharpener. |
| Emptying the Shavings Bin | Empty the bin when full to prevent shavings from piling up and creating a mess, or even jamming the cutter blades. |
| Using the Right Pencils | Use the correct size of pencil for the sharpener. Some sharpeners have a 6-size selector dial for different pencil sizes. |
| Sharpening the Blades | If the sharpener is not sharpening properly, the blades may be dull. Try replacing the cutter blade or using a tool like a paper clip to clear the pencil bore. |
| Fixing a Jam | Wear gloves to protect your hands from pencil lead. Take pictures of the sharpener before disassembling. Remove the sharpening chamber, being cautious of sharp blades. Use a screwdriver to remove any screws. Extract the jammed object and reassemble the sharpener. |
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What You'll Learn
Use the correct amount of force when sharpening
When sharpening a pencil with an electric sharpener, it is important to use the correct amount of force. Applying too much force can damage the sharpener's blades and motor. If you push the pencil in too hard, you may also end up with a very short pencil, which can be wasteful.
On the other hand, if you push the pencil in too lightly, the sharpener might not register that the pencil is there, and it won't sharpen. You need to apply enough pressure to trigger the sharpener's mechanism.
The ideal amount of force will depend on the type of sharpener you have. Some sharpeners have a built-in auto-stop feature, which automatically stops sharpening once the pencil reaches a fine point. With these sharpeners, you can simply insert the pencil and let go, without needing to apply any force.
If you have a manual crank sharpener, you will need to apply a bit more force. Hold the pencil in one hand and the sharpener in the other, and gently push the pencil into the sharpener while turning the crank.
It's also important to use the correct technique when sharpening. Make sure the pencil is inserted straight into the sharpener, not at an angle. Always sharpen the writing end of the pencil, not the eraser end. And be sure to choose the correct size hole for your pencil – many electric sharpeners have a size selector dial to accommodate different pencil diameters.
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Avoid sharpening the eraser end of the pencil
To avoid sharpening the eraser end of a pencil, it is important to first understand why this is a problem. Electric pencil sharpeners are designed for a specific purpose: to sharpen the lead end of a pencil. Attempting to sharpen the wrong end can cause problems with the sharpener, not to mention it could be dangerous.
The issue of accidentally sharpening the eraser end of a pencil is a common one, especially in classroom settings with young children. It is an easy mistake to make, and children may be curious about what happens when they put the pencil in the wrong way. However, this can quickly lead to a jammed pencil sharpener, which is not only frustrating but can also be time-consuming and difficult to fix.
To prevent this from happening, it is important to provide guidance and supervision when young children are using electric pencil sharpeners. Demonstrate the correct way to use the sharpener and explain why it is important to pay attention to the direction of the pencil. Additionally, some sharpeners have features that prevent the eraser end from fitting into the sharpening hole, so consider choosing a model with this safety mechanism.
Another way to avoid sharpening the eraser end of a pencil is to choose a sharpener with a size selector dial. This feature allows you to select the appropriate size for the pencil you are using, ensuring that only the lead end can fit into the sharpening hole. This not only prevents accidental sharpening of the wrong end but also provides a better sharpening experience for pencils of different sizes.
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Use a screwdriver to remove the cover around the sharpening blades
To sharpen an electric pencil sharpener, you will need to remove the cover around the sharpening blades. This is a simple process that can be done with a screwdriver.
First, ensure that the sharpener is unplugged and placed on a flat, solid surface with the blade facing upwards. This will allow you to access the screws holding the cover in place. Most pencil sharpeners use small Phillips-head screws, so you will need a small Phillips-head screwdriver that fits the screw. If you don't have a Phillips-head screwdriver, you can use a flat-head screwdriver or even a metal nail file, a butter knife, or the hook of a pair of nail clippers. Try a few different sizes until you find the one that fits.
Once you have the right screwdriver, insert it into the screw and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it. Keep turning until the screw comes out completely. Pencil sharpeners usually have one or two screws, so make sure to remove all of them. It is important to keep track of the screws you take out so that you can put the sharpener back together correctly.
After removing all the screws, you should be able to lift or slide off the cover. Be careful when handling the sharpener, as the blades are sharp and can cause cuts. With the cover removed, you will now have access to the sharpening blades and can proceed with sharpening or replacing them.
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Empty the shavings bin regularly
Emptying the shavings bin regularly is an important step in maintaining your electric pencil sharpener. Not only does it keep the sharpener tidy, but it also prevents potential issues that may arise from a full bin.
Firstly, it is important to understand that not all pencils are the same size, and they produce different amounts of shavings. Some pencils may produce more shavings than others, depending on their size and the sharpness of the blade. Therefore, it is essential to keep an eye on the shavings bin and empty it when it gets full.
By regularly emptying the shavings bin, you can prevent the tray from becoming overpacked. A bin that is too full can create a mess when it comes time to empty it, as the shavings may spill over. Additionally, a packed tray can put pressure on the cutter blades, potentially causing them to jam or dull prematurely. This is especially important in a classroom setting with young students, where pencils may be sharpened frequently.
To empty the shavings bin, simply remove the tray or bin from the sharpener and dispose of the contents into a wastebasket. Be careful not to spill the shavings, as they can create a mess and spread pencil dust. It is also a good idea to wipe down the bin and the surrounding area with a damp cloth to remove any built-up dust.
By following these simple steps and staying vigilant about emptying the shavings bin, you can help ensure that your electric pencil sharpener remains in good working condition and avoid potential issues caused by a full bin.
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Replace worn or dull cutter blades or sharpen with graphite pencils
To sharpen an electric pencil sharpener with graphite pencils, you will need to first disassemble the sharpener. Turn the sharpener over and look for screw holes, which are usually hidden under stick-on foot pads. Once you have removed the foot pads, use a screwdriver to unscrew the sharpener and carefully lift the outer casing. Before doing this, it is recommended to take pictures of the sharpener and its pieces so that you can remember how to put it back together.
Once you have removed the outer casing, you will be able to access the sharpening chamber. Grip the insides gently and slide out the sharpening chamber. Be cautious of the sharp blades inside. You may need to unscrew another covering around the sharpening blades. Take pictures of the screws and covering before removing them.
Now you can access the blades. If they are worn or dull, you can replace them with new, sharper blades. Alternatively, you can sharpen the blades with graphite pencils. To do this, slide the graphite pencil tip back and forth over the blades, rotating the shaft of the sharpener as you do so. This will sharpen the blades and remove any built-up graphite dust or wood shavings.
Once you have sharpened or replaced the blades, carefully put the sharpener back together by following the pictures you took earlier. Make sure the sharpening chamber is correctly slotted into the outer casing and that the cord is in the correct groove. Reattach the bottom cover and screw it in. Then, stick the foot pads back over the screw holes. You can use superglue if the stickiness has worn off. Plug in your sharpener and test it out!
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Frequently asked questions
To sharpen an electric pencil sharpener, sharpen a bunch of graphite pencils as the graphite acts as a natural lubricant.
A foreign object may be jammed in the pencil bore. This could be caused by a user trying to sharpen the pencil all the way down or inserting the pencil from the wrong end.
First, put on some gloves to avoid getting pencil lead on your hands. Take a picture of the sharpening chamber and the outer plastic case. Remove the foot pads and use a screwdriver to unscrew the sharpening chamber. Remove the object causing the jam and put everything back together, referring to the pictures you took earlier.
Make sure to empty the shavings bin when it is full. Also, ensure that no erasers or metal end caps are being placed into the sharpener.
Most electric pencil sharpeners are compatible with colored pencils and different sizes of pencils. However, make sure not to use chalk or pastel pencils as the chalk is abrasive and will cause the sharpener to lose its sharpness quickly.
