Trystan Casey
Electric pencil sharpeners are small motorized appliances used to sharpen or refresh the points on lead pencils. They are usually powered by a 120V electrical cord or sometimes by batteries. The most common problem with electric pencil sharpeners is clogging from wood and lead shavings. Other issues include a faulty electrical cord, a dull blade, and a malfunctioning motor. To fix these issues, you will need to take the sharpener apart. This can be done by removing the fasteners, such as screws, that allow you to access the inside of the sharpener. Once disassembled, you can clean out debris, test the motor, and replace any faulty parts.
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Identify the problem
To identify the problem with your electric pencil sharpener, you must first take it apart. This can be done by removing the fasteners to access the inside of the sharpener. Usually, the screw holes are hidden under the stick-on footpads, so turn the sharpener over and look for them there. Once you've removed the screws, you can lift off the outer casing.
Next, you need to identify the problem. The most common issue with electric pencil sharpeners is clogging from wood and lead shavings. If the sharpener is not operating at all, check that it is plugged in at the outlet. If it is, then the problem could be with the electrical cord or the motor. Remove the shavings tray and empty it. If the tray is full, this may be causing the unit to become plugged up.
If the sharpener is operating but not sharpening the pencil properly, the blades may be dull. You can also try using canned air to remove debris from the inside of the sharpener, making sure to protect your eyes with safety goggles. If the sharpener is still not working, you may need to replace the motor or the electrical cord. You can test these with a multimeter.
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Gather tools
To take apart an electric pencil sharpener, you will need a few tools. The most important is a screwdriver—specifically, a Phillips 00 screwdriver. The screw holes are often hidden under stick-on foot pads, so you will need a knife to carefully remove these without damaging them. You may also want a plastic opening tool to help remove the back plastic feet.
Before you begin, it is important to unplug the device and remove the shavings tray, as this will likely be full of wood and lead shavings. Enclosed pencil sharpeners have a tray where these collect, and this should be emptied regularly to prevent clogging.
If you are planning to clean the sharpener, you will also need lightweight lubricant for the motor shaft, and canned air to remove debris. Be sure to wear safety goggles when using canned air, to protect your eyes.
If you are nervous about putting the sharpener back together, take pictures of the sharpener and its pieces as you take it apart.
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Remove fasteners
To remove the fasteners of an electric pencil sharpener, you will need a screwdriver with a long neck. Most electric pencil sharpeners have screw holes hidden beneath stick-on footpads. Turn the sharpener over and look for these screw holes.
Using a Phillips00 screwdriver, remove the two front 11.6mm screws. You can then use a plastic opening tool to remove the back plastic feet. After this, use the screwdriver to remove the two back 11.6mm screws. The hole may be deeper than you think, so be prepared to spend some time getting the screwdriver to click into place.
Once the screws are removed, carefully pull apart the bottom panel from the top panel. Be cautious not to pull too forcefully, as the panels are connected by wires. Be aware that pencil shavings may fall out onto your workspace.
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Disassemble
To disassemble an electric pencil sharpener, first unplug the device from its power source. It is recommended to take pictures of the sharpener and its individual pieces while taking it apart for reference when reassembling. Most electric sharpeners hide screw holes under stick-on footpads, so turn the sharpener over and look for these. Using a screwdriver, remove the back plastic feet, then remove the screws. Carefully pull apart the bottom panel from the top panel, being careful not to pull too forcefully as they are connected by wires.
Once inside, you can clean out debris and test the motor. When using canned air to remove debris, be sure to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. You can also sparingly apply lightweight lubricant to the motor shaft, being careful to avoid electrical components.
To put the sharpener back together, slip the cord into the groove on the casing so that the bottom cover can line up flush with the bottom as it goes back on. Reattach the bottom cover and screw it back in. Then, stick the footpads back over the holes, using superglue if the stickiness has worn off.
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Reassemble
To reassemble an electric pencil sharpener, carefully reverse the disassembly process. First, reattach the motor and blade assembly, ensuring that you are gentle when handling the blades. Secure the outer housing with screws, taking care to use the correct screwdriver for your model. Place the shavings bin back into position, as this will prevent any mess when using the sharpener.
Next, slot the sharpening chamber back into the outer plastic casing. You will know it is in the right place when you look from the top and the hole where the pencil is inserted is lined up correctly. There is also a flexible plastic part on the cord that needs to fit into a groove on the casing. Slip the cord into the groove so that the bottom cover can be lined up and screwed back in.
Finally, reattach the foot pads over the screw holes. If the stickiness has worn off, use superglue to secure them. Plug the sharpener back in and test it out.
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Frequently asked questions
First, unplug the sharpener and lay it on its side. Remove the fasteners, such as screws, holding the sharpener together. Most electric sharpeners hide screw holes under stick-on foot pads, which can be removed with a knife. Once the fasteners are removed, carefully pull the panels apart.
Line up the grooves on the sharpening chamber with the outer plastic casing. Insert the flexible plastic part of the cord into the groove on the casing, then line up the bottom cover and screw it in. Reattach the foot pads or use superglue if the stickiness has worn off.
At least once a year, unplug the sharpener and disassemble it. Remove the shavings tray and empty it. Clean out any debris inside the sharpener, shielding your eyes with safety goggles if using canned air.
Sparingly apply a lightweight lubricant to the motor shaft, avoiding the electrical components.
Common problems include clogs from wood and lead shavings, a dull blade, and a malfunctioning motor. To fix these issues, you can clean and lubricate the sharpener, replace the blade, or test and replace the motor or electrical cord if necessary.
