Printer Jams: Common Causes and Fixes
Tired of your printer jams? Here’s why it happens and how to resolve the issue.
We’ve all been there. You’re on a deadline, you hit “print,” and instead of your document, you get that dreaded grinding noise. A paper jam can feel like an assault on your office supplies, but don’t despair! Most jams are surprisingly easy to fix once you know what to look for.
Let’s break down the four most common culprits and how you can easily get back to printing.
1. The paper is old or damaged.
Think of that paper that’s been sitting in a tray for months (or even years!). Paper absorbs moisture from the air, which prevents it from warping, curling, or becoming completely flat. Your printer requires flat, smooth paper to function properly, and even the slightest bend can cause it to misfire.
Fix: It’s easy. Ditch the old pile of paper and load a fresh, crisp ream. If that doesn’t fix it, the problem is something else.
2. You are using the wrong type of paper.
Printers can be picky. Using cheap, weak, or inconsistent paper is a fast trigger for jams. Thinner paper is more likely to jam or get jammed inside the machine.
Fix: Check your printer’s manual (or a quick online search for your model) to see what paper weight and type it recommends. When in doubt, thick, high-quality paper is usually a safe bet to avoid jams.
3. The paper size setting is off.
Printers are incredibly sensitive to size. If you tell it to print a legal-size document but there is letter-size paper in the tray (or vice versa), it will get confused and jam. Sometimes, your computer settings get changed by mistake.
Accuracy:
- First, make sure the paper size in the tray matches what you are trying to print.
- On your computer, go to your print settings (often called “Page Setup” or “Printer Properties”) and double-check that the paper size selected matches the size physically loaded in the printer.
4. Your printer parts are dirty or worn.
If you have rejected the paper, the problem may be with the printer itself. Over time, the rubber rollers that grip and pull the paper can become dusty, worn, or lose their grip. A dirty or broken part is often responsible for constant, repeated jams.
Fix: For the brave DIYer, you can often clean the rollers with a damp cloth (make sure the printer is turned off and unplugged first, and let everything dry completely before turning it back on!) If you’re not comfortable with tinkering, or if cleaning doesn’t work, it’s best to call your IT department or printer technician. They can replace worn-out parts and make everything run like new.
How to clear a jam safely.
When a jam occurs, don’t just jerk the paper! The safe way to handle this is:
- Turn off the printer and unplug it. Safety first!
- Follow the lights. Most modern printers have a little diagram on the screen or on the access doors to show you where to open it to find a jam.
- Open the doors and peek inside. You will usually see jammed paper.
- Pull slowly and gently. Hold the paper with both hands and pull it straight out in the direction the paper travels. Try to get it out in one piece so as not to leave any scraps behind.
- Check immediately. Once the paper is out, look for any small torn pieces that may remain inside.
- Close everything, plug the printer back in, and try a test print.
When to call for backup
If you’ve tried all of these tips and your printer is still constantly jamming, it may be time to call in the experts. This is where a managed print services partner can be a lifesaver. They can help with maintenance, repairs, and even choosing the right equipment to keep your office running smoothly.
Hopefully, these tips will save you from your next frustrating jam!
