Getting Out of a Jam

How to reduce, and potentially prevent, paper jams

By Mark Toft
Staples Editor

We've all been there. Practically reduced to tears by a printer or copier that jams time and again.

Funny how paper jams seem to happen when you can least afford to wait for your printouts or copies. If you're struggling with recurrent paper jams, or if you want to diminish the chances that your printer, copier, fax, or multifunction machine will choke at a critical time, consider these troubleshooting tips.

Use quality paper

Laser paper

The first, and frequently false, assumption people make is that paper jams are the result of mechanical malfunction. In fact, a majority of jams are caused by using paper that's either of poor quality or that is inappropriate for the machine (such as when copy paper is used in a laser printer).

If you have a machine that is jamming, then, take a moment to examine the quality of the paper.

High–quality paper:

• Has some grain to it (so it's not slick to the touch). This grain enables the rollers on a printer or copier to grab the paper properly. In most cases (unless it's photo paper) the heavier the paper weight, the more grain it has.
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• Is substantial and can't be seen through (has a high opacity). It should have a minimum paper weight of 20lbs. (24 lbs. if it's being used in a laser printer). Check the label on the paper package if you're not sure about the weight.
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• Is white or bright white in color (unless, of course, you're using high–quality colored paper).

Check paper condition

Even if you're using high–quality paper that's suited to your copier, fax, printer, or multifunction machine, it can still cause paper jams if it's wrinkled, warped, or curled — usually by water or humidity. If the paper in the tray is damaged, replace it.

If you live in a humid climate, leave paper in the tray for only one day (or as few as two hours) at a time. Store the paper in a sealed plastic bag when it's not being used.

Individual pieces of paper, especially from a just–opened package, can also stick together and cause jams. To prevent this from happening, hold your stack of paper and fan through it — as if glancing through a book or magazine — before inserting it in the input tray.

Paper recommendation chart

Check to see if the paper has the appropriate weight and brightness ratings for the machine you're using. (Learn more about selecting the right paper.) Here's a quick reference chart to help you:

Clean the rollers

Dirty feeding rollers are another potential culprit of paper jams. Follow these steps to clean lint and gunk from feeding rollers:

1. Unplug your machine.
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3. Since the design of machines vary, consult your owner's manual to find out how to access the rollers. They're easy to find on most printers, copiers, fax machines, and multifunctions and look like a long black or gray roller with small wheels interspersed along them. (Important: Rollers on business copiers are less accessible and should not be cleaned or serviced by anyone other than a professional technician.)
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5. Clean the rollers with a cotton swab very lightly moistened with alcohol. You can turn the rollers manually to get to and clean all sides.

Tips on removing jammed sheets

1. Check the paper input tray. If there is rumpled paper, remove it gently by pulling it toward you.
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3. Check the area around the feed rollers. Again, remove the paper gently and slowly. If you pull too hard, the paper might tear. Even worse, you might damage the rollers.
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5. Check the area where you replace the toner or drum for loose paper. Do not remove the drum or the toner.
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7. Finally, check the output tray/paper exit area.

If all else fails...

If the above steps have not decreased the incidence of paper jams, contact the manufacturer's customer service. Your machine might be damaged and require repair. If the repairs are too costly, you may want to consider purchasing a new machine.

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The information contained in this article is only an overview of the subject matter made for general guidance to the reader, and is subject in all cases to limitations and disclaimers set forth in Staples' Legal Terms and Conditions.