Steps You Can Take To Avoid Paper Jams

You’re in the midst of printing and suddenly it happens. A sheet of paper has jammed inside the printer! There’s nothing more frustrating, especially if you’re in a hurry. Worse yet, getting it out can be especially frustrating as the paper often rips and tears as you try to clear it from the printer. 

Generally speaking, paper jams should not regularly occur but as printers begin to age, problems tend to increase. A high quality printer shouldn’t jam for many years and even good printers shouldn’t jam on a consistent basis. 

Here are a few steps you can take to avoid jams in the future, or avoid paper jams completely. 

The first step toward avoiding paper jams is to consider the type of paper you are using. One way to steer clear of paper jams is to pay attention to the type of paper you are using. Certain printers tend to work better with specific types of paper. Consult the user manual that came with your printer to verify which type of paper your printer works the best with as papers come in different weights (meaning thick or thin). Also, avoid mixing two different paper types together. They might stick together or become otherwise entangled, leading to a paper jam. 

The next step involves attention to detail. When you put paper into the tray, make sure you put it in correctly. Make sure the paper isn’t angles wrong, bent or wrinkled as this can cause a paper jam. If sheets catch on the moving parts of your printer, the printer can’t feed it through correctly. Avoid this problem by taking an extra moment to properly insert the paper and ensure it’s in good condition. 

Keeping your machine clean is another important step. Dust, dirt and even the ink from the inkjet cartridges can affect the efficiency of the printer rollers. Open up your printer at least once a month and use a lint-free cloth to wipe the insides, especially the print rollers. If you notice that your printer rollers look shiny or worn down, it might be time to get new ones. Look online to find out about the manufacturer’s replacement parts. If you’re unable to find replacement parts, you may be faced with getting a new printer. 

With a little care and maintenance, your printer should last for many years without frequent paper jams! Find compatible inkjet cartridges and photo paper at Inkbarn.