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Sharpener Does Not Work At All or is “Dead”
Bad Power Cord
First, check to be sure that your power outlet is working by plugging in another appliance that you are certain is operational. If this does not solve the problem, then unplug the sharpener and check the power cord for any frays, cuts, or shorts. Do not use a sharpener with a damaged cord, as this can create a fire hazard. Instead replace the cord.
Broken/Faulty Sensor Wire
If the cord is not the problem, then your pencil sharpener’s sensor wire may be at fault. To learn how to replace your sensor wire click here.
Faulty Electric A/C Motor
If your cord and sensor wire are not the problem, then your pencil sharpener’s electric A/C motor may be the cause. Learn how to replace your electric A/C motor here.
Sharpener “Hums” but the Cutter Does Not Rotate
The humming sound indicates that the motor is getting electric power, but is mechanically blocked.
Overloaded Shavings Holder
The shavings holder may be overloaded to the point where the shavings are obstructing the movement of the cutter blades. Try cleaning out the shavings holder to fix the problem.
Foreign Object is Jamming the Cutters
A foreign object has jammed the cutters. To fix this, unplug the sharpener, pick it up, and carefully look inside for any foreign object jamming the cutters. Carefully clear the foreign object out of the cutters using a paper clip or other small tool, then plug the sharpener in again and test to see if the problem is fixed.
Residual Debris From Previously Overloaded Tray
A previously overloaded shavings holder may have left behind residual debris that is blocking the cutters. To resolve this, unplug the sharpener, remove the shavings receptacle and use your hand to tap the sharpener while holding it over a garbage can. If this still does not solve the problem then unplug the sharpener, turn it over, and use a paper clip or other small tool to clean around the cutter.
Loud Grinding Noise or Electric Motor is Running but the Blades Do Not Rotate
The loud grinding noise is most likely an indication that the gears are worn or need replacement.
Replacing the Gears
See this guide for help replacing the gears.
Severe Off-center Sharpening
Your off-center sharpening may be caused by a worn or dull cutter.
Replacing the Cutter
Cutter replacement instructions can be found here.
Rough Sharpening or Broken Pencil Leads
Foreign Object Stuck in Sharpener
First, check to see that the cutters aren’t blocked by a foreign object. Sometimes pencil lead can get stuck inside. To do this, first unplug the sharpener from the wall. Then, take a sharp narrow object (i.e. a paper clip or similar tool) and ensure that there is nothing blocking the pencil bore.
Worn or Dull Cutter
Similar to off-center sharpening, the rough sharpening may be caused by a dull or worn cutter. Find out how to replace the cutter here.
Team
Eastern Washington University, Team 1-5, Carnegie Fall 2014 Member of Eastern Washington University, Team 1-5, Carnegie Fall 2014
EWU-CARNEGIE-F14S1G5
7 Members
11 Guides authored
5 Comments
What about when it won't turn off? It just keepsrunning
Rach Carelli - Reply
Same problem. This is a sharpener we bought for our company. It has to stay open to stop sharpening and to sharpen I need to simultaneously close the sharpener, hold the pencil, and open the sharpener when the pencil is done sharpening. What a nuisance.
Albert Einstein -
If it’s always on whenever the sharpener is closed, my guess is that something on the inside has broken. I had the exact same problem with another electric sharpener, and I ended up having to superglue one of the parts on the inside in place bc some pegs had broken. Long story short, it turns out the pegs had been keeping the electric circuit from being completed when the sharpener was closed, which is why I had to open it up just to turn it off. Granted it was a different brand of electric sharpener, so I can’t say with 100% certainty what is broken with yours. But if closing it is what completes the circuit to turn it on, it probably means some part on the inside is touching where it previously was not able to, which means that whatever is preventing that part from touching and completing the circuit has either broken or moved out of place. It’s hard for me to explain without some sort of visual aid, so I hope that made sense.
Aubrey Rodriguez -
Staples sharpener will (as you insert the pencil) will run and shut off after only split second then will not run again. Unplug the unit and it will run for split second again. Otherwise I can’t get it to run continuously. It is only been used in our home.
Randy W
Randy W - Reply
I can’t open mine to empty it
Linda Parker - Reply