Is your printer constantly getting jammed? Paper jams are a common printer issue, so if you experience the occasional jam, you’re not alone; but if you find yourself or your staff members constantly having to pry sheets of paper out of a jammed-up printer, there’s probably an underlying problem. How can you prevent these paper jams from occurring, so you can stop wasting time and resources fixing them? Keep reading to find out.

Understanding the Causes

Paper jams are one of the most common printer issues, slowing down productivity and even damaging equipment if they happen frequently. While they can occur on any printer, most jams are easily preventable when using the right printer setting, performing routine maintenance, and handling paper properly. Understanding the causes of jams—like misaligned paper, worn rollers, or incorrect paper types—can help you take proactive steps to minimize their occurrence.

Use the Right Kind of Paper

The type of paper you use has a big impact on how smoothly your printer operates. Always choose printer paper that matches the printer’s specifications for weight and thickness. Using paper that is low-quality, too heavy, or even slightly damp can cause sheets to stick together or curl, causing jams. Keep your paper in a cool, dry place to prevent dampness, and avoid mixing different paper types in a single tray, as varying weights and textures can interfere with smooth feeding into the printer.

Load Paper Properly

Improper paper loading is another common reason for jams. Make sure your paper stack is evenly aligned before you place it in the tray. You also need to make sure that you’re not overloading the feeder tray; never fill it beyond its marked capacity line. Overloading often forces the printer to pull multiple sheets at once, which leads to jams. Additionally, make sure you adjust the paper guides so that they’re snug against the sides of the stack. This keeps the edges of the papers even so that they don’t shift as the paper feeds into the printer, which could cause the sheet to skew and jam inside the rollers.

Maintain Clean Rollers

Paper dust, toner, and debris can all accumulate inside your printer over time, increasing the chances of a misfeed and jam. Regularly cleaning the feed rollers with a cloth that’s lightly dampened with water can help the rollers keep a proper grip on the paper.

If you follow these tips, you should get a lot fewer paper jams in your Canon printer in Anchorage, AK.