Skip to content
How to Avoid Paper Jams in an Office Printer
Most paper jams come from damp paper, an overfilled tray, or sheets pushed too far into the feed.
Keep paper in its wrapper in a dry cupboard, fill the tray to the line and no further, and let the rollers pick the sheet up instead of pushing it in yourself.
Then the jams largely stop.
Each cause is below with what to do about it.
KEEP PAPER STORED IN A DRY ENVIRONMENT
Paper absorbs moisture, so store it in a cupboard and away from the kitchen.
Leave it in the moisture proof wrapper where you can.
DON’T OVERLOAD THE PAPER TRAY
Do not fill the tray past its capacity.
An overfull tray stops the feed picking up single sheets, and that causes jams.
AVOID LOW GRADE PAPER
Always use a good quality paper and paper weight as standard weight ideally is 80 gsm.
AVOID PUSHING THE PAPER TOO FAR INTO TRAY
It sounds obvious, yet it happens constantly.
Paper pushed too far into the tray is a common cause of repeat jams.
REMOVING JAMMED SHEETS
Carefully pull out paper sheets and scraps.
Check for paper sheets that are stuck or that have gone awry, as well as for scraps.
Pull the paper out of the path firmly, but carefully and slowly.
When possible, pull paper in the direction it is supposed to go in under normal conditions and take care to remove all of the paper.
Examine the device for any debris from previous jobs that will continue to cause issues.
If the jams keep coming back, our service team can take a look before it turns into downtime.
What causes paper jams and how to stop them
Short, direct answers to what Australian businesses ask us most about this.
What causes most paper jams in an office printer?
Four causes account for most of them.
Paper loaded past the fill line.
Damp or curled paper.
Worn pickup rollers.
Paper guides not set to the sheet size sitting in the tray.
How do I clear a paper jam without damaging the printer?
Open the section the panel names.
Pull the sheet slowly in the direction the paper was travelling.
Pulling backwards through the fuser tears the sheet and leaves fragments that cause the next jam.
Does paper quality actually matter?
Yes.
Use 80 gsm laser or copier grade paper.
Keep it sealed until use, then store it flat and dry.
Inkjet paper, recycled stock with high dust content and paper left open in a humid room all raise the jam rate.
How often should pickup rollers be replaced?
Rollers are a wear part, replaced at a set page count rather than when they fail.
On a service agreement that replacement is scheduled and included.
That is why jam rates fall on maintained machines.
Want the number for your office? Get a set monthly figure in writing.
Not ready for a quote? Ask our AI printer expert, or call 1300 873 460.
Get your set monthly price
Tell us your monthly page count and we send back one written figure, from $160 a month (plus GST).
Toner, parts, servicing and call outs all sit inside it.
The only thing you ever buy on top is paper.
#1
Our mission is to be the number one company that comes to mind when organisation require leading edge solutions
15 Years of Continuous Service to my business without any issues.
Cyrus is a legend!
Marvin Reck
Found Cyrus and his team to be very professional, prompt and cost effective.
Best in the business.
Highly recommended.
Matthew Dean
Have been using GDS for the supply and maintenance of our office printers for over 5 years now.
Customer service level is consistently high, with an excellent reaction and response rate.
Marina Denaro
Related Post
Why Work with Us?
With a fully trained and skilled team of experts, our company provides only the best qualities for our clients.
Besides offering high end equipment, we also deliver exceptional service in smart financing on software and hardware, remote management and account management.
Contact Global Document Solutions to get the perfect combination of efficiency and innovation in document printing.
To buy a Kyocera printer, consult with our friendly agents today.
What causes paper jams and how to stop them
Short, direct answers to what Australian businesses ask us most about this.
What causes most paper jams in an office printer?
Four causes account for most of them.
Paper loaded past the fill line.
Damp or curled paper.
Worn pickup rollers.
Paper guides not set to the sheet size sitting in the tray.
How do I clear a paper jam without damaging the printer?
Open the section the panel names.
Pull the sheet slowly in the direction the paper was travelling.
Pulling backwards through the fuser tears the sheet and leaves fragments that cause the next jam.
Does paper quality actually matter?
Yes.
Use 80 gsm laser or copier grade paper.
Keep it sealed until use, then store it flat and dry.
Inkjet paper, recycled stock with high dust content and paper left open in a humid room all raise the jam rate.
How often should pickup rollers be replaced?
Rollers are a wear part, replaced at a set page count rather than when they fail.
On a service agreement that replacement is scheduled and included.
That is why jam rates fall on maintained machines.
Want the number for your office? Get a set monthly figure in writing.
Not ready for a quote? Ask our AI printer expert, or call 1300 873 460.