3 Ways To Get A Blade Out Of A Pencil Sharpener

Pencil sharpener with a broken blade

The pencil sharpener is a common tool that is found in almost every home and office. While it is a relatively simple device, it can be quite frustrating when the blade becomes jammed. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps that you can take to remove the blade without damaging the sharpener. First, unplug the sharpener from the electrical outlet. This will prevent you from accidentally starting the sharpener while you are working on it. Next, remove the shavings tray from the bottom of the sharpener.

Locate the blade release button or lever on the side of the sharpener. This button or lever will typically be located near the top of the sharpener, where the blade is inserted. Press the button or lever to release the blade. If the blade does not come out easily, you may need to use a pair of pliers to gently pull it out. Once the blade is removed, you can inspect it for damage. If the blade is damaged, it will need to be replaced. To replace the blade, simply insert a new blade into the sharpener and press the button or lever to secure it.

Now that you know how to get a blade out of a pencil sharpener, you can easily keep your sharpener in good working condition. By following these simple steps, you can avoid the frustration of a jammed blade and keep your pencils sharp.

Safety Precautions

Before attempting to remove a blade from a pencil sharpener, it is crucial to take the necessary safety precautions to minimize the risk of injury:

Unplug the sharpener from the power source. Never attempt to remove the blade while the sharpener is plugged in, as this could result in electrical shock.
Wear gloves. Sharpener blades are extremely sharp and can easily cut your fingers. To protect your hands, wear a pair of thick, puncture-resistant gloves.
Use caution when handling the blade. Once you have removed the blade, handle it with extreme care. Avoid touching the sharp edges and dispose of it properly to prevent accidental injuries.
Do not use excessive force. If you are unable to remove the blade easily, do not attempt to force it. Using excessive force can damage the sharpener or cause the blade to break, which could result in sharp fragments.
Keep children and pets away. Keep children and pets away from the sharpener and the removed blade to prevent accidental injuries or ingestion.
Check for damage. After removing the blade, inspect it and the sharpener for any damage. If you find any cracks, breaks, or other signs of damage, do not use the sharpener until it has been repaired or replaced.

Removing the Back

To remove the back of the sharpener, you will need to locate the screws that hold it in place. These screws are typically located on the bottom or back of the sharpener. Once you have located the screws, use a screwdriver to remove them. Be careful not to strip the screws.

Once the screws have been removed, you should be able to pull the back of the sharpener off. If the back is still stuck, you can try gently prying it off with a flathead screwdriver.

Once the back has been removed, you will be able to access the blade. The blade is typically held in place by a screw or a clip. To remove the blade, simply unscrew the screw or unclip the clip. Be careful not to cut yourself on the blade.

Once the blade has been removed, you can clean the sharpener and reassemble it. To reassemble the sharpener, simply reverse the steps that you used to disassemble it.

Here are some additional tips for removing the back of a pencil sharpener:

Tip	Description
Use a screwdriver that is the correct size for the screws.	Using a screwdriver that is too small or too large can strip the screws.
Be careful not to overtighten the screws.	Overtightening the screws can damage the sharpener.
If the back is still stuck, you can try gently prying it off with a flathead screwdriver.	Be careful not to damage the sharpener when prying off the back.

Locating the Blade

Identifying the blade’s location is crucial for safe removal. Here are some tips to assist you:

1. Unplug the sharpener from the power source to prevent any accidental activation.

2. Examine the exterior of the sharpener. The blade may be visible through a transparent casing or located behind a removable access panel.

3. There are two main types of blades used in pencil sharpeners:

Blade Type	Location
Helical Cutter	Fixed in a spiral or helical shape inside the sharpener’s barrel
Flat Blade	Attached to a rotating disk or drum-like structure

4. If the blade is not visible from the outside, follow the instructions provided in the user manual or online resources for your specific sharpener model.

5. Once you have located the blade, proceed with caution as it may be sharp and could cause injury if not handled properly.

Using Pliers or Tweezers

If you have a pair of pliers or tweezers, you can use them to remove the blade from the sharpener. To do this, simply grip the blade with the pliers or tweezers and pull it straight out of the sharpener. Be careful not to touch the blade with your fingers, as it may be sharp.

Removing a Broken Blade

If the blade is broken, you may need to use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove it. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Grip the broken blade with the needle-nose pliers.
2. Pull the blade straight out of the sharpener.
3. Be careful not to touch the blade with your fingers, as it may be sharp.

Using a Screwdriver

If you don’t have a pair of pliers or tweezers, you can use a screwdriver to remove the blade from the sharpener. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Insert the screwdriver into the hole in the sharpener.
2. Turn the screwdriver clockwise to loosen the screw.
3. Once the screw is loose, remove the blade from the sharpener.
4. Be careful not to touch the blade with your fingers, as it may be sharp.

Using a Magnet

If you have a strong magnet, you can use it to extract the blade from the sharpener. Simply hold the magnet against the sharpener’s opening and slowly move it around until the blade attaches to it. Once the blade is attached, gently pull the magnet away from the sharpener to remove it.

Additional Tips:

Use a powerful magnet. The stronger the magnet, the easier it will be to remove the blade.
Be careful not to drop the magnet into the sharpener. If you do, it will be difficult to retrieve it.
If the blade is stuck inside the sharpener, you may need to use a pair of pliers to break it loose.
Once you have removed the blade, be sure to dispose of it properly. Blades can be sharp and dangerous, so it is important to handle them with care.

If you are unable to remove the blade yourself, you can always take the sharpener to a hardware store or repair shop. They will be able to remove the blade for you safely and quickly.

Tapping the Sharpener

If the blade is stuck, you can try tapping the sharpener against a hard surface. This may help to dislodge the blade. Be careful not to tap too hard, as you could damage the sharpener.

Additional Tips for Tapping the Sharpener:

Tip	Explanation
Tap on a stable surface.	Prevent the sharpener from slipping and causing injury.
Use controlled force.	Avoid damaging the sharpener or blade.
Tap multiple times.	Increase the chances of dislodging the blade.
Check for blade movement.	Stop tapping if the blade loosens.

If tapping the sharpener does not work, you can try the following methods:

Using a magnet

Using a needle or pin

Disassembling the sharpener

Using a Vacuum Cleaner

Using a vacuum cleaner is a quick and easy way to remove a blade from a pencil sharpener. Here are the steps on how to do it:

1. Gather your materials

You will need a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment and a small brush attachment.

2. Position the pencil sharpener

Place the pencil sharpener upside down on a flat surface. This will help to prevent the blade from falling out when you vacuum it.

3. Attach the hose attachment

Attach the hose attachment to the vacuum cleaner. Make sure that the hose is long enough to reach the inside of the pencil sharpener.

4. Attach the brush attachment

Attach the brush attachment to the end of the hose. This will help to loosen the blade and make it easier to remove.

5. Vacuum the blade

Insert the brush attachment into the pencil sharpener and turn on the vacuum cleaner. Slowly move the brush attachment around the inside of the pencil sharpener to loosen the blade.

6. Remove the blade

Once the blade is loose, you can remove it from the pencil sharpener by hand. Be careful not to cut yourself on the blade.

7. Clean the pencil sharpener

Use a damp cloth to clean the inside of the pencil sharpener. This will help to remove any remaining dust or debris.

Contacting the Manufacturer

If all else fails, you can contact the manufacturer of the pencil sharpener. They will likely be able to provide you with specific instructions on how to safely remove the blade. Be sure to have the model number of the pencil sharpener handy when you call or email the manufacturer.

Here is a table of contact information for some of the most popular pencil sharpener manufacturers:

Manufacturer	Phone Number	Email Address
X-ACTO	1-800-973-5058	support@xacto.com
Bostitch	1-800-255-6839	customercare@bostitch.com
Swingline	1-800-724-9776	info@swingline.com

When you contact the manufacturer, be sure to have the following information ready:

The model number of the pencil sharpener
A description of the problem
Your contact information

The manufacturer will likely ask you to send them a photo of the pencil sharpener. Be sure to take a clear photo that shows the blade stuck in the sharpener.

Once the manufacturer has reviewed your information, they will provide you with instructions on how to safely remove the blade. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Replacing the Blade

If your pencil sharpener has become dull or damaged, you may need to replace the blade. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

1. Remove the Old Blade

Locate the blade retaining screws or bolts on the sharpener housing. Carefully remove them using the appropriate tool (usually a screwdriver or wrench).

2. Lift the Housing

Once the screws or bolts are removed, gently lift the housing to expose the old blade.

3. Remove the Blade Holder

Some sharpener models have a blade holder that encloses the blade. If this is the case, unscrew or unclip the holder to remove it.

4. Replace the Blade

Carefully insert the new blade into the blade holder or directly onto the sharpener shaft, ensuring that it is correctly oriented.

5. Replace the Blade Holder

If your sharpener has a blade holder, reattach it over the new blade and secure it.

6. Reattach the Housing

Replace the sharpener housing over the blade and tighten the retaining screws or bolts firmly.

7. Test the Sharpener

Insert a pencil into the sharpener and rotate the handle to test the sharpness of the new blade.

8. Reassemble the Sharpener

If the sharpener has any additional components, such as a shaving tray or shavings collector, reassemble them as needed.

9. Safety Precautions

Always handle sharp blades with caution. Wear gloves if possible and dispose of the old blade safely. Never attempt to sharpen pencils with a damaged or loose blade.

Tool	Use
Screwdriver	Removing retaining screws
Wrench	Removing retaining bolts
Gloves	Protecting hands from sharp blades

Remove the Pencil Sharpener’s Lid

Most pencil sharpeners feature a detachable lid that provides access to the blade. Locate the release mechanism or button, typically situated on the side or top of the sharpener, and press or slide it to remove the lid.

Inspect the Blade

Once the lid is removed, carefully examine the blade. Assess its sharpness, condition, and whether it is securely attached. If the blade appears dull, damaged, or loose, proceed with caution and consider replacing it.

Use Pliers or Tweezers

Gently grasp the blade with a pair of needle-nose pliers or tweezers. Avoid touching the sharp edge and handle it firmly to prevent slippage.

Pull or Twist

Depending on the type of pencil sharpener, you may need to pull or twist the blade to remove it. If pulling, apply moderate force and wiggle the blade back and forth to loosen it. If twisting, rotate the blade counterclockwise until it detaches.

Use a Knife or Screwdriver

For stubborn blades, you can try using the tip of a sharp knife or a small screwdriver. Insert the tool into the small hole or slot on the blade and gently pry it loose. Be cautious not to damage the surrounding components.

Use a Lubricant

If the blade is particularly stuck, apply a small amount of lubricant, such as WD-40 or silicone grease, to help loosen it. Allow the lubricant to penetrate for a few minutes before attempting to remove the blade.

Additional Tips

Lubricate the Blade Regularly

To prevent the blade from sticking, periodically lubricate it with a suitable lubricant. This will enhance its performance and extend its lifespan.

Clean the Pencil Sharpener

Regularly clean the pencil sharpener to remove shavings and debris. This will prevent jamming and ensure smooth operation.

Check for Loose Parts

Inspect the pencil sharpener for any loose parts, such as screws or clips. Tighten or replace them as necessary to maintain proper functionality.

Handle with Caution

Always handle the blade with care to avoid injury. Wear gloves if necessary and keep it out of reach of children.

Replace the Blade if Needed

If the blade becomes dull or damaged, replace it with a new one to ensure optimal sharpening performance. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for blade replacement.

Tool	Method
Needle-nose pliers	Grasp and pull or twist
Tweezers	Grip and pull or pry
Knife or screwdriver	Insert into hole or slot and pry

How to Get a Blade Out of a Pencil Sharpener

If you’re like me, you’ve probably had the unfortunate experience of getting a blade stuck in a pencil sharpener. It can be frustrating and dangerous, but it’s not impossible to fix. Here are a few steps on how to get a blade out of a pencil sharpener:

1. Unplug the sharpener.

This is the most important step, as it will prevent you from getting shocked. Once the sharpener is unplugged, you can proceed to the next step.

2. Use a pair of pliers to grip the blade.

Be careful not to touch the blade with your bare hands, as it could be sharp. Grip the blade firmly with the pliers and pull it straight out of the sharpener.

3. If the blade is stuck, you can try using a lubricant.

Apply a small amount of lubricant to the blade and let it sit for a few minutes. This will help to loosen the blade and make it easier to remove.

4. Once the blade is removed, you can clean the sharpener.

Use a damp cloth to wipe away any debris or lubricant. Once the sharpener is clean, you can reassemble it and start using it again.