Common Reasons for Paper Jams

Paper jams are a common and irritating occurrence in all printers. This problem is very general and it doesn’t matter which brand or type of printer you have.

There are various reasons behind paper jams; below we have listed the most common reasons.

1. Damaged Paper

Using bent or torn paper in your printer is the number one cause of paper jams. Also using paper which as curled corners will most lightly cause a paper jam. Only use flat smooth undamaged paper in your printer.

2. Using the wrong tray

Today, printers have specific trays for special media such as labels, pictures and envelopes. If you use the wrong tray for the wrong for the wrong type of document it will lead to a paper jam. The manual which came with your printer will explain how to use each individual tray.

3. Incorrect loading of paper

The size of the paper needs adjustment with respect to the printer guide. If your printer guide is too tight or too wide it will result in the paper entering the printer at the wrong angle.

4. Paper overload

If you pile too much paper into the printer tray it will cause the paper to jam. Printer paper trays are designed to hold a certain number of sheets and no more.

5. Dirty printer

If there is an accumulation of paper dust and ink inside your printer, paper jams become quite common. The build up of toner inside a laser printer is one of the main reasons for a paper jam.