An electric knife can dramatically "cut" food preparation time--if it's working properly. And one that isn't working properly can cause injury. So let's call a quick meeting of the Fix-It Club and make sure your electric knife makes the cut.

As needed, test the Motor in place or remove it for testing and replacement.

An electric knife is a hand-held, motor-driven appliance for cutting food. It's simple in operation: A gear assembly converts a motor's rotary motion into a reciprocating (back-and-forth) action. The driver arm moves a pair of serrated blades, pushing one forward as it pulls the other one back.

What Can Go Wrong?

Most electric knife problems are the result of dull or unclean blades. The blades can be misaligned or the rivet that holds the two blades together can be worn. In addition, the electric cord can be faulty, internal wiring can be damaged, switches can be dirty or faulty, and bearings can be dry.

Fix-It Tip

Let the knife's motor do the work. Don't force the knife blade down hard while cutting or you could wear out the motor.

How Can I Identify the Problem?

If the knife won't work at all, make sure power is on at the outlet; check the electrical cord. If possible, check for loose wires and reconnect them. Test the switch (see the Appliance Controls Fix-It Guide). Clean the switch by spraying with electrical contact cleaner. Lubricate the motor with one or two drops of light machine oil on each motor bearing.

If the knife slices poorly, check the blade alignment.

If a blade is bent, carefully press it against a flat surface. If that doesn't work, replace both blades.

If the electric knife is noisy, the drive gears may need to be replaced (see motor).

Fix-It Tip

The owner's manual that came with the electric knife when new probably will have additional troubleshooting suggestions as well as parts information and resources.

What Parts, Materials, and Tools Do I Need?

Replacement parts are available from the manufacturer or aftermarket parts suppliers. Tools and materials you may need include:

• Screwdrivers
• Light machine oil
• Light silicon or other grease

What Are the Steps to Fixing It?

Once the retaining screws are removed, use a flat screwdriver or a putty knife to gently pry the housing apart.

1. Unplug the electric knife and carefully remove the blades.
2. Remove the screws at the back of housing and pull the housing apart. Be careful: The blade retainers will be loose and fall out as you open the housing.
3. Remove all screws holding the driver assembly and motor to the housing. Lift the motor and driver assembly from the housing.
4. Inspect mechanical parts for wear. If the fan doesn't turn smoothly by hand, clean and lubricate the driver assembly with lightweight grease. Add a drop of light machine oil to each bearing before reassembling parts.

Fix-It Tip

If you decide you can't fix that electric knife, but the problem isn't the motor, save the motor in your Fix-It Toolbox because you may be able to use it for another repair.