The electric pencil sharpener is still a popular gadget. Inexpensive and handy, it's found in homes where kids do homework and parents struggle with Form 1040. Quite often, however, it's in the pile of things ready for the Fix-It Club.
How Does It Work?
Remove fasteners to access the inside of the electric pencil sharpener.
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An electric pencil sharpener is a small motorized appliance for sharpening or refreshing the points on lead pencils. Inside the hole, a small electric motor turns a blade assembly at high speed. The blades shave wood and lead from the pencil's end, bringing it to a point. Most electric pencil sharpeners are powered through a 120V electrical cord, though some are battery operated.
What Can Go Wrong?
The most common problem with electric pencil sharpeners is clogs from wood and lead shavings. In addition, the electric cord can fail, the blade can become dull, and the motor can malfunction. Preventive maintenance (cleaning and lubricating) can dramatically extend the life of an electric pencil sharpener.
Fix-It Tip
Enclosed pencil sharpeners have a shavings tray where wood and lead shavings collect. Be sure to empty the tray often.
Use canned compressed air to remove debris. Wear safety goggles to keep debris from getting in your eyes.
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How Can I Identify the Problem?
If the unit does not operate when a pencil is inserted into the hole, make sure power is on at the outlet, then test the electrical cord and replace if faulty.
If the unit still does not operate, the problem could be in the motor. Test the motor and replace it or the device if necessary.
If the unit operates but does not cut a sharp point or seems very sluggish, the shavings tray may be overfilled and the unit plugged up in other areas. Disassemble the unit (see below) and use canned air to clean it out.
If the unit still operates sluggishly or does not sharpen well, the blade may be dull. You can try disassembling the unit and using a small file to sharpen the blades--or you can replace the unit.
Fix-It Tip
At least once a year, unplug, disassemble, and lubricate the electric pencil sharpener's motor or shaft--unless it has sealed bearings. Check the owner's manual.
What Parts, Materials, and Tools Do I Need?
It's difficult to find replacement parts for electric pencil sharpeners because the devices themselves are so inexpensive. However, once you've disassembled the device you can clean out debris and even test the motor. Here's what you'll need.
- Screwdrivers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Canned air
- Multimeter
What Are the Steps to Fixing It?
Caution!
Whenever you use canned air to remove debris, make sure your eyes are shielded by safety goggles. If you don't have them, aim the air nozzle, close your eyes, then spray, opening your eyes again after 5 to 10 seconds when the debris settles. It's not optimum, but it works.
Sparingly apply lightweight lubricant to the motor shaft (not the electrical components).
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Disassemble an electric pencil sharpener:
- Unplug the device from the electrical receptacle.
- Remove the shavings tray and empty it.
- If screws on the bottom attach the top and bottom covers, remove them with a screwdriver. If clips hold the covers together, use needle-nose pliers to unclip them.
- Remove the covers and use canned air to blow away any debris from around the motor and blades.
- As needed, use a multimeter to test the electrical cord and motor .
- Reassemble components, covers, and tray.