Why Your Copier Keeps Jamming (And How to Prevent It)

Few things disrupt a workday faster than a paper jam. You press “Print,” hear the machine start up, and then everything stops. The copier flashes a warning, pages crumple inside, and frustration sets in.

Paper jams are one of the most common copier issues, but they rarely happen by accident. They usually point to something small that can be easily fixed or prevented.

At Pahoda Copiers & Printers, we help businesses nationwide reduce downtime by understanding what causes jams—and how to stop them from coming back.

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Common Reasons Copiers Jam

Even the best copiers jam occasionally, but recurring issues often come from one of the following causes:

1. Wrong Paper Type or Weight

Copiers are designed to handle specific paper types and thicknesses. Using paper that’s too heavy, too light, or textured can cause feeding problems. Always check your copier’s specifications to match the correct paper weight—especially for coated or glossy sheets.

Sometimes, the issue isn’t the paper itself but the print driver settings. If the driver and the copier think they’re printing different types of paper, the mismatch can lead to jams or poor output.

2. Overfilled or Misaligned Trays

When trays are packed too tightly, the copier struggles to pull sheets one at a time—leading to double feeds or skewed pages. Align paper neatly and keep the tray below the maximum fill line.

3. Humidity and Storage Conditions

Paper absorbs moisture from the air. In humid environments, sheets can stick together. In dry air, static makes them cling. Store paper in a controlled environment and keep it sealed in its wrapper until ready to use.

4. Worn Rollers or Dirty Feed Path

Rollers that pull paper through the copier wear down or collect dust and toner residue over time. This buildup causes slippage and jams. Regular cleaning and maintenance keep these parts in top condition.

5. Wrong Tray Settings

If your copier thinks it’s loaded with letter-size paper but you’ve inserted legal, the feed path will misalign and jam. Always confirm that your tray settings match the actual paper size and orientation.

6. Damaged Paper or Hidden Staples

Bent corners, torn edges, or forgotten staples can catch inside rollers. Fan your paper before loading and check that nothing sharp or uneven is in the stack.

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How to Prevent Copier Jams

You can dramatically reduce jams by adopting a few simple habits:

• Use quality paper. Stick with manufacturer-recommended brands and keep reams sealed until use.
• Load trays properly. Square up the stack, don’t overfill, and align guides firmly against the paper.
• Keep the copier clean. Dust and toner buildup are hidden causes of many jams.
• Schedule regular maintenance. Feed rollers and other small parts wear out after heavy use.
• Avoid forcing paper out. If a jam occurs, follow the on-screen prompts or open the correct panel carefully. Pulling too hard can tear paper and make the jam worse.

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When Frequent Jams Signal a Bigger Issue

If your copier jams multiple times a day—even with proper care—it might be a mechanical issue. Worn fusers, sensors, or feed rollers can cause jams that cleaning alone won’t fix. In that case, it’s time for a technician to inspect and replace parts.

Older copiers may jam more often simply because their internal mechanisms have reached the end of their life cycle. In many cases, upgrading to a newer model saves more time and money than constant repairs.

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How Pahoda Copiers & Printers Can Help

For over two decades, Pahoda Copiers & Printers has helped businesses across the U.S. keep their print environments running smoothly. We partner with Canon, Xerox, and HP to deliver reliable copiers that produce consistent results.

Our team can service your existing copier, replace worn components, or help you upgrade to a model that better fits your workflow. We also provide training so your staff can prevent future jams and maintain peak productivity.

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Keep Work Flowing Smoothly

A copier jam may seem minor, but repeated interruptions can add up to hours of lost productivity each week. A few smart habits and regular maintenance can make all the difference.

Ready to stop paper jams for good?
Schedule a Copier Checkup with Pahoda Today.

We’ll help you find the cause, fix the issue, and get your team printing smoothly again.