6 Ways To Get A Blade Out Of A Pencil Sharpener

We’ve all been there. You’re diligently sharpening your pencil, and suddenly, snap! The blade breaks off inside the sharpener. Now what? Don’t despair! There are several easy ways to get a blade out of a pencil sharpener. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. So, grab your busted sharpener and let’s get started!

First, try using a pair of pliers. Gently grasp the broken blade with the pliers and pull it out. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a magnet. Hold the magnet over the broken blade and see if it attracts it. If it does, you can use the magnet to pull the blade out. However, if neither of these methods works, you’ll need to disassemble the sharpener.

To do this, first remove the top of the sharpener. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the sharpener together. Once the sharpener is disassembled, you should be able to see the broken blade. Use a pair of pliers to remove the blade and then reassemble the sharpener. And there you have it! With a little patience and effort, you can easily get a blade out of a pencil sharpener.

Identify the Type of Pencil Sharpener

The first step in removing a broken blade from a pencil sharpener is to identify the type of sharpener you have. There are three main types of pencil sharpeners: manual, electric, and battery-operated.

Manual Pencil Sharpeners

Manual pencil sharpeners are the most common type. They are typically made of metal or plastic and have a hand-crank that turns a blade to sharpen the pencil. Manual pencil sharpeners are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, but they can be more difficult to remove a broken blade from than other types of sharpeners.

Electric Pencil Sharpeners

Electric pencil sharpeners are more powerful than manual pencil sharpeners and can sharpen pencils more quickly and easily. They are typically plugged into an electrical outlet and have a motor that turns the blade. Electric pencil sharpeners are more expensive than manual pencil sharpeners, but they are also easier to use and remove a broken blade from.

Battery-Operated Pencil Sharpeners

Battery-operated pencil sharpeners are similar to electric pencil sharpeners, but they are powered by batteries instead of an electrical outlet. They are typically more portable than electric pencil sharpeners, but they can also be more expensive. Battery-operated pencil sharpeners are also easier to use and remove a broken blade from than manual pencil sharpeners.

Locate the Stuck Blade

Locating the stuck blade is crucial for its safe removal. Here’s a detailed guide to help you find it:

**Step 1: Identify the Type of Sharpener**

There are two main types of pencil sharpeners: manual and electric. Manual sharpeners are typically handheld, while electric sharpeners are powered by an electrical outlet.

**Step 2: Check the Input Tray**

If you’re using a manual sharpener, check the input tray. The blade may be visible through a small opening in the tray. If the blade is not visible, gently shake the sharpener to move the blade into the tray.

**Step 3: Remove the Intake Hood**

For electric sharpeners, locate the intake hood, which is the part where the pencil is inserted. Carefully remove the hood by pressing on the release button or twisting it counterclockwise. This will expose the cutting chamber where the blade is located.

**Step 4: Use a Flashlight**

If you have difficulty seeing the blade, use a flashlight to illuminate the cutting chamber. This will help you pinpoint the exact location of the stuck blade.

**Step 5: Check the Sharpening Mechanism**

Some sharpeners have a removable sharpening mechanism that holds the blade. If your sharpener has this feature, carefully remove the mechanism and locate the blade inside it.

Use a Magnet for Magnetic Sharpener

Magnetic sharpeners are designed with a strong magnet that holds the metal shavings and prevents them from jamming the mechanism. If a blade gets stuck in a magnetic sharpener, you can use a magnet to retrieve it:

1. Locate a strong magnet, such as a refrigerator magnet or a magnetic screwdriver.
2. Remove the lid of the sharpener and gently insert the magnet into the opening.
3. Slowly move the magnet around the inside of the sharpener until it makes contact with the blade.
4. Once the magnet has attached to the blade, carefully pull it out of the sharpener while simultaneously guiding the blade out with your other hand.
5. Repeat steps 3-4 if necessary until the blade is completely removed from the sharpener.

Tips:

• Use a strong magnet for best results.
• Be careful not to damage the sharpener or the blade while using the magnet.
• If the blade is particularly stubborn, you may need to use a stronger magnet or a different method.

Removing Stuck Shavings from Magnetic Sharpener

If the pencil shavings are stuck to the magnet, you can use the following steps to remove them:

1. Gently rub the magnet against a piece of fine steel wool or sandpaper.
2. This will help to loosen the shavings from the magnet.
3. Once the shavings are loose, you can wipe them away with a clean cloth.

By following these steps, you can safely and easily remove a blade from a magnetic sharpener and clean the magnet of any stuck shavings.

Employ Tweezers for Non-Magnetic Blades

Safely Removing a Stuck Blade: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your pencil sharpener contains a non-magnetic blade, tweezers are an effective tool for extraction. Here’s a detailed guide to safely remove the blade using this method:

1. Unplug the sharpener: Before handling the sharpener, ensure it is disconnected from any power source.
2. Secure the sharpener: Hold the sharpener firmly so that it remains stable while you work.
3. Locate the blade: Using a flashlight if necessary, carefully peer into the sharpener to identify the stuck blade.
4. Gently insert the tweezers: Carefully insert the tips of the tweezers between the blade and the sharpener housing.
5. Extract the blade with precision: Slowly and steadily pull the blade straight out of the sharpener. Avoid any sudden or forceful movements that could damage the blade or the sharpener. Once the blade is removed, dispose of it responsibly.

Tips for Using Tweezers Safely

* Use fine-tipped tweezers with a secure grip to ensure precision. * Wear gloves or use a cloth to handle the tweezers, as the blade may be sharp. * If the blade is firmly stuck, avoid excessive force. Instead, try wiggling the blade gently to loosen it. * Exercise caution when handling the sharp blade, and keep it away from children and pets.

Utilize a Paperclip in Case of Narrow Blades

1. **Unravel the paperclip:** Straighten out a paperclip using pliers or your hands.

2. **Form a hook:** Bend the end of the paperclip into a small hook shape.

3. **Insert the hook:** Carefully insert the hooked end of the paperclip into the narrow opening of the sharpener.

4. **Locate the blade:** Gently push the paperclip further into the sharpener until you feel it make contact with the stuck blade.

5. **Hook the blade:** Slowly wiggle the paperclip around to try to hook the blade.

6. **Carefully extract the blade:** Once the blade is hooked, carefully pull the paperclip back out of the sharpener, bringing the blade with it. Be cautious not to cut your fingers on the sharp edge of the blade.