help! punch stuck

I was using my punch and now it won't open. It's stuck closed with my paper IN the punch. how do i get it to pop open again? TIA

Probably not the recommended method, but when that happened to me I tapped mine with a small hammer till it popped open.

I was going to suggest slamming it on a table, but that's probably not the best or safest fix!! LOL Sometimes when my punches get stuck, I take my scissors (or something strong) and push the bottom of the punch until it pops back out. Then punch some wax paper so it doesn't happen again.

Not sure who it was, but somebody said putting it in the freezer for a minute loosens it up. I've had success pushing & repushing the punch mechanism, then sliding a butterknife into the paper channel gently. Good luck!

ETA: I just bought that punch today!

I'm afraid that I'm a violent scrapper - I bang it against the table and then, if that doesn't work, I smack it lightly with my little MM hammer. I haven't had one yet that didn't pop open from that little act of violence

I also have a punch that's stuck, I'll have to try those ideas, thanks.

I use the slamming it method.

another slammer here!

I used the slamming method then the trash method!

We are violent scrappers! haha I've done a little bit of all of the above. Do make sure you use a lil sharpening kit to keep it from sticking.

They are kinda like computers, when they stop working, just kick them. right?

Yeah, I just slam it on the table too.

Then I guess I am a violent Scrapper as well I smack it on the table; and if that doesn't work I get dh to fix it. lol

I never tried the hammer; next time I'll try that.

I also slam ( I call it smacking) but make sure I have a magazine on the table to protect the table... not the punch! Hey... I like the idea of the little hammer! Makes me think of the Beatles song.... bang bang Maxwells silver hammer came down on.... we could insert our own words.....the punch!!!!

another slammer,,,,then the butterknife,,,and if that fails, I give it to DH,,,,,

I have one that's never been the same since it stuck though,,,,

your paper might be too thick,,,,,mine won't cut a really good quality thick paper like bazzill.

I once had to hammer mine apart and get rid of it as it always jammed

I bang on mine too.

thanks everyone. i did have to hammer it apart. there is a spot that seems to be catching. i'll call the company tomorrow and see what they say.

• Samothrace Said:

What kind of sharpening kit are you talking about? I've never heard of anything like that.

I punch aluminum foil occasionally to sharpen mine, but I am another slammer here ... I usually slam the side of it against the table and it pops right open (and yes, we do seem to be a fairly violent group )

I usually start by pushing against the bottom of it with my thumb, but I think banging it against something is often the only way. Just be careful about hitting it with metal things though, because I've dented the sharp edge of the cutter with scissors before, and that was the end of that punch.

I try to "service" mine every now and then by making 20 or so punches through aluminium foil to sharpen them and shave off any dents, then half a dozen through waxed paper to lubricate them. That works.

If it's a new punch though - straight back to the shop!

I've heard of the foil and wax paper, but never a sharpening 'kit'.

I am honestly not sure it makes any difference, but.... I find it's one of those "can't hurt, might help" things.


I've never tried slamming my stuck punches. I usually try to unstick by punching/pushing down again, or pushing UP on the bottom of the punch with something like the handle of the scissors.

Hammer! And the punching thru wax paper bit.

I learn something new here every day. I'm also a whacker, will have to give the foil/wax paper a try. Thanks!

I hit it with my mm hammer, then sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.. Then I 'punched' paper towel (not all the way cuz I didn't want it to get stuck again) until the grease was gone.. now they punch like new!