Can-opener repairs – How to save money

Looking after your can-opener

The can-opener is a relatively simple motorized kitchen-aid, however they do require some basic and regular maintenance to keep them working well and safe.

The best thing to do is to clean the cutting blade after every use. This is for general food hygiene purposes as some food residue invariably gets on the blade surfaces and bacteria quickly increase.

Remove the cutting wheel and lid holder at regular intervals. Clean the wheel with all-purpose cleaner and toothbrush, some wash them in the dishwasher.

If the residues and dried food are heavy use a fine steel-wool pad to remove it. Wash and then dry thoroughly. Apply a lubricant such as cooking oil after cleaning the wheel

Never use any can-opener that is visibly damaged or that you know to be faulty or not working properly. If the can-opener cord is frayed, or the plug is cracked or broken, do not use, get it repaired. Always remove the plug by holding and pulling the plug. Never pull the plug out by pulling the cord.

The can-opener will not operate

On most can-openers the motor and cutting wheel are activated when the blade clamps down on the can lid. Some of these machines also cut-off when the tension releases when the lid is cut. This function is controlled by a micro-switch and the opener simply will not operate if the switch is faulty.

Before disassembly remove the plug from the wall socket. Access the main housing for the electric motor and gears. You can check operation of the micro-switch with a meter across each terminal. In most cases it is easier to replace the switch, as repairs are not easy. Check that switch is activating, usually it is because of wear and tear and the clearances change.

The can-opener drops the can Then main reason behind this fault is that the clearance between the cutting wheel and the feeder gear that guides the can has increased too much. This can be resolved by inserting a shim or washer behind the feeder gear. You must remove the cutter arm and this easily done by pressing the release lever. Once you access the gears, you will need to prise off the feeder gear to enable insertion of the washers on the shaft. Generally one solves the problem. While the device is open check the condition of the feeder gear teeth. If they are worn you will have to get new gears