The phrase “do it yourself” conjures different images for different people. Some people love to do DIY projects on their own while other people shudder at the thought. Regardless of whether you deserve your own home improvement show or would rather pay someone to do the dirty work, DIY copier repair may be something you should consider. Handling basic copier repair at your office can save you time and money. You won’t have to pay someone else or wait for them to schedule your appointment. Here are a list of simple copier repairs you can probably accomplish on your Konica Minolta copier.
Common Copier Repair Activities
Changing the toner
Replacing the empty toner cartridge isn’t technically copier repair, but it’s a simple way to ease into copier repair and maintenance. Each printer and copier is slightly different, so you will need to consult your owner’s manual before making the swap. When your printer notifies you that the toner is low, simply pull out the old cartridge and pop in the new one. You can feel extra good about this simple copier repair if you make an effort to dispose of your old cartridges in an ecofriendly way.
Clean and tidy
Keeping your devices clean and tidy can help you reduce major malfunctions and the need for extensive copier repair. Paper tends to produce a surprising amount of dust and small flecks of debris which can build up over time, reducing printer functionality and image quality. Keep the dust in check by regularly wiping the copy glass using a microfiber cloth or other soft material. You can also use compressed air to blow small particles from the glass, paper trays, and moving parts. Make sure to also empty the receptacle for the hole punch on a regular basis to prevent jams. If your line of business involves construction or other industrial work, your copier may be exposed to an especially high level of dirt and grime. In this case, it would be smart to invest in a cover to help keep dirt out in the first place.
Dealing with jams
Copier jams can be absolutely infuriating. If they are happening frequently, it may be best to have a professional determine the cause and undertake the copier repair. However, an occasional jam is to be expected and can usually be dealt with quickly. When a copier jams, take a look at the digital display. It will often show you where the jam is occurring. Next, you’ll need to open the various trays and doors to remove all the pieces of paper. When you remove the paper, pull it in the direction that it would normally feed. You’ll probably be able to tell easily because the paper will slide easily in one direction, but not the other. Gently pull the paper free, close the doors, and carefully check your copies for mistakes after printing has resumed.
Replacing belts
Replacing belts and other moving parts is likely the most advanced type of copier repair you should attempt to DIY. Consult your copier’s manual to determine the maintenance schedule for replacement parts and to identify the specific parts you will need. Once you have the correct parts in hand, you will likely need to consult your manual or the multitude of online resources to learn how to actually change the part.
If your DIY copier repair project goes awry, don’t hesitate to contact your local copier professionals. You may decide that you never want to DIY again and that’s okay! You can enroll in managed print services to help you with your regular maintenance, major repairs, and printer setup. Contact Common Sense Business Solutions for more information.
