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It's happened to me before. i just kinda tapped it on the table a couple times and it released. I'm sure someone else has a better idea tho! I had a Marvy one that used to stick all the time and it finally just broke apart...good luck!
Tapping gently usually works for me but the whale tail style sometimes responds to a trip to time out in the freezer for about 10 - 15 minutes. I think it makes the metal constrict and it pops open.
__________________ Barbara SU! Demo with a Blog
Procrastinators of the world unite... tomorrow!
So funny to hear that we all do the same thing! My latest problem is with it sticking on one side....I am sure that it is because of adhesive being in the punch. (I share my tools for multiple classes.)
I have tried foil and waxed paper and have been thinking about trying alcohol - has anyone done this?
I find that mine stick when I am too close to the edge of the paper or I use pape that are way to thin.
I put it in the freezer for a few minutes and if that doesn't work drop it. Now if that doesn't work I pass it to my husband and he pushes in the center with some big tool.
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Lynn
Samistic Designs
Last edited by Samistic; 02-08-2012 at 03:29 PM..
Reason: needed to add to it.
I press up from the bottom or put it in the freezer. I have accidentally dropped punches and they become misaligned and useless. I won't drop them on purpose, LOL.
Lay the punch on your driveway and drive over it with your vehicle; possibly head to the store to get a replacement (note I said possibly, since I believe most if not all punches become worthless!) Lovely tools to use for cards, but ultimately worthless. Lol
(NEVER have had any that work worth 2 hoots).
I have a corner punch that I love. It gets stuck every time I try it. I can use a hammer and stud to the bottom to open it up but when I have paper in it, I can't do that without ruining the paper. I haven't thrown it out because I am still hoping to find something that works. I have tried aluminum, wax paper, and paper shredder lubricant.
I'll have to try one of these techniques but not sure that any will work ... except for the car technique! :p
So frustrating ... a new punch used only 3 times and now it won't cut or close. Off to modify the Valentine cards .. and if I can't get it to work, will write the company and ask for a replacement. May consider using dies from now on.
Lay the punch on your driveway and drive over it with your vehicle; possibly head to the store to get a replacement (note I said possibly, since I believe most if not all punches become worthless!) Lovely tools to use for cards, but ultimately worthless. Lol
(NEVER have had any that work worth 2 hoots).
I have the same problem especially with corner-style and Martha Stewart punches. They work for a while and then become absolutely unusable. I have decided that it is because I am left-handed and therefore apply pressure to the punch differently. To back up my theory, I am wondering if you are left handed too?
When all else fails and the thing is hopelessly stuck, it's very satisfying to use a sledge hammer on them. That'll fix 'em, lol. Then, go get one that works.
Advice that was given to me by a well known company.
"place the punch in the freezer to constrict the metal, and then punch the foil & waxed paper again. The foil sharpens the punch and the waxed paper has a lubricating effect."
Oh this happens to me with the Marvy punches ALL THE TIME and usually right smack dab in the middle of a huge project. I don't know if its humidity or that I live close to the ocean and metals in my house (faucets) have a tendency to discolor from the salt air...(a mystery)..So, before a project I use both some tinfoil to sharpen the punch and wax paper...do a few rounds of punching with these...and if all else fails...I work in my basement (cement floor) I put a pad of paper on the floor (cushion) and STAND on the punch!!! Yes, it has become a science project--now I try to only buy Martha, Eksuccess and SU punches...or use die cuts--if I have a huge project I will buy 2 sets of die cuts to get the job done!!! The freezer thing never works for me--I have sent punches back to Marvy when they are stuck shut...they are excellent about replacing them!
__________________ I love creating something...from nothing! Susanne
I do a lot of punch art with the builder punches so they sometimes jam because I get a little scrap stuck. I tap it on the table a few times and if that doesn't work I turn it over and stab/hammer at the punch part with an old screw driver.
If it's stuck because my paper was too thin, I stick it in the freezer.
If it has a bad spot that keeps catching I file it, punch sandpaper, foil, and then spray it or punch wax paper to keep it lubricated.
I have had this issue with the punch sticking or not releasing. So I gave mine to my brilliant hubby, who pulled out this T-9 lubicant. He put 1 drop and spread it all along the cutting edge. No more issues. The T-9 lubicant is used on airplanes. Its really inexpensive and all you need to do is google it. Awesome product. Never had another stuck punch again.
* Leave it on for a few minutes. Then move punch up and down to lubicate the cutting edge. Then cut on scrap paper to remove the lubication so it doesnt soil your project.
Usually when a punch gets stuck, I use either my scissors or screwdriver to push on the punch from the bottom. Occassionally, one will be stuck so badly that it is almost impossible to get un-stuck. There are just some punches that aren't worth much. I love the Martha Stewart and EK punches. I rarely have trouble with them (unless I am trying to punch something too thick). I like the freezer idea, tho. Easier on the punch.
I start with the table smacking then if the punched shape is large enough I've tapped mine from underneath with a small hammer. I agree that most punches are useless because dies or die cutting machines are better but they are much faster than most other methods for doing multiples so I keep mine. I am angry that my SU! Punches some of which have not seen much use now do not cut cleanly and I've not found any recommended sharpening methods have worked and I am NOT happy about it considering how much I paid for them! A couple had ratty edges after very few cuts but I couldn't return it as I didn't find out until after the 90 day return period. I don't always use my tools right away. I haven't bought a new punch since I met my New best friends, Mr Spellbinders and mrs Nestabilities! Hee hee! LOL!
__________________ RebeccaEdnie Mixed Media Artist, Paper Crafter, Jewelry Designer SCSDirtyDozenAlumni Www.Boxofchocolatescrafts.Com YouNeverKnowWhatI’mGoingtoMake
I had a 3/4" circle punch that had ratty edges on it, I had purchased another one because I was going to throw the first one out. I read somewhere (maybe here) that if you used the punch on a pop can it would sharpen it (same concept as tin foil). I tried it and it worked fantastic-- it's amazing the difference! Now I keep rinsed pop cans on the shelf with my punches so they are at the ready.
Karla c(:
PS. You cut the top and bottom off of the can with kitchen scissors so you can lay it flat. Make sure you wear gloves.
I guess I should clarify my problem ... the punch isn't frozen but it is hanging up on 1 of the 4 pins that holds it together. Either the pin is broken [after 3 punches] or something is in the punch mechanism that is producing metal on metal .. not allowing the punch to close or punch through paper. SU is replacing it .. no questions asked. So my opinion is they've had other problems. I was lucky to have just purchased it ... I took don't always use punches immediately either.
Since it seems SU doesn't want the punch back, my husband will open it and look to see what the problem is within the mechanism. Although I've thought of dropping it on cement to see if it would dislodge the 'culprit' within and still may do that! ;)
Appaloosasrbest ... heading off to find the sledge hammer! LOL
grannyof8 ... tried the freezer but it didn't do anything.
Rebecca ... I hear ya ... bought a set of Spellbinders yesterday and will see how I like them. It may end my frustration. Perhaps I'm too much of a perfectionist in wanting nice clean edges ???
Thanks so much to EVERYONE for all your input and some funny answers. I share in your frustration!
I have the same problem especially with corner-style and Martha Stewart punches. They work for a while and then become absolutely unusable. I have decided that it is because I am left-handed and therefore apply pressure to the punch differently. To back up my theory, I am wondering if you are left handed too?
Just had to reply to this since I am also a lefty. I've had very few problems with Martha Stewart punches. Or any other punches for that matter. So, I don't think it's because you're a lefty!
These replies were so much fun to read. It's subject that I know all too well. I too have cranky punches and they are all different brands and styles. So my question is ... if everyone has the same reoccuring problem why can't these companies make one that works at least 90% of the time?
"So my question is ... if everyone has the same reoccuring problem why can't these companies make one that works at least 90% of the time?"
Communication issues between countries?
Don't want to invest the time?
Cheap product so it's much easier to simply replace and move on?
We see this happening in the electronics world ... something breaks, you don't fix it anymore, you just toss and replace. Sad, but true!
Wow - I didn't know that so many others have had the same problem that I've had. I love my nesties BUT if I need to make a flower with multiple petals, I'd much rather punch them, than run them through the Big Kick 16 times. It's just quicker and easier for me. I've had some punches that did not work at all - hubby gave me some type of oil (like 3-in-one) spray - works pretty good. So frustrating but so worth it when you get that perfect, clean punch!
I also had punches that would stick. I dropped them, banged them on the table and you name it. Then quite by accident I ran onto a product called Punch Doctor. Its wonderful. One quick spray and the punch works. Leaves no grease and you can continue to punch. Its on the EK success site.
I am so glad to know that I'm not the only one having this problem. I have a separate pile of punches that no longer work. Haven't tried the freezer to T-9 (lubricant) idea, so am anxious to see if that helps. Very frustrating since we all know these punches aren't cheap. If the freezer or lubricant doesn't fix my punches I've decided I'm going to send back to company - why should we settle for inferior products that don't last.
Oh, how I needed to see these answers! I was making Valentine cards for my students and my 10 yr. old FAVORITE Creative Memories corner rounded is stuck. I even unscrewed it (so proud of myself and SO sure that would work...but it didn't!) I didn't see anything stuck in it, either. I'll try cussing it out and putting it in the freezer, lol. Giving it the 'cold shoulder' just might work! Oh, and I'm a lefty, too...
I am so glad to find out that it isn't just me! I have several SU punches that always give me trouble. I actually started to tap one on the table and it popped open, so now that's what I do.
I have one of the Fiskars three corner punches that has the orange top that you push down on,, but the darned thing won't push down. When I look at the underneath, it seems to be OK, the paper goes in on all three designs, but whatever is under that orange cap just refuses to budge. Have done the freezer bit, the drop it on the cement garage floor thing, and now am getting ready to take my little hammer with the pointy end and give it a good whack from below. I've had this one for at least 5 years, so can't take it back to the store. Will the company take it back?
I've had this one for at least 5 years, so can't take it back to the store. Will the company take it back?
Unless the punch has a warranty to which you have the information stating such, I highly doubt the company will replace it. However you could always try ... what's the worst that they can say?
Punch that's stuck
