How to Fix a Toaster

Given how inexpensive the average toaster is, it's not worth putting a lot of time and money into repairing one if it refuses to heat up. But before you consign yours to the scrap heap, there are a couple of quick things you can check that might just put it back into operation.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fine Sandpaper
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Fine Sandpaper
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Screwdriver

1. Pull out the plug.

2. 

   Turn it over and remove the screws in the bottom, using a screwdriver (see A). On a toaster with a metal body and plastic end caps, just remove the screws that connect the bottom to the front end cap. On a toaster with a full plastic body, remove the screws that hold the entire cabinet body in place.

3. Pull the knob off the carriage lever. This is the part that lowers the toast into the toaster.

4. Remove the front end cap or the cabinet body as needed to get to the electric contacts.

5. Locate the electric contacts. They'll be below and in line with the carriage lever.

6. Inspect the contacts. If they are burnt or pitted, clean them with fine sandpaper, then move to step 7. If one set of contacts is melted together or appears to be seriously damaged, replace the toaster.

7. Depress the toast carriage lever and check to see if the two sets of contacts touch firmly. If they don't, you'll have to adjust them, as in step 8.

8. 

   Use needle-nose pliers to grab the movable contacts. Slightly bend them up and away from the fixed contacts (see B). That way, when you depress the carriage lever, it will apply more pressure to the movable contacts and press them firmly against the fixed contacts.

9. Reassemble the toaster and test it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a new toaster that is controlled by an electronic circuit board, you're better off letting a professional repair it.
• If following these steps doesn't fix your problem, you probably have a bad electric cord or a damaged heating element. If so, replace the toaster.