Things You'll Need:
- Voltage tester
- Slotted or Phillips screwdriver
- Socket wrench
- Safety goggles
- Sand paper
-
Step 1
Unplug the can opener before making any repairs. Slide off the cutting assembly.
-
Step 2
Unscrew the housing cover using either a slotted or Phillips screwdriver depending on the brand. Remove the housing cover.
-
Step 3
Unscrew the motor screws again using either a slotted or Phillips screwdriver. Some brands require using a socket wrench to remove the motor screws. Lift out the motor assembly.
-
Step 4
Remove the internal gears by either removing the clips or screws. Then life out the gears.
-
Step 5
Repair the on/off switch by unscrewing the switch cover and cleaning the contacts with either fine sand paper or an emery board. Adjust the contact points as needed to ensure even contact when the handle is pressed. With some brands you just slide off the switch cover rather than unscrewing it. Other brands do not have a switch cover at all.
-
Step 6
Test the flow of electricity through the motor or continuity by using a multimeter or voltage meter. Touch one probe to the white wire and the other probe to one of the other wires in the motor. Touch various wires while the other probe touches the white wire. During this process the multimeter is checking for proper electrical flow through the can opener. If it does not show a higher reading than 0 or 1, the motor is not getting enough power and should be replaced.
-
Step 7
Test the outlet for the can opener using the multimeter. This checks if the outlet is getting proper electrical flow.
