If you run a manufacturing facility that depends on the services of a trusty can seamer to package your products, you may find that production comes to a screeching halt upon the first sign of trouble with your seamer. When dealing with these types of hiccups, you may be tempted to simply purchase a new seamer rather than try to identify the problem with your current one and determine the cost of repairs and the length of time your machine will be out of commission. However, there are several issues you should be able to easily troubleshoot yourself, saving a substantial amount of money. Read on to learn more about some quick repairs you can make to your can seamer, as well as some situations in which replacement may be the better option.

Which can seamer repairs can you perform yourself?

Because the success of a can seamer's seal depends entirely on the calibration of the small parts used to hammer out and pin shut the two adjacent pieces of tin, even minor damage to the seamer chuck or rolls can lead to bubbling or misshapen seams that aren't effective at sealing the can's contents from outside air. If the defects you notice seem fairly minor and appear to be due to a shift in the positioning of the seamer chuck or the rolls used to create the seal, you may be able to carefully direct these parts to their proper locations, testing on can lids as you go to ensure you don't move these parts too far from the target. 

In other cases, the surface of the rolls used to shape the metal may become chipped, cracked, or damaged, making the roll less effective at creating a perfect seal. You should be able to replace a defective roll yourself with just a screwdriver and a few other small tools.

When should you replace a can seamer instead of attempting repair? 

When your seamer problems appear to be mechanical in nature -- for example, if your seamer is losing power at crucial moments or making odd noises that could indicate a problem with the small engine used to turn the seamer chuck -- you may want to investigate the cost of replacement. Many new can seamers come with an extended warranty that can help financially insulate your business from these types of problems for years, and the cost of repairing or replacing this small engine may rival the cost of a new (or gently used) can seamer.

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