What to Do if Your Gel Blaster Gets Jammed

2024-05-13

Gel blasters are all the rage these days for backyard battles and recreational shooting. But there's nothing that can ruin the fun faster than when your gel blaster gets jammed up and refuses to fire. Whether you're a new blaster or an experienced gel warrior, dealing with a jammed gun is just plain frustrating. Jams can happen for all sorts of reasons - using the wrong batteries, leaving gel balls loaded when not in use, or even due to a manufacturer defect. No need to throw in the towel though! This guide has you covered with the best tips for preventing pesky jams, properly unjamming your blaster when one strikes, and some next-level troubleshooting tricks if those don't do the trick. With some simple maintenance habits, you can minimize jams and maximize your blasting good times.

Why Do Gel Blasters Get Jammed Up?

1. Common Jam Triggers

There are a few main things that can cause gel blasters to jam and malfunction. Using batteries that are too powerful can actually overwhelm and mess up the inner workings. Leaving gel balls loaded in the magazine or barrel for too long is another big jam culprit - the gel ammo can swell or shrink over time and get stuck. Cheap, low-quality blasters often jam from manufacturing defects right out of the box too.

2. User Mistakes vs. Product Problems

While some jams are due to a dud blaster with factory flaws, user error actually causes the most gel blaster jams. Not using the right batteries or leaving ammo loaded when not in use really strains the firing mechanisms. However, even with proper use and care, a level of jamming can still happen as the internal parts wear out over time. Figuring out if it's a user mistake or product issue is key to fixing persistent jamming problems.

Understanding these typical jam causes puts you ahead of the game for taking preventative steps and being prepared if your blaster jams up mid-battle. Proper operations like using recommended batteries and not storing loaded go a long way in avoiding jams to begin with.

Essential Tips for Preventing Gel Blaster Jams

1. Don't Leave Gel Balls Loaded

One of the biggest jam preventers is making sure you don't leave gel balls loaded in the magazine or barrel when not in use. For bottle-fed gel blasters, the gel balls can actually shrink over time when left in the magazine, leading to jams. Similarly, leaving gel ammo loaded in clip-fed blasters when stored away can cause the balls to swell and get stuck.

2. Use Proper Batteries

Another major jam contributor is using improper batteries. Many gel blasters can't handle upgraded or higher-voltage batteries. Using batteries that are too powerful for that model can fry the internal firing mechanisms and lead to jams. Always stick to the battery types and voltages recommended by the manufacturer.

Following these two simple tips - never storing your blaster with gel ammo loaded and only using the correct batteries - will prevent a huge number of potential jam-ups. It's essentialjam prevention care.

How Do You Clear a Jammed Gel Blaster?

1. The Upside Down Shake Method

If your clip-fed gel blaster gets jammed, one of the easiest unjamming tricks to try is the upside down shake method. Simply turn the blaster completely upside down and aim it away from people and objects. Then repeatedly pull and release the trigger while giving it a firm shake or two. The force of gravity and vibration should eventually dislodge and drop out the stuck gel ball causing the jam.

But heads up - this upside down shake won't work for blasters with bottle magazines underneath. The jammed gel has nowhere to drop out from.

2. When to Dry Fire

No matter what blaster type, dry firing is a must for preventing and clearing jams. Always dry fire 5-10 times before loading gel ammo and starting your blasting sessions. This clears any stray gel balls left inside that could jam you up.

Then when you're done blasting, dry fire repeatedly to make sure that barrel and chamber are totally clear before reloading or storing your blaster. Any lingering gel ammo can get stuck over time and jam you next round. Just don't go too crazy with dry firing or you'll drain those batteries quickly.

Dry firing and the upside down shake are usually enough for basic unjamming on clip-fed blasters. But if those don't dislodge the jam, it's time to break out the more advanced troubleshooting steps.

What If Basic Unjamming Doesn't Work?

1. When Basic Unjamming Fails

If turning your blaster upside down and dry firing repeatedly doesn't manage to clear a jam, it's time to break out the advanced troubleshooting steps. Stubborn jams often require partially disassembling the blaster to get full access and properly clear and clean the mechanism.

2. How Can Online Guides Help?

Fortunately, there are lots of great online resources with step-by-step guides for disassembling and cleaning gel blasters of various models.

But for starters, check manufacturers' websites and blaster fan forums for your specific model's disassembly and cleaning instructions. With the blaster taken apart, you can inspect for gel residue build-up, lodged ammo, or worn components causing the jam.

Taking this extra step to open up and manually clear your blaster barrel and mechanisms provides the deepest level of unjamming. It's the best way to fully resolve persistent, stubborn jam issues.

3. When Should You Clean and Relube?

While you have your blaster disassembled, it's also a good opportunity to give all the components a thorough cleaning with the proper solvents and tools. Once clean, you can re-apply manufacturer-recommended lubrication to the moving parts to keep things running smoothly.

With patience and the right guide, advanced disassembly and cleaning can unjam even the most hopelessly stuck gel blaster. Don't give up on your jammed blaster!

Additional Gel Blaster Maintenance Tips

1. Check the Feeder Hole When Using Bottle Magazines

When attaching a bottle-style magazine to your gel blaster, always ensure the feeder hole at the top isn't blocked or obstructed. Any gel residue buildup or debris in this area can prevent the gel balls from properly feeding into the barrel, leading to jams.

2. Use Only Properly Sized Gel Ammo

Another jam contributor is using gel balls that are undersized for your particular blaster. Always refer to your manufacturer's guidelines on the correct gel ammunition diameter to use. Gel balls that are too small can get stuck easier in the barrel and mechanism.

3. Follow Hydration Instructions

Additionally, make sure you are properly hydrating your gel ammunition per the packaging or manual instructions. Underhydrated gel balls that are rock hard are more likely to get wedged and cause jams. Overhydrated ammo that is too mushy can also create issues.

By keeping the feeder path clear, using appropriately sized gel ammo, and ensuring proper gel ball hydration, you'll minimize the risk of frequent jamming. A little blaster maintenance goes a long way!

Blast On, Jam-Free!

Some simple habits will keep those gel blasters shooting smoothly. Always use the right batteries, and never leave ammo loaded when not in use. For jams, try the upside-down shake trick first on clip-fed models. If that doesn't work, be prepared to take it apart for a deep cleaning by following online guides. Little things like keeping feed holes clear, using properly-sized ammo, and ensuring gel balls are properly hydrated also help avoid jams. Stay on top of your blaster care and let's get blasting!