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I bought a flat EK success punch last Halloween when they went on sale (a bat). I didn't use it because it was past the season. I opened it up the other day and it won't close and it won't punch. Any suggestions? Of course now I don't have a receipt, and it is way past the time when I can bring it back. :
Have you tried using aluminum foil? Try punching with that. I have also used an old coke can, cut it up and try punching thru that. It has worked for me.
This is probably going to sound like a really strange suggestion and please don't be offended, but have you ever used one of those slimline punches before? There's a locking switch on the underside that holds the punch in the closed position. You slide the button forward to open the punch and then you can punch with it.
I'm only asking because if you haven't used one before, the switch is in the locked position when it comes out of the package and if you don't know to slide it, it would seem like the punch isn't punching at all.
Sometimes the way you hold the punch will cause the locking mechanism to get moved a little bit and that's all it takes to keep the punch from working.
This is probably going to sound like a really strange suggestion and please don't be offended, but have you ever used one of those slimline punches before? There's a locking switch on the underside that holds the punch in the closed position. You slide the button forward to open the punch and then you can punch with it.
I'm only asking because if you haven't used one before, the switch is in the locked position when it comes out of the package and if you don't know to slide it, it would seem like the punch isn't punching at all.
I know the first time I used one of the EK punches I couldn't figure out why I couldn't get the paper in it! Like you're saying, it was locked. It's a very nice feature as far as storage, but when you don't know about it it can certainly cause problems!!!
I don't have any slimline punches so I'm really glad I read this thread. Even if it's indicated on the package that there's a lock, anyone who has used punches before wouldn't bother reading instructions.
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Where did you get it? I got one a long time ago at HL and didn't use it for a long time (this was the old style by the way so they were not without problems too) and didn't have the ticket or anything and I took it back and showed them it wouldn't punch. They replaced it no problem...so it's worth a shot....
I'm in the same boat, I tried the Fleur de Lis edger punch I bought awhile ago for the first time today and it does not work AT ALL. My receipt and packaging are nowhere to be found...and I like the design so much I went to Micheals and bought another one. Same thing it's a dud. Not sure if the Fleur de Lis one just has issues overall. I emailed EK Success.
If you figure out a trick and get yours working please let me know.
I'll try the freezer thing, anyone know how long I should leave it in there?
Thanks for the responses. Yes, I have a couple of SU scallop ones and they work great. I got it at JoAnnes... so maybe next Halloween I can take it in and exchange it for the same one? They probably don't have the bats out now! I'll keep playing with it and try the freezer. It does appear that when you try to press down metal is hitting metal SOMEWHERE! Thanks again.
I'd try e-mailing EK Success. I know when I had a guide from a corner punch break (the old style punch, where you were supposed to be able to remove the corner guide), I e-mailed them to find out if I could purchase a spare guide and they were very helpful.
EK just emailed me back, said to try the aluminum foil and wax paper thing (which I did and didn't work) - i've been dealing with a really nice lady there, now she told me to try putting it in the freezer for a few hours, so i'll try that tonight!
I have a MS punch that doesn't work well and I did try the coke can, haha if you can't get to punch paper right it probably won't do metal... IMO I will have to try the freezer trick or wax paper.
Non-working punch....
