I’m sure just about anybody that’s worked in a corporate environment for any length of time has encountered a laser printer that will jam more than it prints.  Printer jamming like this is usually because the rollers that grip the paper from the tray and feed it through the paper path are completely worn out.  Generally these rollers should be replaced at this point.  All though while you are waiting for your shipment from HP, you have a jammed printer that’s taking up space, I figured out a quick fix that will at least get you by until you get your hands on some replacement rollers.

Rollers are a bit like tires, in that if you look closely at a new one, you’ll see treads or a texture on the roller causing friction and gripping the paper.  A completely worn roller will be perfectly smooth, and sometimes shiny.

To get a little more life out of a worn out roller pull out your multi-tool, one of which every geek should have, folded out the saw-blade, and proceeded to scuff up the worn roller.

Best technique is to lightly drag the saw-blade lengthwise across the worn roller.  As you do so, slowly turn the roller in your fingers as you rough up the surface until you’ve completely circled the cylinder.  Of course you should be careful that you don’t nick any of your finger tips.

It might not look pretty but it will retexture the surface enough to grip the paper and return functionality to the printer.