Do you struggle to keep plants alive? Do you have to set an alarm to remind you to feed your pet? Fret not. Even if you are challenged by some of life’s simplest tasks, you may still be fully capable of caring properly for your Tecre graphic punch. Not only is the graphic punch user-friendly and efficient, but it was designed to require very minimal maintenance.
If you are already practicing the steps outlined in Basic Maintenance for your Tecre Button Maker Machine you may be pleased to learn that both the products and steps closely mirror those of caring for your cutter.
Keep your Machine Clean
Use of 3-in-One Oil
Use of Lithium Grease
Keep your machine clean. Maintaining the cleanliness of your cutter involves being conscious of the items you are putting in your machine. To prevent the dies from gumming up and sticking, it is important to remember they are designed for cutting paper. Cutting other materials such as stickers can cause residue to accumulate quickly, thus affecting the ability of your graphic punch to cut smoothly. Keeping the die free from debris and build-up will ensure smooth and precise cutting for a long time.
3-in-One Oil and Lithium Grease. 3-in-Oil and Lithium Grease are the only two products that should be used on the graphic punch. They should be used in moderation, only as needed. Please note the areas of application below:
It is important never to use products like WD-40 on the cutter.
We cannot help your brown, wilted, and weepy plants, but we can assure you that following these easy steps will equip you to be a quality caretaker of your graphic punch.
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How do you sharpen them? I have a. Older style 1.25 paper pinch and it’s starting to dull. The people I bought it from said put soda cans through it and sandpaper if that doesn’t work. So what do you guys recommend?
Thank you for your question. These rarely need sharpening but if they do, we do not recommend ever using aluminum or sandpaper on the graphic punch. Tecre will sharpen the graphic punches for free, you just would have to pay the shipping costs. If this is something that you think you may need, please call us for an RMA form for you to include with your package!
I was told to use silicone lubricant on my graphic punch, will that harm my punch? I’m going to pick up the 3-in-1 oil and grease tonight.
Also, I bought a tecre punch through American Button Machines – will you still sharpen it for cost of shipping, or would I have to go through them for sharpening?
Thank you!
Thank you for your inquiry! Using the steps and products here will provide you with an adequate maintenance routine. There is no need to apply a silicone lubricant. As for sharpening, if you do not have an account with Tecre it may be easier to through the company you purchased the graphic punch from. Tecre Co., Inc. does not charge to sharpen the graphic punch if it is from normal wear. It would be your obligation to cover the shipping costs each way. If the cutting edge of the punch is damaged we may not be able sharpen or repair it. If this is the case, you would be notified after it was inspected. Keep in mind that the graphic punch is designed to cut paper only and other uses will void its warranty. Thank you for directing your questions to us! You may also email us at tecresalesteam@tecre.com. Thank you!
How would you lubricate a hand punch for the 1 Inch buttons?
Good morning! Are you inquiring about the 1″ graphic punch? The steps outlined above are for all graphic punch sizes. Is there a different product that you are inquiring about?
I think my 3.5″ Tecre punch has a jam. I can see “daylight” from the side, so I have not done anything to take it apart. Is there anything, like thin wire, that can be used to remove whatever is clogged up in there?
I did put in the oil like the maintenance video detailed, but I am still unable to get my graphics into the punch to make the cut.
My punch was sticking, so without consulting these instructions I applied WD-40 liberally. It didn’t help and I see here that it is NOT to be used. What now? Should I just apply the recommended oil and lubricant? Or do I need to remove the coating of WD-40 in some way?
Thank you for your comment. The best thing to do would be to try to remove as much WD-40 as possible with a clean rag. The reason we don’t recommend this product is it is just too messy and it is not a lubricant. It may be difficult for you to get the cutting area clean enough to not affect your graphics. We would recommend sliding through paper many times or even to try stacking 2-3 pieces of paper to get some of that lubricant out from those dies. The WD-40 will not permanently damage your cutter so once it is clean again it should work properly and then you can go ahead and apply the recommended oil and lubricant. Please feel free to call if you have any other questions!
Can one of the two greases listed be used on both parts of the punch and be just as effective? I’d prefer to not have to buy two.
Thank you for your question! While it’s true that the grease is the most effective, 3 in One oil is necessary at the indicated points so that it may work its way in. It’s beneficial to have both products!
My machine is stuck and I can’t remove the paper inside. Is there a way to disarm it? I live in Colombia. Help me.
Thanks for reaching out! Is your button maker machine stuck? or the graphic punch? We just want to confirm…
On my 3 1/2 inch punch cutter it has been sticking. the handle moves freely but the plates stick together and I have to physically separate them by pushing down on the lower plate. Is there a solution for this
Hello Keith! A few things can cause this kind of sticking such as cutting adhesive material (these are intended for paper only) or if any liquids have spilled on the machine. But whether these things happened or not, we would be happy to help you get this issue fixed! Please call Tecre (920)922-9168 for assistance! Thank you!
I have a 3-1/2 inch Graphic Punch – Tecre that is no longer cutting paper or pictures. To me, it feels like the handle is ‘warped’ some how. Can you help me troubleshoot for a possible fix?
These can be sharpened! Handles can also be replaced! If neither of these would help, you can always send in for repair as well! Please call Tecre (920)922-9168