Newspaper Stuck in Snowblower? Here’s the Ultimate Guide

Few things are more frustrating than your snowblower grinding to a sudden halt. The engine groans, the auger stops spinning, and you are left in the cold with a half-cleared driveway.

Often, the culprit is a hidden obstacle, and one of the most common is a seemingly harmless newspaper. This guide provides a definitive, step-by-step process for safely removing a stuck newspaper and getting your machine back to work.

Why a Newspaper Jam Is More Dangerous Than You Think

A paper clog is not just an inconvenience; it poses a significant risk to both you and your equipment. When wet paper and snow compact together, they can form a dense, almost concrete-like blockage.

This blockage puts immense strain on your snowblower’s engine, belts, and gearbox. Continuing to run the machine can lead to bent auger blades, broken shear pins, or even catastrophic engine failure. More importantly, attempting to clear the clog improperly can result in severe personal injury.

Understanding the Mechanical Stress

Your snowblower is engineered to process snow, not dense, fibrous materials like paper. When a newspaper gets sucked into the auger, the machine tries to shred and eject it. The wet, pulpy mass resists this process, causing a sudden torque overload.

This stress is first absorbed by the shear pins, which are designed to break to protect the more expensive gearbox. However, the force can also be transferred to the auger shaft and blades, potentially causing them to bend or warp. A damaged auger will not clear snow effectively and can cause vibrations that lead to further mechanical issues down the line.

Safety First: The Absolutely Critical First Steps

Before you even think about reaching into your snowblower, you must neutralize the machine completely. The rotational force in a snowblower is powerful enough to cause life-altering injuries in an instant.

First, turn off the engine completely. Do not simply disengage the auger; shut down the power source entirely. This is the most crucial step to prevent any accidental startup.

Disconnect the Spark Plug

For absolute certainty, you must disconnect the spark plug wire. This physically prevents the engine from firing, even if the recoil is accidentally pulled or the electric start is engaged. It is a non-negotiable step for anyone working on the machine.

Locate the spark plug, typically on the front or top of the engine, and firmly pull the rubber boot off the plug. Tuck the wire away so it cannot accidentally make contact again. Wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop before proceeding.

The Complete Step-by-Step Newspaper Removal Process

With the machine safely powered down, you can now address the clog. The method will vary slightly depending on whether the paper is loose, tightly wrapped, or frozen solid.

Patience is key during this process. Rushing can lead to damaging the machine or injuring yourself. Gather your tools and work methodically.

Step 1: Assess the Clog and Gather Your Tools

Look into the intake chute and discharge chute to understand the extent of the jam. Is the paper visible and easy to reach, or is it wrapped deep around the auger shaft? Is it wet and pulpy, or has it frozen into a solid block of ice and paper?

Having the right tools on hand prevents you from being tempted to use something unsafe, like a sharp metal screwdriver that could damage the machine. Proper preparation makes the job easier and safer.

Tool	Primary Use	Safety Note
Thick Work Gloves	Protecting hands from sharp edges and cold.	Always wear gloves when working on your snowblower.
Snowblower Clean-Out Tool	Safely dislodging clogs from a distance.	The safest option; never use your hands.
Wooden Dowel or Broom Handle	Alternative to a clean-out tool for pushing out debris.	Ensure the wood is sturdy and will not splinter.
Needle-Nose Pliers	Grabbing and pulling out small, stubborn paper fragments.	Use with caution to avoid scratching paint or metal.
Utility Knife / Box Cutter	Carefully cutting paper wrapped tightly around the auger.	Always cut away from yourself and the machine’s components.
Hairdryer or Heat Gun (Low Setting)	Gently thawing frozen paper and ice.	Avoid overheating plastic parts or electrical components.

Step 2: Remove Loose and Accessible Paper

Start with the easiest part of the job. Wearing your thick gloves, reach into the auger housing and pull out any large, loose chunks of newspaper that are not tightly wound.

Be methodical and careful. The edges of the auger blades and the scraper bar can be sharp. Remove everything you can by hand before moving on to tools.

Step 3: Tackle Tightly Wrapped Paper

For paper that is wrapped tightly around the auger shaft or blades, you will need more leverage. This is where needle-nose pliers are invaluable. Grab a corner of the paper and pull firmly, unwinding it from the shaft.

If the paper is too dense to pull, use a utility knife to carefully slice through the layers. Always cut parallel to the shaft to avoid scratching or gouging the metal. Make several shallow cuts rather than one deep one. Once you have cut through the bulk of the paper, it should be easier to pull away in sections.

Step 4: Dealing With a Frozen Clog

A frozen newspaper is the most challenging scenario. The paper and water have formed a solid block of ice that can be fused to the metal components. Do not try to chip away at it with force, as this can easily dent or break the auger.

The best approach is to use gentle heat. A hairdryer on a medium setting or a heat gun on its lowest setting can be used to slowly melt the ice. Move the heat source continuously to avoid concentrating heat on one spot, which could damage paint or plastic parts. As the ice melts, you will be able to pull away the softened paper pulp.

Post-Clog Inspection: Checking for Hidden Damage

Once the clog is completely cleared, do not immediately restart the machine. Take a few moments to inspect the key components for any damage that may have occurred during the jam.

This inspection is crucial because operating a damaged snowblower can lead to more significant and costly repairs. Catching a problem early saves time and money. Think of it like investigating why your water turns yellow after sitting; you need to find the root cause, not just fix the symptom.

Check the Shear Pins

Locate the shear pins on the auger shaft. These small bolts are designed to break under extreme stress to protect the gearbox. If you find a broken or sheared pin, it must be replaced before you operate the snowblower again. Always use the exact replacement pin recommended by the manufacturer.

Examine the Auger and Impeller Blades

Visually inspect the auger blades for any signs of bending, warping, or cracking. A bent blade will be out of balance and can cause destructive vibrations. Also, check the high-speed impeller inside the discharge chute for any damage.

Inspect the Scraper Bar

The scraper bar is the blade at the bottom of the auger housing that clears the last layer of snow. A hard impact from a frozen newspaper can sometimes damage it. Ensure it is straight and properly adjusted according to your owner’s manual.

A Proactive Strategy: How to Prevent Future Clogs

The best way to deal with a clog is to prevent it from ever happening. A few simple habits can drastically reduce the chances of you finding another newspaper—or any other debris—stuck in your snowblower.

A little preparation goes a long way. Spending five minutes before you start can save you an hour of frustrating work in the freezing cold.

Perform a Pre-Snowfall Sweep

Before the first major snowfall, walk the area you plan to clear. Remove any doormats, extension cords, toys, and newspapers. Pay special attention to the end of the driveway where papers are often thrown.

This proactive approach is fundamental to avoiding problems. It is similar to understanding the limits of your home’s construction, like knowing the answer to the common nail in drywall weight question before you hang a heavy item.

Apply a Non-Stick Coating

A wet newspaper is far more likely to stick to the inside of your snowblower’s chute and auger housing than it is to a slick surface. Applying a non-stick spray, such as a silicone or Teflon-based product, can make a huge difference.

A properly coated surface helps eject snow and slush more efficiently, reducing the overall workload on the engine and making it less likely for debris to get a foothold and start a clog.

Advanced Diagnostics: When a Clog Signals a Deeper Issue

Sometimes, a clog is not just a random event but a symptom of an underlying mechanical problem. If your snowblower seems to be clogging more frequently, even with light snow, it may be time to investigate further.

Chronic clogging can indicate that the machine is not operating at peak efficiency. A worn-out part may be preventing the snowblower from having the power needed to properly process and eject material, making it more susceptible to jams from things like wet paper.

Belt Tension and Wear

The belts that transfer power from the engine to the auger can stretch and wear out over time. A loose or glazed belt can slip under load, reducing the auger’s rotational speed and torque. This means it has less power to break up and throw snow, let alone a dense paper clog.

Check the tension and condition of your auger belt. If it appears cracked, frayed, or overly loose, replacing it can restore the machine’s performance. This is often an inexpensive fix that makes a world of difference.

Engine Performance

A poorly running engine that is not reaching its optimal RPM will also lack the power to clear snow effectively. If the engine sputters, hesitates, or seems to be running rough, it may be time for a tune-up. A new spark plug, a clean air filter, and fresh fuel can often resolve these issues.

Addressing these deeper problems is key to long-term reliability. Simply clearing a clog without fixing the root cause is like using expanding foam under laminate flooring to solve a major subfloor problem—it is a temporary patch that ignores the real issue.

Your Snowblower, Mastered

A newspaper stuck in your snowblower is a fixable problem. By prioritizing safety, using the correct tools, and following a methodical approach, you can resolve the issue without damaging your machine or yourself.

Remember the critical steps: shut down the engine, disconnect the spark plug, inspect for damage after clearing the clog, and take proactive steps to prevent it from happening again. With this knowledge, you can face this common winter challenge with confidence and keep your snowblower running smoothly all season long.