How to Fix a Toaster

How to Fix A toaster that only toasts on half of the side. The wire element had burnt out in two close places. I think this was due to a piece of bread touching the hot element, which then got hotter and melted.
Initially I thought that I would be able to join the break with the metal part of a block type junction connector, but as there were two breaks the only feasible choice was to do a twist and join by extending the broken element wires. See video. Actually it worked quite well and has been toasting well ever since. It is now 22nd Dec 2016 and it's still going and used every day!
Just be careful to avoid electric shock. Disconnect from the main supply first.
Hopefully you save some money and fix your own. Good luck.
Here's a link to buy useful screwdriver bits on Amazon. Just scroll down the products and find a set with at least 60 different bits, some are 100 so even more useful than the one shown in the video.
On Amazon UK: amzn.to/2h7bYo7
Or Amazon USA: amzn.to/2i0cRU5
A set of precision screwdrivers:
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2W311si
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2Z322T5
Torx bits sets:
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2Pgmf48
Or Amazon USA: amzn.to/2XlOK3h
Rubber disposible gloves are also useful, here's the links for
eBay USA: ebay.us/GGqmTJ
eBay UK: ebay.us/cE1BHK
Amazon UK: amzn.to/3aikbl8
Amazon USA: amzn.to/3cdwjpD
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2Q0VHZm
Amazon Australia: amzn.to/2QlUawX
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[@Leadweight2]

April 10 th 2021 and I finally fixed my first toaster thanks to you. Worked out beautifully. I'm using only low heat settings though. Don't want to push the joint too much.

[@comeinhandynow]

Well done!

[@itallworks8636]

Many thanks fixed the middle element of my toaster using your method!

[@comeinhandynow]

Yay! Well done.

[@michellenaranjo4340]

Thank you soooo much!!! I had my toaster in the Goodwill pile and actually fixed it instead of giving it away! I had previously looked at a pretty good video where a guy had the same issue. He figured out what was wrong and figured the cost of the repair was not worth it. Despite this, I decided to open my toaster and make sure the wire was truly the problem, and then I saw your video, followed exactly, and now I'm toasting on both sides again. I did see the other reviewer's comment about starting a fire, and I do admit the wires turned redder where the connection is twisted. I do not believe that will be a problem, as I also notice that some spots of the other wire turn redder than others. It does not look any different than the other hot spots, and I assume it means I did good on twisting the wire. Thanks again!

[@comeinhandynow]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Well done!

[@cazzywazzywoodle]

Thanks for this!. I tried it and now my toaster works fine!. Thats saved me a tenner lol

[@comeinhandynow]

Great. Well done. Just think of all the energy and material saved resulting from not buying a new toaster! You saved the planet lol.

[@anand1891]

nice background music!

[@babosas...ymuuuuchomas6364]

+1 another half toaster brought back to life! Thanks!!!!

[@comeinhandynow]

Great, well done.

[@MrApolloTom]

After it's reassembled, check you have continuity between the casing and the earth pin. And if you don't already, probably best to turn it off at the wall after use.

[@comeinhandynow]

Thanks. Sensible suggestions.

[@epexlinux]

Going to try this thanks

[@epexlinux]

Working great now. Ended up doing what you did. Was bit tricky but worth it. It seems to run really warm now but it works. Thankyou

[@integral32gb]

These toasters, Russell Hobbs 18210, have a reputation for having a RCD problem from new, usually just on one side. They also develop a one element hot, one element cold problem in the same slot after a bit of use. This seems to be the MCU faulting the Bagel feature as a default setting. Have you encountered any of the above problems with your model.

[@comeinhandynow]

No. It’s worked well, which is why I wanted to keep it going.

[@coryp3896]

the wire that makes that element is usually Kanthal A1 or similar... it has a maximum operating temp of 2500F. (might also be nichrome @ closer to 1000F)that connector won't last long and will likely wind up arcing something when it pops, or will get hot enough to melt/pop the connector and embed it in your toast. mmmm delicious. the pinch and twist should be fine, but i wouldn't use any foreign/unknown metals in there. i do believe most toaster wires run about 750F which may allow something like this, although they don't state the metalurgy and may not be food safe.... www.mcmaster.com/7971k41

[@comeinhandynow]

A max operating temperature does not mean the toaster wires will be at that temperature. Also although I talk about using that connector, if you continue watching you will see that I decide on a better fix just by rejoining the original wires. And you know what? All this time later, it is still working.

[@zumilansululu3268]

2022 I'm trying to fix my toaster is yours still working? If not how long did it last? Is it safe to twist the wire even if nichrome has a high melting point? Your reply would of great help🙂

[@comeinhandynow]

Yes! It’s Jan 2022 and it is still working with no other fixes! The trick on the twist is to make sure it has good contact for electrical conduction but also that it is mechanically strong, so twisted over itself if possible.

[@donwarnick1089]

For the $2 bucks I bought this toaster for I ain’t got time for this but good video mines a old 4 slice GE only works on one side but don’t see any black spots looks clean any ideas

[@comeinhandynow]

Take it apart and look for gaps in the heater wire, it’s usually fairly obvious. Alternatively use a multimeter to check for conductivity/resistance.

[@joebroderi]

How long did fix work for ? Mine lasted 5 mins ....

[@comeinhandynow]

Still working. So years. Maybe the join wasn’t tight enough.

[@craigkasold3930]

Is there a shop in Palm harbor that would fix a sunbeam T-35 toaster?

[@comeinhandynow]

Use the video as guidance to try and fix yourself.

[@nicholaslynch7694]

How do I get one of those funky wall plugs for my toaster?

[@comeinhandynow]

You have to live in the UK! UK plug. you could import a socket and plug if you really like them!

[@fjccommish]

My heating panel in the middle is crumbling. I can't find the replacement part. Now what?

[@comeinhandynow]

Buy a new one.

[@Dehkada]

hi is it stil working and whats the set of screwdrivers called? thanks

[@comeinhandynow]

Yep, still working and used every day. Here's a link to buy useful screwdriver bits on Amazon. Just scroll down the products and find a set with at least 60 different bits, some are 100 so even more useful than the one shown in the video. On Amazon UK: amzn.to/2h7bYo7 Or Amazon USA: amzn.to/2i0cRU5

[@comeinhandynow]

Update, November 2018. Still working!

[@dbec5224]

this type of repair will invalidate your house insurance ]

[@comeinhandynow]

LOL. It is not a fire risk. The area where it is repaired is already designed to withstand fire like heat. Health and safety worry over done.

[@johndow6064]

Nice way to cause a FIRE, don't do this!!!

[@comeinhandynow]

No sorry you're wrong IMHO. The element is already at the same temperature as fire in normal operation, it is designed to tolerate that temperature. The toaster has been working fine every day since that job. That is my personal opinion and experience and if you are too worried about it then dont do it, it's your decision.

[@mevk1]

@@comeinhandynow Beautiful -- don't have to flip the toast over anymore. THIS WORKS GREAT -THANK YOU !!!!!

[@comeinhandynow]

Great to hear, well done.