Troubleshooting Common Problems with Broken Orbeez Blasters

Orbeez blasters are a popular toy that shoots soft, water-absorbing polymer balls called Orbeez. They provide harmless fun for kids and adults alike. However, like any toy, Orbeez blasters can break down or jam over time. Troubleshooting and fixing common Orbeez blaster problems is key to keeping the fun going. This comprehensive guide will walk through diagnosing and resolving the most frequent issues with malfunctioning Orbeez guns. Read on to become an Orbeez blaster repair expert.

Orbeez blasters are a beloved toy for both children and adults who are kids at heart. They provide hours of entertainment through competitive target practice, intense battle games, and general stress relief. However, like any mechanical toy, Orbeez blasters can malfunction or break over time.

This comprehensive guide will walk through diagnosing and fixing the most common Orbeez blaster problems. Proper blaster care, maintenance, and usage technique will also be covered to help prevent issues in the first place. With a few simple troubleshooting steps and repairs, your broken Orbeez blaster can be up and running again in no time.

The goal is to provide readers with the key information needed to become adept at resolving any Orbeez blaster problems on their own. You’ll learn what causes common jamming, feeding, firing, and leaking issues. Step-by-step instructions, accompanied by pictures when possible, will show you exactly how to fix your blaster and get back to playing safely. Proper usage and care tips throughout will help prevent damage and extend the life of Orbeez blasters.

Whether you’re an experienced Orbeez enthusiast or just got your first blaster, this guide will turn you into a troubleshooting expert. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Diagnose the Specific Problem

The first step in troubleshooting any malfunctioning Orbeez blaster is to diagnose the specific problem at hand. Here are some of the most common issues and their recognizable symptoms:

Disintegrating or Deforming Orbeez

• Orbeez break apart easily in the blaster or upon firing
• Orbeez are misshapen or oddly sized
• Gel residue builds up inside the blaster

Blaster Not Feeding Orbeez

• Firing mechanism works but no Orbeez are shot out
• Orbeez remain in the magazine when trigger is pulled

Orbeez Breaking Inside the Blaster

• Cracked or mushy Orbeez residue in the blaster
• Deformed Orbeez and loss of shape

Blaster Jamming

• Trigger sticks or doesn’t spring back
• Moving blaster parts become obstructed

Leaking Water or Gel

• Water drips from the blaster seams
• Gel residue accumulates on the blaster

Take the time to shoot a few test rounds and observe any issues firsthand. Checking the condition of your Orbeez is also advisable. Once the specific problem is determined, you can move on to targeted troubleshooting and repairs.

Step 2: Troubleshoot Disintegrating or Deforming Orbeez

If your Orbeez are breaking easily, leaving residue, or are irregularly sized and shaped, the issue likely lies in improper hydration and care:

• Over-Hydration – Orbeez become too soft and fragile when soaked more than 8 hours. Limit soaking time to 6 hours maximum.
• Under-Hydration – Orbeez require sufficient water absorption to reach full size and avoid deformation. Soak at least 3-4 hours based on pack instructions.
• Heat Exposure – High temperatures cause Orbeez to break down. Avoid leaving them in hot cars or direct sunlight.
• Reusable Orbeez – Orbeez can only expand and contract so many times before losing integrity. Use fresh Orbeez after heavy blaster use.
• Poor Storage – Let Orbeez fully dry and store in an airtight container to maximize longevity.

Follow the usage guidelines on your particular Orbeez brand’s packaging. Soaking times often vary between 3-8 hours. Also inspect Orbeez balls before loading into blasters. Toss any that are cracked, mushy, or oddly shaped. Finally, monitor blaster barrel friction and piston impact force. Consider lighter spring loads if breaking becomes excessive.

Step 3: Fix Blaster Not Feeding Orbeez

When the blaster acts like it’s firing but no Orbeez actually shoot out, there are a few common causes to check:

• Jammed Orbeez – Check for jammed Orbeez obstructing the barrel. Clearing them will resolve most feed issues.
• Empty Magazine – Ensure Orbeez are loaded fully into the magazine, hopper, or reservoir. Loose stacking can impede feeding.
• Magazine Alignment – Magazines must be fully clipped in and correctly oriented to connect with the feed ramp.
• Dead Battery – Electric blasters require adequate battery charge to run the feeding motor. Replace or recharge if depleted.
• Dirty Barrel – Buildup of dirt, grime, and old Orbeez residue will make firing difficult. Regular cleaning is key.
• Worn Seals – Damaged O-rings around the barrel opening or firing valve cause air leakages that disrupt proper feeding.

Methodically check each potential issue above and make any necessary repairs or part replacements. Test firing repeatedly with fresh Orbeez is also recommended. Return instructions detail proper magazine loading and orientation if unsure.

Step 4: Prevent Orbeez Breaking Inside

To stop Orbeez from cracking internally upon firing, start with ensuring proper hydration as covered in Step 2. Additionally:

• Avoid Overloading – Jamming many Orbeez into the blaster at once increases breakage from excessive impact force.
• Use Age-Appropriate Blaster Settings – High-powered adult blasters can destroy Orbeez. Use child-level spring loads instead.
• Check for Worn Parts – Replace old firing valves, O-rings, seals, springs and piston cups. Upgrade to metal parts for extended durability.
• Fire Slowly – Rapid firing doesn’t allow the barrel enough time to clear, leading to accumulations and extra crushing force on the Orbeez.
• Consider Gel Balls – If breakage persists, gel balls are more durable than Orbeez for high-impact blasters.

While some internal breakage is inevitable over time, following these guidelines will significantly reduce Orbeez cracking issues. Proper care and routine maintenance will also extend the usable lifespan of your blaster.

Step 5: Fix Blaster Jamming Issues

Orbeez blaster jams typically stem from four common causes:

• Dead Battery – Rechargeable batteries must have adequate power to operate the firing mechanisms. Replace or recharge dead batteries immediately.
• Bad Assembly – Disassembling and incorrectly re-assembling the blaster can lead to jammed parts. Closely follow manual instructions.
• Swollen Orbeez – Over-hydrated Orbeez expand too much and get lodged in the barrel or magazine. Don’t exceed recommended soak times.
• Dirty Components – Orbeez residue, dirt, grime cause moving parts to stick and seize up. Regular cleaning prevents this.

Check the battery first if the trigger or hammer/slide jams. If the issue persists after battery replacement, methodically disassemble the blaster and inspect internal components for any obstructions or damage. Refer to the blaster instructions for proper disassembly and reassembly. Test fire repeatedly with fresh Orbeez after cleaning.

Step 6: Stop Water or Gel Leakages

Water or gel leaking from your Orbeez blaster will create a big mess. Stop leaks fast with these troubleshooting tips:

• Worn Seals – Damaged O-rings around valves, pistons, and barrel openings account for most leaks. Replacing seals solves the problem.
• Cracked Reservoir – Drops coming directly from the tank mean it has cracked. Gluing or replacing the reservoir is needed.
• Loose Fittings – Ensure all hoses, piston rods, valves, and O-rings are tightly secured. Tighten anything loose.
• Broken Balls – Firing broken Orbeez balls causes residual gel buildup within the components. Use only intact Orbeez.
• Improper Assembly – Re-check that all parts are correctly re-attached after any disassembly. Align parts precisely.
• Loose Screws – Vibration can loosen blaster screws over time. Periodically tighten any loosened blaster screws.

Persisting leaks may require a rebuild kit to replace all worn seals and O-rings. Thorough cleaning and directly applying sealant to leaky spots can also help. Take care not to overtighten parts. With some diligent troubleshooting, you can get your blaster’s leak issues resolved.

Step 7: Perform Routine Blaster Maintenance

Beyond fixing specific problems as they occur, performing regular maintenance will optimize performance and extend the lifetime of your Orbeez blaster:

• Check Batteries – Run batteries down fully before recharging to maintain maximum capacity. Replace old batteries every few years.
• Clean Barrel and Components – Regularly flush the barrel and wipe down moving parts to prevent Orbeez buildup.
• Lubricate O-rings – Keep O-rings moist with silicone grease to ensure a tight seal and prevent leaks.
• Inspect Wear – Check for any loose screws, worn parts like valves and seals, cracks, or missing O-rings.
• Verify Screw Tightness – Vibration can loosen blaster screws over time. Periodically tighten any loosened screws.
• Replace Springs – Metal upgrade springs last longer than stock springs and provide more power.
• Follow Storage Guidelines – Always empty and dry blasters fully before storage to avoid mold or rust buildup internally.

Proper cleaning, lubrication, part replacement, and handling precautions will keep your blaster in top working order. Perform maintenance regularly rather than just when problems occur.

Step 8: Use Proper Blaster Safety and Handling

Employing correct usage and safety practices is key to preventing many common Orbeez blaster problems:

Basic Safety Guidelines:

• Always wear eye protection – stray Orbeez can injure eyes.
• Don’t point at eyes, faces, or unprotected skin.
• Ensure a safe distance from target – 10 meters minimum.
• Check your surroundings first – avoid firing toward windows or fragile items.
• Never modify darts or ammo in any way.
• Keep fingers off the trigger until ready to fire.
• Don’t look directly into the barrel when loaded.
• Only adults should handle, load, and fire the blaster

Proper Handling and Use:

• Fully expand Orbeez in water for 3-8 hours before use based on package instructions.
• Shake off excess water from Orbeez and load them fully into magazine or reservoir.
• Keep blaster pointed in safe direction when loading.
• Make sure barrel path is clear before firing.
• Don’t exceed maximum ammo capacity – this can cause jams.
• Cock blaster properly and hold firmly against shoulder when firing.
• Allow full trigger reset between shots.
• Store unloaded in cool, dry location away from children.

Following basic safety protocols and proper loading, firing, maintenance, and storage methods will help prevent many common blaster issues while also keeping play safe.

Troubleshooting Questions

What causes Orbeez to crack apart or deform in the blaster?

Over-hydrating Orbeez by soaking longer than recommended softens them too much. Heating Orbeez by leaving them in hot conditions can also damage their integrity. Reusing the same Orbeez after heavy blaster use fatigues the material. Always soak Orbeez based on package directions and toss damaged balls before loading into the blaster.

Why does my blaster fail to feed Orbeez when fired?

An empty or partially loaded magazine prevents feeding. Misaligned or incorrectly inserted magazines will also cause feed failures. Dead batteries on electric blasters disrupt the feeding motor. And buildup of dirt, grime, or old Orbeez residue can obstruct the barrel path.

How can I prevent Orbeez from breaking apart inside the blaster upon firing?

Avoid overloading the barrel with too many Orbeez at once. Use child-level spring loads instead of adult firing power. Replace any worn parts like valves, seals, and O-rings. Fire slowly rather than rapid shots to let the barrel clear fully between rounds.

What typically causes jamming issues with Orbeez blasters?

Dead batteries fail to provide power to operate the firing mechanisms and cause jams. Improperly re-assembling the blaster after cleaning can obstruct moving parts and cause seizing. Dirty components full of Orbeez residue will eventually jam the blaster as well.

Where does water or gel leakage typically originate from with Orbeez blasters?

Most leaks stem from worn out O-rings around valve seals, pistons, and barrel openings. Cracked reservoirs will also leak fluid directly from the tank. Ensure all hoses, fittings, seals and O-rings are tightened properly during reassembly to prevent leaks.

Conclusion

With a bit of troubleshooting know-how, you can get your broken Orbeez blaster up and firing again in no time. This guide has walked through diagnosing and resolving the most common Orbeez blaster problems stemming from improper hydration and care, jamming, feeding failures, leakage, and age-related wear. Performing routine maintenance and following usage best practices will also help minimize issues.

Owning an Orbeez blaster brings countless hours of entertainment. But with any toy, some repairs and upkeep are inevitable. Rather than discarding your broken blaster, use the steps here to become your own Orbeez repair expert. Before long, you’ll have your blaster back in action and be out playing safe games with family and friends.