Why Your Black & Decker Toaster Won’t Stay Down [Reasons + Quick Fixes]

Are you tired of your Black & Decker toaster not staying down?

You're not alone. This is a common problem many people face, and it can be frustrating when you're trying to make breakfast quickly.

Fortunately, some simple solutions can help you get your toaster working correctly again. Let's start!

Why Won’t My Black & Decker Toaster Stay Down + How to Fix

Here are some common issues and solutions to help you troubleshoot your toaster.

Blocked Latch

One of the most common causes of a toaster not staying down is crumbs clogging the lever. 

To fix this issue, unplug the toaster and remove any crumbs or debris that may be blocking the latch.

You can use a toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush to clean the latch and surrounding area.

Once you've cleaned the latch, plug the toaster back in and test it to see if it stays down.

Continue reading: How To Clean A Toaster [6 Steps]

Damaged Exterior Wire

Another reason why your toaster won't stay down could be due to a damaged exterior wire.

Therefore, it's essential to inspect the cord coming out of the toaster and inspect it for any signs of damage.

Check for frays or corrosion. This can occur if the cord has been exposed to water for a prolonged period.

If you notice that the cord is loose or if you can see any exposed wires, this is likely the cause of the issue.

Unfortunately, replacing the cord of a toaster can be challenging, and it may be more cost-effective to purchase a new one instead.

Broken Lever

The toaster lever is what holds the bread in place while it's toasting. If the lever is loose or damaged, it won't stay down.

Again, unplugging the toaster and allowing it to cool down before attempting to remove any parts is essential.

Once it is safe to do so, remove the cover carefully, ensuring you save any screws.

Then, test the toaster lever to see if it is intact and move the platform that holds the bread up and down correctly.

If the lever is not moving correctly, apply a drop of lubricating oil to fix the issue.

However, if you discover the lever is broken, you must replace it.

Worn Out Magnet

The magnet is a crucial component of a toaster, and if it is worn out, it can cause the toaster to malfunction.

Over time, the magnet may become worn out due to repeated use, causing the lever to fail to stay down.

It's important to unplug the toaster and inspect the magnet for any signs of wear or damage.

If you find any wear or damage, you must replace the magnet.

First, consult the manual to locate the magnet, which is usually accessed by removing the lever with a screwdriver.

Once you have found the magnet, carefully remove it and replace it with a new one, then reassemble the toaster.

After replacing the magnet, it's essential to test it to ensure it works correctly.

If the magnet is not working as it should, it's possible that the polarity has been reversed.

In this case, you may need to troubleshoot the issue further to get it to work correctly.

Degraded Spring

If your toaster's spring is degraded, it can cause the toaster to malfunction, making it difficult to lock the lever into place while toasting.

To fix this issue, it's essential to inspect the spring for any signs of wear or damage.

To access the spring mechanism, you must remove the front cover of the toaster using a screwdriver.

Once you have removed the cover, inspect the spring for any signs of discoloration or degradation.

If the spring is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

To replace the spring, you must figure out what type of spring you have and find a suitable replacement.

Remove the old spring from the toaster and replace it with a new one, ensuring that it works correctly.

It's also a good idea to take this opportunity to clean out any residual debris that may be present in the toaster.

Use a can of compressed air to spray the inside of the toaster a few times before closing it back up and testing it to see if it works correctly.

If you have gone through all of these steps and your toaster is still not working correctly, you may need to replace the toaster.

Alternatively, you may need to call a professional to take a closer look at the appliance for you.

Related article: Do Toasters Have Capacitors?

Tips on Staying Safe When Repairing Black & Decker Toaster

Here are some tips to help you stay safe while repairing your toaster:

Wear Protective Gear

When working with electrical appliances, wearing protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses is always a good idea.

Use the Right Tools

Ensure you have the right tools for the job.

Using the wrong tools can cause damage to your toaster and put you at risk of injury.

Be sure to read: Can Putting A Knife Or A Fork In The Toaster Kill You?

Don't Take Risks

Don't take any risks if you're unsure how to repair your toaster. Instead, seek professional help or contact the manufacturer for assistance.

Other Common Issues with Black & Decker Toaster

Here are some other common issues you may encounter and how to solve them.

Toast Does Not Pop Up

If your toast does not pop up, it could be due to a malfunctioning thermostat.

With this, the toaster can overheat and stay on longer than necessary.

To fix this issue, unplug the toaster and wait for it to cool down.

Then, remove the crumb tray and clean it thoroughly. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the thermostat.

Burning Smell

Crumbs and debris that have accumulated in the toaster can cause a constant burning smell when you're using the appliance.

Not only can it damage the toaster, but this can also cause a fire hazard.

Usually, you can fix the issue by cleaning the build-up. Remove the crumbs by carefully brushing the crumb tray and dumping the debris into the sink.

If it's greasy, you can soak it in dish liquid. Finally, wipe the tray and carefully attach it back to the toaster.

Similar content: Should A Toaster Spark? [What You Need to Know]

Uneven Toast

Unevenly toasted bread can be frustrating, possibly due to a malfunctioning heating element or thermostat in your toaster.

With this, one side of the bread to toast faster than the other, resulting in an unevenly toasted slice.

Start by removing the crumb tray and cleaning it thoroughly.

If cleaning the crumb tray doesn't solve the problem, you may need to replace the heating element or thermostat.

Before doing so, try preheating the elements before toasting the bread.

To do this, turn the dial to the desired setting and allow the elements to heat up for around 2 minutes before putting the bread in to be toasted.

Doing so will allow the end castings sufficient time to heat up and help ensure that the bread is toasted evenly.

However, if preheating the elements does not solve the problem, the heating elements may need replacing.

Heating elements can break, burn out, sag, and become misshapen, affecting their performance.

While most elements cannot be repaired, they can usually be replaced.

How to Fix a Broken Black & Decker Lever

If the lever on your Black & Decker toaster is broken, it can prevent the toaster from staying down.

Luckily, fixing a broken lever is a simple process that you can do at home. Here's how:

1. Unplug the toaster. Before you start working on your toaster, ensure it's unplugged so you don't accidentally electrocute yourself.
2. Remove the crumb tray. Take out the crumb tray and set it aside. This will give you better access to the lever.
3. Remove the screws. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the toaster's casing. Once the screws are removed, carefully lift off the casing.
4. Locate the lever. The lever is the part of the toaster that you push down to start toasting. It's usually located near the front of the toaster.
5. Check for damage. Examine the lever for any signs of damage. If it's broken or bent, you'll need to replace it.
6. Order a replacement lever. Contact Black & Decker's customer service to order a replacement lever. Alternatively, you can order one online from a third-party seller.
7. Install the replacement lever. Once you have the replacement lever, install it by following the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure it's securely in place before reassembling the toaster.
8. Reassemble the toaster. Put the casing back on the toaster and replace the screws. Then, slide the crumb tray back into place.
9. Test the toaster. Plug the toaster in and test it to ensure the lever stays down and the toaster works appropriately.

Final Thoughts 

Have you been able to fix your Black & Decker toaster by following the fixes above? We hope you did.

If not, feel free to tell us where you got stuck, and we'll be happy to help!