Is the main metal rod of the grinder suppose to have a slight bend to it? or is mine defective. I feel like the arm should be straight. NOT the handle, but basically the drive shaft that runs from the handle to the burr. Is the main metal rod of the grinder suppose to have a slight bend to it? or is mine defective. I feel like the arm should be straight. NOT the handle, but basically the drive shaft that runs from... » Read More Is the main metal rod of the grinder suppose to have a slight bend to it? or is mine defective. I feel like the arm should be straight. NOT the handle, but basically the drive shaft that runs from the handle to the burr. « Show Less
1718606
Hello, Trenner. I think you're talking about the rod that you actually crank to grind the beans? There is a bend in it, so I think you're okay.
1718607
The crank arm has been deliberately designed and produced with this offset to make rotation easier (imagine turning a straight crank arm -how it would feel), and, I believe, it helps keep contact with the axle.
1718608
Mine seems to be straight. The handle/crank is bent but I don't think that is what you mean is it?
1718609
I believe the bend you are referring to can be seen in Amazon's picture. If that's what you are asking about then yes my grinder has it too. Normal.
1718610
I just got mine and I'm wondering if I should return, my drive shaft appears slightly bent and when I grind with nothing inside it scrapes ceramic on ceramic at one section of the rotation. :(
1718611
Mine has a compound bend in it. I think it aids in keeping that web between my thumb and index out of a pinch zone.
1744094
Make sure the nut on top is tight-and Yes there is a certain amount of resistance as you turn the handle -it's just the action of the grinder itself
917395
I've had mine for several months and it's working fine. I do clean it out on a weekly basis by rinsing out both hoppers and the removable blade and blowing out the body of the grinder. If it only worked 10 times, it might be defective. Send it back.
194125
No idea, but a darn good question. I have not purchased the grinder yet, but am interested in doing so. This may sway my purchase.Good Luck!!
2036245
...not sure if it is "normal", but the same thing happened to me. I just ignore it.....what other choice do you have? If you want the blade sharpened as far as the handle, there doesn't seem to be any other way. Holding the blade level as you draw it through the slot seemed to ameliorate that problem somewhat. I do like the product. I don't see any other way to get the blade sharpened as far as the handle.
1099628
I would say having used other grinders that it's not exceptionally easy but average. There is some twisting involved. Hope that helps. It works well.
2062083
You might tighten the grind level on the bottom to a finer grind, also I have turned the handle in other direction to loosen an peppercorns, I would not think the peppercorn you use should be a problem if your using peppercorn for grinders not aware of any type not made for a grinder,
946242
While this does happen, it has not been a big issue for me. It might happen near the end when there are only a few beans left to grind. If you really wanted to, I suppose you cut a piece of thin cardboard to cover it as you grind. However like I said, it has not been a big issue at all.
351793
Hi Mary, After I received you comment/question, I checked mine closer and it does indeed have an adjustment knob. I found it under the grinder itself. Thank you so much for the information. I think it's a quality product and I would definitely recommend it.
1494745
There is a screw in the bottom of the grinder with a groove (works fine with a flat-head screw driver) you can turn either direction to adjust the coarse or fineness of your grind. I played around with mine over a large piece of wax-paper until I got a nice mix; partially coarse/partially medium-fine. Good Luck! BTW, I love this pepper grinder. The seasoning of foods with fresh grind is beyond compare!
1097996
To answer your question, I tried the "coarse" setting (since I never use it). Most of the pieces were coarse but some were more like "medium." Looks like the grind is not even on the "coarse" setting.
945256
I am not a leftie, but I can see how you might have a problem with this manual grinder. Maybe if you could secure the base, it would help.
191387
I'm buying one myself, but will take it apart before first use just to see what could damage it. I suspect that the buyers who have problems are running the unit too long on too fine a setting, expecting performance of an $400 grinder. More expensive grinders are designed with heavier gears made of steel instead of plastic and better heat dissipation so they can run forever even on espresso settings. Such are the tradeoffs in designing a $100 burr grinder.
57541
Your first answer seems to cover your question pretty well. I'll add that because this is a nearly unique machine, keep up with the warranty. I don't think many local repairmen know how to service the grinder.
1623552
I'm no expert, and if the information is extremely critical you might want to verify with the mfg, but I did look at mine and it APPEARS TO ME to V out slightly. It appears to be slightly wider at the opening vs at the shaft area, but only slightly ... more like a rounded V than a perfect U. Hope this helps.
1281971
The top turns, but unfortunately the grinder is not adjustable. Mine is useless. I've purchased another one to replace it already.
1421040
I have and use about a half dozen of the grinders, but have never had a problem. Are you grinding something very tough? It might have worn down the ceramic mill. Metal grinders are best with the tough items like peppercorns. I use mine to grind coarser herbs or dried peppers.