Step 3 · Manually Turn Disposal Blades

This is the step people usually slow down on. Go finger-tight first, then a quarter turn. No rush — replay the clip whenever it helps.

Even after removing visible obstructions, the blades (impellers) might still be stuck. Locate the small hexagonal hole on the very bottom of the disposal unit. Insert the Allen wrench that came with your disposal (often called a jam-buster wrench) into this hole. If you don't have it, a standard 1/4-inch Allen wrench will usually fit. Turn the wrench back and forth with firm pressure. This will manually rotate the blades, freeing them from whatever was causing the jam. You should feel the blades move freely in both directions when the jam is cleared.