Obtain the manual, most are easily obtainable on line or at manufacturer's website under "support" (you will need to read the model number from the unit's label). At least certain models from Kitchen Aid do not have the typical hex socket underneath, instead have a feature that reverses the direction the motor turns on each activation, thereby automatically clearing most clogs. However, the unit will get to some point eventually (like mine did which is an Electra model KWE-200A) where the flywheel cracks and drops a piece into the lower housing possibly causing a jam that is impossible to clear permanently. In my case one of the flywheel nubs that retains the steel emacerator blade broke which left the cast nub floating inside the U shaped blade that was still otherwise held in place between the still intact flywheel casting and the shredder ring. The emacerator blades should "float" in their allowed space, allowing centripetal force to "fly" them outward against foodstuff that needs grinding when the flywheel spins. The broken nub not only put the blade out of alignment but caused the blade itself to jam against the ring. Repeatedly switching the unit on and off would free it enough for it to spin (with a horrendous grinding sound), only to jam again shortly. For my model at least, this is not repairable since the flywheel is no longer available, however I think the unit might have been original to the house built in 1985 so that is 29 years! I'm guessing whatever I replace it with won't be trouble free for as long. Hope this helps anyone coming across this page.
Ed in CT, January 2015
