Are you a fan of gel blasters or splatter guns, but frustrated by their occasional malfunctions? You’re not alone. Even the most high-quality blasters can encounter common problems like jamming, misfiring, not charging, not loading, or abnormal noise. Fortunately, many of these issues can be resolved with a bit of troubleshooting.
From basic maintenance to advanced repairs, we’ll help you get your blaster back in top shape and ready to take on your next match. Whether you’re a seasoned blaster user or a beginner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to get the most out of your equipment. So grab your blaster, and let’s get started!
What To Do If Your Gel Blaster Is Not Charging?
Charging problems aren’t too uncommon in toys that use rechargeable batteries. Especially as your gel blaster gun gets old and undergoes more wear and tear, you may have trouble charging it. Possible reasons why your gel blaster isn’t charging include the following:
- The battery doesn’t work anymore. Use a spare battery to check if the problem persists.
- A faulty charger. You may try using a different charger to see if that fixes the issue. If it does not, you just need a new charger.
- Keep the charger connected to the gel blaster overnight even after it is fully charged. This can cause some serious issues such as damaging the battery permanently. So, always remove the charger after the charging process is complete.
- A technical issue in the gun can hamper the charging process, resulting in heating up the battery and a fire hazard, which was a common problem in gel blaster surge 1.0 before they were recalled. If you find a similar problem in the newer versions, contact the manufacturer or your seller.
Gel Blaster Charger Flashing: The Solution
Gel blaster chargers use LEDs to indicate the gun’s current charging state. Usually, a flashing light means that the battery is getting charged. When the battery is full, the light will turn to a solid red or green depending on the specific model. Here are some common reasons and solutions to this problem:
- Low environmental temperature. The ideal temperature should be between 10°C and 30°C.
- You did not charge the gel blaster battery for a long time or the battery is dead. Replacement of the battery is the only option here.
- Electrical connection problem between the battery and charger. In this case, you have to repair your gel blaster with the help of a professional.
Why Is Splat R Ball Gun Battery Discharging Fast?
A fully charged gel blaster battery allows you to play for at least two to three hours. Some models even last four hours or more, as claimed by the manufacturers. As batteries get older, they start losing their ability to hold charge.
However, if your Splat R ball gun is new and its battery seems to run out of energy too often even after you follow the proper charging process, you must contact the manufacturer and replace it. There is no other option.
Why Are Gel Blaster Balls Breaking Down?
Although gel blaster balls are soft, they’re supposed to retain their integrity at least until impact. If your gel beads are breaking down while leaving the gun, it could be due to different reasons.
- You may have soaked the gel blaster balls for too long. They keep getting softer as they absorb water. Eventually, the friction in the gun’s barrel or the impact from the piston would be enough to break them apart. Do not soak Orbeez balls for longer than six hours. Remember to keep the size between 6 and 8 mm.
- Cheap gel blasters may have poor-quality components, especially plastic barrels, that can easily bend and cause the beads to break down. Taking the gel blaster to a store and replacing the barrel with a more durable one can help you.
- The gap between the end of the barrel and the hop-up/ramp might be too big. It would cause the gel beads to hit a sharp edge and burst.
- One may also experience this common problem due to poor-quality gel balls. Next time, buy Orbeez from a different brand and see if the issue persists.
Gel Blaster Jamming: Causes & Solutions
Jamming is a common problem I’ve faced with my gel blasters. However, eventually, I began to understand why they get jammed and how to prevent it. Let’s find out.
- Dirt and debris: Pretty much any toy must be cleaned occasionally, but this is especially true for gel blasters. With dirt, moisture, and debris constantly entering the system, it’s easy for grime to build up and clog the gun. To fix a blaster jammed with dirt, simply remove the barrel and wipe off the dirt using a soft cloth. You may dip a cotton swab in a cleaning solution and use it to clean the inside of the barrel.
- Disintegrating Orbeez: You’re more likely to experience frequent gel blaster jamming while using old gel beads. As they get older, they begin to turn brittle and can easily disintegrate inside the gun. This, in turn, fills up the blaster with debris and jams it. Using poor-quality Orbeez results in the same problem too.
- Overhydrated gel beads: As I mentioned, you must be careful while hydrating the gel blaster balls. Soaking them in water for too long makes them prone to breaking and clogging the blaster. Besides, the gel beads can also jam the gun simply because they’re too large for it.
- Malfunctioning gearbox: A malfunctioning gearbox or a spring can cause the blaster to jam. If this is the case, the gel blaster may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Improper loading of the gel balls: If the gel balls are not loaded correctly, they may get stuck in the barrel, causing the blaster to jam. Check the next section for its solution.
Related Guide: Working Method Of Gel Blasters
What To Do If Gel Blaster Is Not Loading?
If your gel blaster is not loading properly, there could be a few reasons why. Here are some troubleshooting steps to follow:
- Check the magazine: Make sure that the magazine loads correctly and that the gel balls are not too tightly packed together. If the magazine does not load correctly, the gel balls may not be able to feed properly into the blaster.
- Check the hop-up: The hop-up attachment is responsible for adding spin to the gel balls as they are fired, which can improve their accuracy. If the hop-up is not set correctly on your blaster, it can cause feeding issues. Try adjusting the hop up and see if that helps.
- Check the tappet plate: The tappet plate is responsible for pushing the gel balls into the hop-up chamber. If the tappet plate is broken or not functioning properly, it can cause feeding issues. Replace the tappet plate if necessary.
- Check the motor: If the motor is not functioning properly, it can cause the gears to turn too slowly or not at all, which can prevent the gel balls from feeding properly. Check the motor and replace it if necessary.
If none of these troubleshooting steps solve the issue of improper loading, you may need to take your blaster to a professional technician for further inspection and repair. After it is fixed, follow the correct method of loading your gel blaster gun.
What Causes A Gel Blaster Loading But Not Shooting?
This is probably the problem you fear the most – your gel blaster is not shooting anymore. Depending on the reason, it could be an easy fix or require major repairs. Here’s how you can troubleshoot a gel blaster that isn’t shooting.
- Battery problem: If the battery is not fully charged or is weak, it may not provide enough power to the blaster to shoot properly. Make sure to charge the battery or try using a different battery to see if that helps.
- Gearbox malfunction: The gearbox is responsible for controlling the firing mechanism in the blaster. If the gearbox is not functioning properly, it can cause the blaster to shoot inconsistently or not at all. Check the gearbox and replace any damaged or worn parts as needed.
- Check the barrel: If the barrel is dirty or clogged, it can affect the accuracy and range of the blaster. Clean the barrel with a cleaning rod and a soft cloth.
- Low-quality gel balls: If the gel balls are low quality or have been left out in the sun for too long, they may not shoot properly. Use high-quality gel balls and store them in a cool, dry place.
- Wiring or motor issues: Problems in the electronic components, i.e., the motor and wiring, can also prevent a gel blaster from shooting. You’ll have to replace a faulty motor entirely, while you can usually resolve wiring problems by fixing a broken connection.
Also Read: Splat R Ball Gun Not Shooting- The Fixes
Gel Blaster Shooting But Not Covering Enough Range
While the gel blaster range varies from model to model, the gel beads can usually reach a fairly decent distance of 30-80 feet. If your new toy gun isn’t shooting as far as its advertised range, or you notice a sudden drop in your blaster’s shooting distance, it’s likely due to a faulty internal component.
A rusty, broken, or incorrectly positioned spring might be the reason. In fact, most of the time, a gel blaster starts firing weakly due to problems in the spring. A low battery, broken air-seal, or T-piece can also significantly reduce the Orbeez gun’s range and firing velocity.
Why Do Sometimes Splatter Guns Make Weird Noises?
Like any device with moving parts, a splatter gun might start making weird noises due to internal problems. In most cases, this is usually the result of stripped internal parts related to the gears. Here are some possible causes and their solutions:
- Low battery: If the battery is low, it may not provide enough power to the motor, causing the splatter ball gun to make unusual noises. Try replacing or charging the battery to see if that helps.
- Jammed gears: If the gears inside the gun are jammed or misaligned, they can cause the motor to make unusual noises. Disassemble the gun and check the gears to see if they need to be cleaned or replaced.
- Loose parts: If any parts inside the gel blaster gun are loose or broken, they can cause rattling or clanging noises. Check all parts of the gun to make sure they are securely in place and replace any broken parts as needed.
- Damaged motor: If the motor is damaged or worn, it can make unusual noises when it runs. Check the motor and replace it if necessary.
Here are some tips to reduce noise in a gel blaster. If you are unable to identify or fix the issue, it may be best to take your splatter gun to a professional technician for further inspection and repair.
Here is a video on diagnosing and troubleshooting gel blasters and splatter ball guns.
Be it loading problems or low firing power, a malfunctioning gel blaster can put a damper on the whole excitement of playing. Thankfully, you can fix many of the issues yourself, as I discussed above. Some common problems do require professional expertise to repair, such as faulty components.
The best way to avoid such issues is to invest in a good gel blaster gun in the first place. Don’t go for cheap ones just to save some money – repairs, and upgrades will add up to the costs in the long run. Not only do poor-quality components tend to break easily, but they can also hinder the gun’s performance.
Hi Tavish,
Thanks to your helpful guide, my child’s gel blaster is now back in action! Upon realizing that it wasn’t shooting anymore, I followed your advice and inspected the barrel. After giving it a thorough cleaning, the blaster is now functioning perfectly. We are both grateful.
Thanks
John
That sounds awesome John and I am very happy to help you out! Hope you are having a great time with your blaster now. Don’t hesitate to contact me for any further help.
Hi Tavish, I’ve just replaced my barrel with a metal one and the gel balls keep getting stuck in the barrel. Any idea ?
Hello Jimmy. It sounds like either the bore diameter of the barrel is too short or the balls are much bigger than the standard limit. So, please check these two points with your gel blaster and I am sure that you will find a solution. All the best.
Hello, my Gel Blaster Surge wasn’t functioning correctly, so I decided to disassemble it. However, when I removed the interior part responsible for shooting the Orbeez, the spring came out and I’m having trouble putting it back in place. Could you please assist me with this?
Of course, I’d be happy to help you with your gel blaster surge issue! It sounds like you’re having trouble reassembling the internal components of your gel blaster after taking it apart. Follow these steps:
1. Inspect: Carefully examine the spring to identify the spring’s orientation and where it might fit. They are usually part of the firing mechanism, providing tension to propel the gellets.
2. Position: Identify the slot or area where the spring was originally located. It might be near the plunger or the area where the gel balls are loaded. Use your tweezers if necessary to carefully position the spring in its correct location.
3. Secure: Gently press or secure the spring in its designated slot. It should sit snugly and provide tension when compressed. Make sure it’s aligned properly and doesn’t interfere with other components.
Remember that working with small parts and springs can be delicate, so take your time and remain patient throughout the process. If it seems too difficult, I would advise taking it to a repair shop. Best of luck, and I hope your Surge blaster will be working perfectly again soon!
Hi Tavish,
I’m not sure how you can help, but maybe you can point me in the right direction. You seem to be the man to go to, from what I see.
I received a Gel Blaster Starfire as a gift and was excited to plug it in and go to town with it. However, I did not observe any lights signifying that it was charging or charged at all – no lights at all. I plugged it in for about 2 hours with the supplied type C cable and a standard block, but there were no results. Later, I discovered that the female side of the connection to the motor was toasted. When I unplugged it, the prong from the red positive side of the connector had broken off and stayed in the male connector. I disconnected everything and removed the circuit board. Now I’m left with a disassembled, malfunctioning Gel Blaster that I didn’t get to use. Luckily, I hadn’t soaked my beads yet.
So, that’s my dilemma. If you have any suggestions or remedies for me, I would be grateful.
Thank you very much.
Jon
Hello Jon,
I’m sorry to hear about the issues you’ve encountered with your Gel Blaster Starfire. It’s frustrating when something you’re excited about doesn’t work out as expected. Although it’s hard to provide a solution without checking it in person, let’s try to troubleshoot this together and hopefully get your blaster up and running.
To start, examine the toasted female connector and circuit board for visible damage. Next, get a matching replacement connector and solder it carefully if needed. Now, ensure wires are intact and soldered securely to the circuit board. Reassemble the blaster, aligning components properly. Plug it in and watch for charging lights. If they appear, it’s a positive sign.
I would also advise reaching out to Gel Blaster Customer Care to check if you’re covered by warranty. And if you find the above steps too complicated, I highly recommend showing your gun to a professional repair center.
Best of luck,
Tavish
Hello Tavish,
Thank you for your quick response.
I think I will try to contact customer care and see if a warranty can provide me a result. If not, I will attempt to solder a new connector in place. I just have to do my homework in order to find the exact replacement connector.
I believe your input was spot on and about all I can do. You’ve been a help and are much appreciated.
Thanks again,
Jon
You’re welcome Jon. I am glad to help you.
Hi there, you seem pretty knowledgeable. My son received a Gel Blaster Surge (green) as a gift. He played with it for one day, and now it only displays a white light when turned on. I cannot find any specific information regarding the white light; everything I’ve read online only mentions the green or red light. Do you have any idea what it indicates? The gun doesn’t do anything.
Hello Kasey, is the white light located on the blaster or the charging cable?
I hope that your problem is resolved. Have a great day!
My Gel Blaster Surge XL won’t stay on after I unplug the charger. The small green light on the side with the white ‘GB’ lettering turns off immediately, and it will not shoot at all. Please help.
I’m sorry to hear that you’re experiencing issues with your Gel Blaster Surge XL. It sounds like there might be a problem with the battery or the charging process. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:
1. Check the Battery: First, ensure that the battery is fully charged. Plug the charger back in and leave it connected until the charger indicates that the battery is fully charged (usually, the indicator light will turn from red to green).
2. Inspect the Battery Contacts: Sometimes, poor contact between the battery and the blaster can cause issues. Make sure the battery is securely inserted into the blaster, and that there’s no dirt or debris on the battery contacts or inside the battery compartment.
3. Check for Loose Wires: Examine the blaster for any loose wires or connections. If you find any, carefully reattach them to their proper places. Loose connections can prevent the blaster from functioning correctly.
4. Test with a Different Battery: If you have access to another compatible battery, try using it with your Gel Blaster. This will help determine whether the issue is with the battery or the blaster itself.
5. Review the Manual: Refer to the user manual that came with your Gel Blaster Surge XL. It often contains troubleshooting steps specific to your model that can be very helpful.
6. Contact Customer Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it’s advisable to get in touch with the manufacturer’s customer support or seek assistance from a professional technician. They can provide guidance and might be able to repair or replace any faulty components.
Remember to prioritize safety while handling gel blasters, and never attempt any modifications or repairs that you’re not comfortable with or that could void your warranty.
I want to upgrade the O-ring of my gel blaster. Can you help me determine the best size of O-ring for my M416? Thank you.
Hello John, the size of the O-ring depends on the specific model of your blaster (as there are many varieties of M416 guns). In most cases, I have used 1x1x1 cm green O-rings that weigh hardly 10 grams. These are usually the best options.
Hello! I received a gel gun as a gift from a friend last year. I plugged in my charger, and it is flashing green. I left it alone to charge for a couple of hours and tried my gun again, but it still doesn’t work. What should I do?
Flashing green lights are quite normal when charging a gel blaster; in fact, it indicates the charging process. However, if it does not turn on after 2-3 hours, there might be an issue. Since you started using it after almost a year, the battery could be faulty, and I highly recommend taking it to an expert technician near your location. I could provide more assistance if I knew the model of your blaster.
I’m currently facing an issue with my Surge XL. I am unsure about the correct gear positioning and where to find information to ensure I am placing them back correctly. This uncertainty arises after replacing the gasket, performing spring modification, and upgrading the battery, among other things.
If you could spare some time to guide me on where to find this information or provide insights on how the gears should be positioned, I would be elated. If resolving this requires a financial investment, please let me know the associated costs, and I will do my best to accommodate. Thank you for taking the time to assist me.
Hello Adrian,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns about the gear positioning in your Surge XL gel blaster. I understand how frustrating it can be to encounter issues, especially after performing modifications.
I’m more than happy to assist you in resolving the gear positioning problem. It’s important to remember the sequence of dismantling, as you have to fit the parts in the opposite order. To ensure the gears are correctly placed, please follow these steps:
1. Check if your Surge XL gel blaster came with a user manual. The manual usually contains valuable information about the assembly and positioning of various components, including gears.
2. Watch this video on YouTube. While it explains the process of assembly and disassembly of the Gel Blaster Surge Gen 3, the procedure for XL would not be very different.
3. Contact the manufacturer’s customer support. Although the warranty is now void, they may be able to provide guidance on gear positioning based on your particular modifications.
If you have already tried these steps, let me know. In that case, due to the complexity of the modifications you’ve made, I’ll write a follow-up article specifically addressing the positioning of different parts after upgrading a gel blaster. If so, it would help if you could send me the pictures of the gears and where you are getting stuck to my email: [email protected].
My gel blaster surge is dying after approximately 50 shots. I can’t even finish the whole bottle without it shutting down. Are there any fixes? I prefer not to take things apart, but if that’s the only way to fix it, I’m willing to give it a try.
I’m delighted to assist you in resolving the issue. First and foremost, could you please confirm whether the battery is fully charged? If it wasn’t fully powered before the game, the problem may stem from a faulty battery. Let me know if this is indeed the case.
Yes, there was a green light but dies quickly.
The green light indicates that it was charged, but if it drained quickly, it is recommended to power it up fully as per the user manual. Most blasters require at least 2 hours of charging before use. If the issue persists, please contact the manufacturer’s customer care.