I seem to be unable to turn the black top piece. Am I just weak?
179570
You don't turn the black piece. It pushes up and down. That motion is what makes the blades of the chopper turn However, I find that if I fill the container too full or with large pieces, the black top will not come back up and I have to open the container to let the blades release before the black top can go back down again. Also, I sometimes cut my onion into smaller pieces before chopping them extremely fine in the chopper. Hope this helps.
179571
I concur with all other replies. Depress the black top gently and twist to release. Simply press to dice. I find it to best for garlic and herbs. Honestly, it doesn't compare to a mini Cuisinart, but it is a fraction if the price. I've also used a $10 mini proctor silex electric chopper with excellent results.
179572
To lock push down black top and turn according to the arrow, to unlock turn opposite and it will pop up. It's really easy and if yours isn't working then you have a chopper that is damaged.
179573
I can't imagine you are too weak. With mine, you turn the black top piece in one direction to pop it up for use, and push it down and turn it the other direction to lock it when not in use. When in the popped up position, you don't turn it to chop. You push it down. (See previous comment about what to do if food gets stuck)
179574
You have yo push down and twist with the palm of your hand to get it down, must work the opposite to pop it up to use.
179575
I had some trouble too until I saw the two white arrows on the side. turn it one way to lock it in the 'down' position (as shown). Twisting in the opposite direction makes the top pop up. I found this a little annoying until I realized this function prevented one of the conditions that made my previous choppers (dif. brand) fail. Good Luck...
1890547
Make sure the top is tightened all of the way. I thought my switch was broken until I twisted the top clockwise to tighten it.
1895279
I struggled with it too (all pieces are heavy). My solution was, instead of trying to screw the poll in, I kept the poll steady and span the marble base the opposite way which snapped on pretty easy. Getting help from someone else should make it easier too. Hope this helps.
271106
Hold each end and twist back on itself. Be firm, it will want to undo. Try a fewtimes and you will see how it wants to go
861863
This was an issue for me as well. You have to twist then pull apart. It is quite hard at times.
2092192
Mine has a key that you use to unlock it. You have to turn it more than halfway around, I think. It's a bit tricky at first. Hope you've figured it out!
674342
I wish I could help you with that. I had difficulty opening and closing it.
1816910
Hi Helena, I guess theres no trick...too much of muscle power.. I had this problem, i somehow forced it into the base and it is stuck forever now i guess the two side bars went inside the middle one is out...but its locked
520426
I think its just the way its made, try working it untill it works. Or maybe put it in a vice grip, then another, and twist. For mine I just hit it against a peice of wood a couple times lol but don't break it.
413489
You do just pull. I rotated mine first...like if you were unscrewing it...then gently but firmly pulled holding the black part closest to the main body. It was snug but still didn't take a whole lot to free it. Hope this helps.
1272077
It was not easy. Hold the bottom part with one hand and turn the top counter clockwise. It took a while, but finally worked.
1353299
I have the same issue. I have tried to fix it with no luck. Only thing that works is holding the handle at aslight angle. Over all I am not happy with this item.
1567166
Start from the top and work around carefully. Hope this helps. Also don't take it off too often other wise it might break.
1908430
I think you are supposed to be able to push the top to the side but it is really tough! I usually get something sharp like a tweezers and pry it under the tab to lift it up. Once you do that the first several times, it will loosen up a bit and you just need to push it to the side with your finger. I was stymied by this at first too!
1278043
Hi Dr. Mark it is really hard to do it. I was unable to do it. I had to have my brother come and help me and try to figure it out. He was able to do it but then just last week after one week of it staying on it fell down. I wish I could help you with it but you just need to turn it and then it is suppose to hold. The directions are very poor so it does not help much. Sorry.
538569
This is crazy, I'm having the same problem and I can not for the life of me budge that thing... my husband and I have both tried with all our strength. I'm about to throw it out a window.
1778456
Just take the bottom and top half and twist. It can be kind of difficult to open, I still struggle with mine.