How to Oil Paper Shredder?

Paper Shredders need oil. Paper dust builds up in the cutting assembly and sets jointly like cement. Oil mitigates packed dust, which lets the movement of the cutting head to throw it out. The better the cut shredder makes the more oil it requires. Small element cut shredders and D.O.D. spec machines need much oiling, and for these machines experts suggest an automatic lubricating mechanism. Many companies sell special mix of oil, which works exceptionally in these machines. Shredder oil is particularly prepared to work in combination with your shredder cutting assembly, and available in not only bottles, but also in form of spray cans. To stay away from voiding your warranty, you must use the suggested shredding oil. Do not try to replace with motor oils, WD 40 or other lubricants.

All cross cut and confetti cut paper shredders need frequent (monthly or more often) oiling of the cutting blades to keep appropriate process. Failure to oil the blades frequently could result in decreased sheet capacity performance, too much noise during process, paper jams and probably shredder breakdown. Strip or straight cut shredders do not have need of oiling. You should oil your crosscut paper shredder on regular basis. If you are shredding a small volume such as only 50 sheets a week or if you are using a small shredder, then you should oil your shredder on the daily basis. If you are destroying a larger volume such as hundreds of sheets, then oil after 30 minutes of usage or after you unfilled the bag.

One way is to apply the oil through the paper inserting throat of the shredder and with one action, spray a line of oil across the cutting blades. The shredder can then be run in opposite direction for ten to twenty seconds to help in dispensing the oil throughout the cutting assembly, and then feed the shredder a few pieces of paper to clean any remaining oil from the blades.

Another technique which is frequently used is to spread the oil over a sheet of paper, and then insert the paper through the paper throat of the shredder. The oil should be spread equally across the paper to make sure that the whole cutter assembly is uniformly oiled. The easiest method to complete this is to apply the oil through a zig-zag movement across the page, making sure not to soak the paper with oil. It is best to apply a small amount of oil on the paper, and then do the procedure two or three times again until the shredder assembly is well oiled. Then just as in the first technique, a few pieces of paper should be inserted into the shredder to clean up any remaining oil.

Regardless of which method you decide, apply the oil at frequent intervals. It is important for the life of office and home paper shredders that they must be oiled regularly. A crosscut paper shredder makes more dust than strip shredders, so oiling for these shredders should be much more regular. A little repair will make sure that you experience long shredder life, and better shredding.