Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Using paper
• Method 2 of 2: Lubricate the shredder without paper
• Tips
• Warnings

Lubricating a paper shredder is an important part of your routine. Although the frequency with which you lubricate it depends on the type of shredder and how often it is used, it is inevitable that you will have to lubricate the device at some point. When a shredder is used, paper dust is created that clings to the blades of the shredder. You only have to follow a few steps to maintain your shredder.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Using paper

1. Place a sheet of paper on a surface. Place a sheet of paper (letter size or A4 is best) on a surface where oil can be easily cleaned. You might spill oil on it, so be careful not to damage the surface if that happens.
2. Obtain manufacturer-approved oil. Purchase the manufacturer's recommended oil for the shredder. Different shredders require different oils and you can usually buy the oil where you bought the shredder.
   • If you're using an old shredder and / or one without a warranty, you can use canola oil as a substitute instead of buying oil. The oil some companies produce is actually repackaged canola oil, so you can save some money by using canola oil.
3. Apply the oil to the paper in a zigzag pattern. Drizzle the oil on one side of the paper in a zigzag pattern. Try not to soak the paper or use too much oil or it could turn out a bit of a mess.
   • The zigzag lines should stretch all the way from side to side to ensure adequate coverage.
4. Turn on the shredder and shred the oil-covered paper. Shred the oil-covered paper by running it through the machine. While the paper is being shredded, the oil remains on the blades and the oil is then redistributed. This keeps the paper shredder running smoothly.
   • Make sure the paper is not wrinkled and damaged, or it may cause the machine to malfunction.
5. Put a few more sheets of paper in the shredder to soak up the excess oil. Put a few more pieces of paper in the shredder so that they absorb the extra oil that remains on the blades.

Method 2 of 2: Lubricate the shredder without paper

1. Obtain manufacturer-approved oil. Purchase the manufacturer's recommended oil for the shredder. Different shredders require different oils and you can usually buy the oil where you bought the shredder.
   • If you're using an old shredder and / or one without a warranty, you can use canola oil as a substitute instead of buying oil. The oil some companies produce is actually repackaged canola oil, so you can save some money by using canola oil.
2. Put the shredder in manual mode. You can control the direction the blades turn and the time they move by setting the shredder to manual mode. You need this to lubricate the paper.
3. Spray a little oil along the paper feed line. With the shredder off, spray a line of oil lengthwise across the paper feed. This will get the oil to the entire length of the blades.
4. Run the shredder in reverse for 10 to 20 seconds. Start the shredder in reverse and keep it moving for 10 to 20 seconds before stopping the blades. In this way, the oil is spread and redistributed throughout the cutting system.
5. Return the shredder to automatic mode. Switch off manual mode and restart the device in normal automatic mode.
6. Put a few more sheets of paper in the shredder to soak up the excess oil. Run at least two or three more sheets of paper through the shredder so that they absorb the extra oil that remains on the blades.

Tips

• Lubricate the shredder according to how often you use it.Paper shredders that are heavily used in the office will need to be lubricated several times a week, while those for home use probably only need to be oiled a few times a year. Manufacturers usually recommend oiling the shredder every 30 minutes of cumulative use.
• Cross-cut shredders need more frequent lubrication as they have more blades and create more paper dust.
• You may need to grease the machine more often if you shred large amounts of paper at once or if you use certain types of material.
• A good reminder is to lubricate the device every time you replace the waste paper bag.

Warnings

• When starting the machine, keep your hand away from the shredder to avoid injury.