Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Using paper
• Method 2 of 2: Lubricate the shredder without using paper
• Tips
• Warnings

Lubricating the paper shredder with oil is a standard but important procedure. Although the frequency of lubrication depends on the type of shredder and how often it is used, any shredder should be lubricated from time to time. When using the device, paper dust forms on the blades. By following the simple steps below, you will learn how to keep the shredder in good working order.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Using paper

1. 1 Place the paper on a flat surface. Place a piece of paper (letter or A4 paper is best) on a surface that can be easily cleaned of oil. Oil may spill onto this surface, so be sure not to harm it first.
2. 2 Take the oil recommended by the device manufacturer. Purchase the correct oil for the shredder. Different oil grades can be used for different shredders; usually, the oil can be purchased where you purchased the device itself.
   • If you are using an old shredder or one that is out of warranty, canola oil can be used. This will save you money as some manufacturers simply pack it and offer it as a lubricating oil.
3. 3 Apply oil to the paper in uneven lines. Spray the oil on the paper, moving from edge to edge. Be careful not to soak the paper too heavily in the oil, otherwise it will be difficult to handle.
   • Move along the paper in zigzags so that the oil evenly covers it.
4. 4 Turn on the paper shredder and insert the oiled paper into it. Cut a sheet of paper by passing it through the device. This will lubricate the shredder blades and spread evenly over them. As a result, it will run more smoothly.
   • Make sure the paper is not wrinkled or torn, as this may cause the shredder to malfunction.
5. 5 Pass a few more sheets of paper through the shredder to absorb the excess oil. Insert several sheets of paper one at a time into the device and crush them, removing excess oil from the blades.

Method 2 of 2: Lubricate the shredder without using paper

1. 1 Take the manufacturer's recommended oil. Purchase the grade of oil recommended by the device manufacturer.Different grades of oil can be used for different shredders; usually, the required oil can be purchased from the place where you bought the shredder.
   • If you are using an old shredder or one that is out of warranty, canola oil can be used. This will save you money as some manufacturers simply pack it and offer it as a lubricating oil.
2. 2 Switch the shredder to manual mode. This mode will allow you to control the direction and length of rotation of the blades, which will be needed during the lubrication process.
3. 3 Pour some oil over the inlet of the device. With the shredder turned off, sprinkle oil along the paper feed slot. Oil will seep in and onto the blades.
4. 4 Run the shredder in the opposite direction, letting it work in this mode for 10-20 seconds. Turn the device back on and wait 10-20 seconds before stopping it. As a result, the oil will spread evenly over the surface of the blades.
5. 5 Switch the shredder to automatic mode. Disable manual mode and place the device in standard automatic mode.
6. 6 Pass a few sheets of paper through the shredder to remove excess oil. Use a shredder to shred at least two to three sheets to absorb the excess oil on the blades.

Tips

• The frequency of lubrication depends on how intensively the device is used. If the shredder is used constantly in the office, it should be lubricated several times a week; if it is at home and is rarely used, it will be enough to lubricate it several times a year. As a rule, manufacturers recommend lubricating the shredder after every half hour of continuous operation.
• Cross cut shredders require more frequent lubrication as they have more blades and generate more paper dust.
• Greasing more often may also be necessary if you are shredding large quantities of paper at one time or shredding special types of paper.
• A good rule of thumb is to grease the shredder every time you change your waste paper bag.

Warnings

• When starting up the unit, keep your hands away from the unit to avoid injury.