Buzz
Oiling your office paper shredder is a crucial aspect of your routine. Regardless of the shredder type or usage frequency, lubrication will inevitably be required to maintain the machine's efficiency. When using a shredder, paper dust accumulates and can adhere to the blades. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure your shredder stays well-maintained.
Procedure
Utilizing the Paper
Position a Sheet of Paper on a Suitable Surface. Select a surface, preferably one that is oil-resistant, to place a sheet of paper (preferably letter size or A4). This surface should be easily cleaned in case of oil spillage.
Get manufacturer-approved oil. Purchase the oil specified by the manufacturer of your paper shredder. Different shredders require different oils, typically available where you bought your shredder.
- If your paper shredder is old or out of warranty, you can substitute canola oil instead of purchasing the specified oil. Some brands use repackaged canola oil, so using canola oil can save you some money.
Apply the oil to the paper in a zigzag pattern. Drizzle the oil onto one side of the paper in a zigzag pattern. Be cautious not to oversaturate the paper, as excess oil can lead to messiness.
- Ensure the zigzags span the entire width of the paper to ensure even coverage.
Turn on the paper shredder and shred the oil-coated paper. Run the oil-coated paper through the shredder to shred it. As the paper shreds, the blades will become coated with oil, ensuring smooth operation.
- Make sure the paper is not folded or damaged to prevent machine malfunctions.
Feed a few additional papers into the shredder to soak up excess oil. Pass a few more sheets of paper through the shredder to absorb any excess oil remaining on the blades.
Oiling the Shredder Without Paper
Acquire manufacturer-approved oil. Procure the oil recommended for your paper shredder by its manufacturer. Different shredders require different oils, typically available at the place of purchase.
- If you're using an old or out-of-warranty paper shredder, you can substitute canola oil instead of buying specialized oil. Some brands use repackaged canola oil, allowing you to save some money.
Adjust the shredder to manual mode. Switching the shredder to manual mode grants you control over the blade direction and duration of operation. This is necessary for oiling the paper.
Apply a thin line of oil along the paper entry point. With the shredder turned off, apply oil lengthwise along the paper entry. This ensures oil coverage across the entire blade length.
Operate the shredder in reverse for 10-20 seconds. Initiate the shredder in reverse mode and let it run for 10-20 seconds before halting. This spreads the oil evenly throughout the cutting assembly.
Return the shredder to automatic mode. Deactivate manual mode and switch the machine back to automatic mode for regular use.
Insert a few sheets of paper into the shredder to soak up excess oil. Feed at least two or three additional pieces of paper into the shredder to absorb any leftover oil on the blades.
Helpful Advice
- Oil your paper shredder based on usage frequency. Office shredders that see heavy use may require oiling several times a week, whereas home shredders may only need oiling a few times annually. Manufacturers typically recommend oiling the shredder every 30 minutes of cumulative use.
- Cross-cut shredders will require more frequent oiling due to their multiple blades and increased paper dust production.
- Shredding large volumes of paper at once or using certain materials can also necessitate more frequent oiling.
Warnings
- Keep your hands well away from the paper shredder when starting the machine to avoid injury.
