Oops! If you've just clogged your office paper shredder, this might be an inconvenient issue that you're going to need to fix. After all, you'll either need to complete the shredding job or hand the shredder over to an employee who will want to use it after you. We've all been there. When the shredder jams, you're going to need to unclog it.
Well, there's a way to unjam a shredder effectively to solve this problem. If you're looking for the secret method, we've outlined the steps you'll need to take in this article.
Paper Shredder Jam Solutions: What You Should Do
There's no need to panic in this situation. The paper jam might have happened unexpectedly, but to remove the paper remains it, just consider and take the steps we've outlined below!
Switch it Off and Unplug it First
You'll need to unplug the shredder first. This is a critical first step to help you avoid any hazards, such as trapped fingers or electrical damage, should the shredder suddenly come back to life during the unjamming process. So make sure you switch off the shredder and then unplug it before doing anything else.
Take All Waste Out of the Waste Basket
There's a chance the shredder jam is caused by full waste basket, which is why you might be able to solve this problem with a pretty simple step. Empty the waste basket by removing the shredded paper. Then you'll want to plug it in, switch it on, and then try the shredder again.
Run the Shredder in Reverse
A jammed shredder might be more difficult to fix and require more than just emptying the waste basket. If the blockage isn't budging, try running the shredder in reverse. This requires you to press the reverse button or control, which might shift the jammed paper and free the shredder blades. You can also alternate between running the shredder forward and in reverse if it's jammed in both directions.
Remove the Paper Using Tweezers
If you've tried all of the above and found that it didn't work, you might need to use another solution. Unplug the shredder and remove the top shredding portion. Get a pair of tweezers or a sharp knife and manually remove the strands of paper from the blades and the thin paper insert slot.
Don't forget to lubricate the blades using a few generous drops of commercial shredder oil, which can counteract any residue or paper dust and help the paper move through the blades.
3 Shredding Machine Accessories to Help Resolve Paper Jams
Now, there are a few simple shredding machine accessories that can really help you resolve paper jams quickly and efficiently. The main ones include shredder oil and shredder waste bags for disposing of cut curled-up pieces during particularly nasty jams. Here are the shredding machine accessories we recommend.
Fellowes Powershred Performance Oil
Lubricating a shredder is important to keep the paper flowing through and the blades functioning as expected. Many shredders have their specific brand of shredder oil to help ensure the machine functions at peak performance. The Fellowes brand, for example, offers the Fellowes Powershred Performance Oil , which conditions the cutters and is easily applied thanks to its extended nozzle.
This solution, which we stock at BuyDirect, is specifically for cross-cut and micro-cut shredders, and we recommend using the oil at least twice a month.
HSM Of America Shredder Oil
If you've got an HSM brand of shredder, you'll want to use shredder oil to prolong its life. It's especially important if you want to avoid time-consuming paper jams. The ideal solution for this is the HSM Of America Shredder Oil . Manufacturers created this oil to slow the wear and tear of the cutters in the HSM Of America brand shredders.
It comes with an easy-apply nozzle so that you can apply the solution with accuracy. As you use this solution, you can easily prolong the life of your office shredder.
Universal High-Density Shredder Bags (16 gal capacity)
When you've removed all of the waste from the shredder, you're going to need a bag to dispose of the paper. Many options are available, such as the Universal High-Density Shredder Bags . With solutions that are puncture-resistant, you can rest assured that the bags will not tear and that no waste will fall out. This is what the Universal High-Density Shredder Bags offer.
Since they're made of polyethylene resin, these bags can easily contain shredded paper and plastic. They can also fit up to 16 gallons of paper materials, so you can carry and dispose of plenty as you unjam the shredder.
3 High-Grade Shredders that Power Through Jams
But there are a few shredder machines that can help you keep paper jams to a minimum for each shredding job you complete! We've listed three high-grade options that you might consider if you're looking for a smoother, faster, less time-consuming, efficient shredding job.
#1 Fellowes Powershred LX200
Constantly experiencing paper jams when shredding documents? It can be a frustrating process that takes up a lot of time. You'll need to unclog the paper jam before you can use the machine again. But that's where the Fellowes Powershred LX200 machine can be ideal. It offers a 100% Jam Proof™ system that detects and powers through jams, and it does this automatically.
This shredder can shred up to 12 sheets per pass and shreds continuously for 10 minutes, so it's an efficient machine that makes light work of high-volume shredding jobs.
#2 HSM Of America Shredstar X20 Cross-Cut Shredder
If you're frequently shredding thick paper or want to avoid getting paper stuck in the blades, you might want to upgrade to a jam-free shredding machine. The HSM Of America Shredstar X20 Cross-Cut Shredder offers Anti-Jam™ technology that puts a stop to jams when the machine has an excessive paper load.
It also offers a continuous-duty operation feature that ensures the shredding process is continuous and doesn't require downtime. Since it also has a quiet operation, this machine is convenient and smooth to use.
#3 GBC DX20-19 Cross-Cut Jam Free Shredder
Need a solution that will prevent jams before they happen? The GBC DX20-19 Cross-Cut Jam Free Shredder is ideal. This machine has a non-stop Jam Free™ indicator that emits a red light if you've accidentally added too much paper. It will emit a green light when the paper amount aligns with the machine's capacity.
Since it also comes with self-cleaning cutters, this means you'll not need to use extensive shredder maintenance methods to keep it performing well.
Find Solutions to Unjam Your Shredder at BuyDirect
Paper-jammed shredders can cause delays and slow down your productivity. But with the right solutions, you can unjam your shredder with minimal issues. All of the products listed in this article are available at BuyDirect, and they'll make it easier to keep your shredder running optimally.
If you're also interested in upgrading to a jam-free shredder, we have those too! Make sure you head to BuyDirect to begin browsing. Then, place your order to unjam or upgrade your shredder and avoid wasting time with a paper jam.
FAQs
We've got more information about paper shredders below. Check the FAQs!
How Do I Reset a Paper Shredder?
It simply requires you to switch the machine off and then unplug the shredder from the power source. Then, you'll have to wait about half an hour. Once 30 minutes have passed, you can plug the shredder back in and switch it on.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Paper Shredder?
They can last a very long time, and the best brands such as the ones at BuyDirect last even longer. Some may last approximately three years, while the highest-quality machines will last up to 10 years even with frequent use or when using them with DVDs, laminated paper pages, and thicker or harder materials, aside from ordinary paper. This longevity is increased when you maintain them regularly.
Does a Shredder Use a Lot of Electricity?
Not as much as you might think. A shredder typically consumes 200W of power each hour. If you're unsure what this means, it's similar to other office appliances you might be using, such as a printer or a computer. Even though some shredding jobs might exceed 200W of energy, it still doesn't consume significant amounts.