Common Paper Shredder Problems and How to Fix Them

Paper shredders are great to use when you are concerned about privacy and preventing identity theft. However, the more you use your machine, the more likely you are to run into problems. Here are some problems you might experience with your machine, as well as a few quick fixes so you can get right back to shredding.

Paper shredders are great to use when you're concerned about privacy and preventing identity theft. However, the more you use your machine, the more likely you are to run into problems. Here are some problems you might experience with your machine, as well as a few quick fixes so you can get right back to shredding.

• It won't work at all. If your machine isn't working, the first thing to do is to check and see if your shredder is plugged in. Obviously, if the device isn't plugged in, it won't be able to work at all.

• You can't feed it paper even though the machine seems fine. First, check to see if there's a paper jam. If there is one, clear it up and you should be good to go. If there is no jam and the cutting mechanism is still operational, you probably need the help of a professional because there could be a problem with the motor or gears.

• Your shredder is making a horrible squeaking noise. If your machine is noisy, chances are you just need to oil it, which you should do every time you empty the waste bin. To oil your device, simply apply some shredder oil to the machine's blades, run it in reverse, and shred some paper. The paper will soak up any excess lubricant and your device sun be much quieter when it's running.

• The machine stopped all of a sudden. Some shredders require a cooling off time between uses. If you have such a device and it stops in the middle of shredding, it probably just needs a break. Turn it off and let it sit for about 30 minutes before you shred anything else.

• It won't shred as much as it used to, In this case, you probably just need to oil your machine. Regular maintenance such as this will allow you to shred what you need to when necessary.

• Your shredder is stuck in reverse mode. If this happens, try putting the device in the forward mode by pressing the corresponding button for several seconds. This should help clear up any paper that's stuck in the cutting head.

• Help! A paper jam! Jams are annoying but they're easy to fix. Use the "reverse" feature to get the machine to spit out any jammed pages. You can also try to remove the pages on your own by gently pulling on them. If you regularly experience jams, your shredder might need to be oiled. You should also make sure to not shred more sheets per pass than the machine can handle.

• Your shredder won't shut off. This is a relatively common problem with an easy fix: unplug the machine. If you experience this problem multiple times, there may be a paper blockage. To fix that, make sure the device is unplugged and then clear any bits away from the sensor. Turn the device back on and put it into forward mode for several seconds. That should solve the problem.

Finally, if you have a problem that's not listed here or you're still having trouble even after trying to fix things yourself, call a professional. Doing so will not only save your sanity, it will ensure your machine doesn't get damaged. (It will also protect your warranty.)

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