Jams in your office’s paper shredder can be a nuisance. Annoying as they can be, in most cases, your shredder will still be completely operational—so don’t throw it away just yet. Here’s what to do when your paper shredder jams. Just follow these steps, and your shredder will be working again in no time.
Utilize the Reverse Function
Most modern paper shredders have a handy reverse function for these situations. Start by unplugging your shredder to avoid any potential injuries during cleaning. Next, empty out the waste bin below to prevent further jams in the blades. Next, reconnect the shredder and try running it in reverse. This process may shift the blockage in the blades and dislodge the stuck paper or plastic.
Manually Cleaning Jams
Not all paper shredders have a handy reverse function, and it might not always fix the issue, so follow these steps when you need to manually clear a shredder jam. First and foremost, unplug your shredder and remove the shredding section from the waste bin. Using a precise tool like tweezers, carefully remove the stuck bits of paper or plastic from the blades. If the pieces of paper are too long or weren’t shredded yet, cut these larger pieces with scissors for easier access. Once you’ve cleared the jam, piece the machine back together and try running another piece of paper through once it’s plugged in.
How To Prevent Future Jams
Once you’ve cleared your paper jam, make sure to follow these steps to prevent future jams. Properly cleaning and maintaining your shredder is the best way to keep it running smoothly. Make sure to clean and dust your paper shredder regularly. You should also get into the habit of treating the blades with a specialty blade oil. Alternatively, try running a piece of wax paper through the blades to lubricate them. Make sure to empty the waste bin regularly, especially when you notice the paper level filling up.
With these tips for what to do when your paper shredder jams, you now know how to fix those pesky shredder problems and prevent them in the future. Now your office can get back to safely shredding documents to protect your company’s privacy.
