Symptoms of a Paper Jam

Common Signs of a Jam:

• Paper is not fully shredded.
• Shredder gets stuck in reverse.
• Unusual grinding or high-pitched noises.
• Paper only pulls in on one side.
• Shredder stops mid-operation.

Quick Fix:

• Step 1: Use the reverse function to try and clear the jam.
• Step 2: If that doesn’t work or if your shredder doesn’t have a reverse function, turn it off and unplug it.
• Step 3: Carefully remove the jammed paper with tweezers (never use your fingers near the blades). You can also use a vacuum to clear out paper dust.
• Step 4: Turn the shredder back on to see if the issue is resolved. Lubricate the blades using our lubrication sheets to keep the shredder running smoothly.

Shredder Overheating

Symptoms of Overheating:

• The shredder stops running in the middle of use without any visible jam.

Quick Fix:

• Step 1: Turn off the shredder and leave it to cool down for at least 30 minutes.
• Step 2: If it still doesn’t start, check for a jam or full paper bin.
• Tip: If overheating happens frequently, you may need a more heavy-duty shredder for longer shredding sessions.

Unusual Noises and Shredder Malfunction

Symptoms of Needing Maintenance:

• Shredder runs but doesn’t pull in paper.
• Paper isn’t being shredded properly.
• Shredder hesitates to start or makes unusual noises (grinding, high-pitched, or louder than usual).
• Shredder is running slower than before.

Quick Fix:

• Step 1: Run the reverse function briefly to loosen any paper fibres.
• Step 2: Turn off or unplug the shredder and empty the paper bin.
• Step 3: Use a vacuum along the paper slot to clean out any dust or particles.
• Step 4: Lubricate the blades with our lubrication sheets.

Regular maintenance will help keep your shredder performing well and extend its lifespan. We recommend cleaning and maintaining your shredder once a month if it used regularly.