Shredding documents is vital for maintaining office privacy and organization, but nothing disrupts productivity like a jammed paper shredder. Jams are frustrating and can lead to shredder damage over time.
The good news is that avoiding this hassle is easier than you might think. With a few tips and tricks, you can keep your shredder running smoothly without the aggravation of frequent jams. Here are the simplest ways to avoid paper shredder jams.
Don’t Exceed the Paper Shredder’s Capacity
One of the most common causes of shredder jams is overloading it with too many pages at once. Every shredder comes with a recommended sheet limit, which is typically listed on the user manual or on the machine itself. For example, if your shredder can handle 10 sheets at a time, attempting to put in 15 will likely lead to a jam and strain the machine’s motor.
Stick to the machine’s suggestion on how much paper it can shred at one time, and feed in small batches for larger stacks. This will significantly reduce the risk of clogging the blades and extend the lifespan of your shredder.
Regularly Oil the Blades
Shredder blades work hard, slicing through countless sheets of paper, and they require maintenance to stay efficient. Applying shredder oil regularly keeps the blades moving smoothly and prevents them from becoming dull or clogged with paper dust.
Most manufacturers recommend oiling the blades after every 30 minutes of shredding, or at least once a month for standard office use. Use a specially-designed shredder oil rather than household alternatives, as these are safer for the machine. Adding this step to your routine is a quick way to prevent jams and keep your shredder in top condition.
Empty the Wastebasket Often
An overfilled wastebasket is a sneaky contributor to shard jams. When the basket is full of shredded paper, there’s nowhere for new shreds to go, which can force the machine to jam or stop working altogether.
You can avoid this issue by checking and emptying the wastebasket regularly, especially after a shredding session. Making this a habit can save you the hassle of unclogging a jammed machine.
Prepare Papers Before Shredding
Flattening papers may seem like an unnecessary extra step, but it makes a huge difference in avoiding jams. Crumpled or folded sheets get stuck in the blades or shred unevenly, which increases the chances of blockages.
Simply smooth out any creases or folds before feeding the paper into the shredder. This simple step will make sure each sheet passes through smoothly and maintains the shredder’s efficiency.
Maintaining your shredder takes just minutes, but the payoff is hours of worry-free shredding. Follow the simple tips above, and you’ll avoid paper shredder jams no matter how much you use it. Keep your shredder in optimal shape and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a trouble-free shredding experience.
