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How To Oil Your Paper Shredder For Consistent Performance

Like your car, your shredder needs to be oiled regularly to maintain optimal performance. To oil your shredder, simply hold down the reverse button. Squeeze oil across the entire paper entry while holding down the button. Hold down the reverse button for another 10 seconds to ensure the lubrication has spread through the cutters. It only takes seconds to keep your shredder running well, as regular oiling prevents cutters from locking up over time.

What Oil Should You Use For Your Shredder?

Do not use aerosol oils to lubricate your shredder. Such lubricants are petroleum-based and can be a serious fire hazard. Use only vegetable-based oils like Fellowes Shredder Oil for all cross-cut paper shredders. Also use High Security Shredder Oil for large capacity paper shredders and Fellowes commercial shredders with the Auto-Oil feature.

How Often Should You Oil Your Shredder?

When you notice the shredder is experiencing difficulty shredding, or gets jammed easily, then it's probably time to oil. If you use your shredder occasionally, then oiling your shredder may only be necessary every two months to maintain good performance. If you use your shredder a lot, however, then your best practices are to oil your cross cut shredder every time you empty the waste bin.

 

See also

Shredder Paper Jams

Onsite vs. Offsite Shredding

Confidential Shredding