Your Online Guide on How to Oil a Paper Shredder
A paper shredder typically has some electronics for the control panel to function and perhaps a sensor or two, but the main components of shredders are mechanical. These machines contain a series of gears and blades all turning continuously while shredding sheets of paper. Over time paper dust particles can build up in all the nooks and crannies in between these gears. This buildup can cause shredders to slow down and not work properly. Therefore, all shredders need to be oiled routinely.
Oiling your shredder regularly and in the correct manner is one of the best steps you can take in order to preserve your shredder. Neglecting this step will certainly shorten the lifespan of a shredder.
Which Oil to Use on a Paper Shredding Machine
Â
Not all mechanical oils are the same. It is very important to make sure you use oil designed for paper shredders. Never use aerosol oils like WD-40 or Q-20. These oils are highly flammable because of the gases used to propel the oil. This can cause your shredder to burst into flames, which would be less than ideal.
Some shredder oils are specifically made for larger shredder sizes that have an automatic self-oiling system. Be sure to check and refill these shredders regularly. Others have a nozzle top that is used to pour oil manually. These are usually the smaller home and office shredders.
Â
Paper Shredder Oiling Methods
Â
There are two methods to manually oil your shredder. The first is to oil a piece of paper and run it through the shredder. Itâs recommended to use a couple of sheets to ensure that the oil does not seep through the sheets. After the paper has run through, run the shredder in reverse. This ensures that the oil is spread thoroughly and evenly.
The second manual oiling method is to oil the machine directly. Run the oil bottle over the gears while squeezing it gently. Then run a paper or two through the shredder and run the shredder in reverse for a few seconds to spread the oil.
Â
Â
How Often Should Shredders be Oiled?
Â
All shredder machines will come with instructions stating a specific time period or intervals at which you should oil the machine. In large offices where lots of different people use the shredder regularly, oiling the shredder is often forgotten and neglected. A good rule of thumb would be to oil the shredder every time there is a need to empty the basket or before using it after it has not been used in a while.
We hope that this guide has equipped you with the knowledge and instructions on how to oil your paper shredder. It will definitely prolong the lifespan of your shredder. Consult the shredder user manual for more specific instructions on how to oil different machine models.
Browse our range of paper shredders for sale or get a quote for a shredder rental. We are proud to offer SME financing solutions too. Get in touch with a consultant today.
To find out more about our range of shredders for sale, get in touch with a consultant online. We also offer SME finance options to assist small and medium companies to operate efficiently. If youâre in need of shredder rentals or shredding services, we will gladly advise and give you a free quote.
