Shredder Lubricants: Why they Matter and How to Use Them
Businesses and individuals alike rely on paper shredders as an essential tool for safely destroying confidential papers. When it comes to protecting sensitive information from criminals, spies, and data breaches, shredders are your best bet, whether you’re at home, at the workplace, or in a bigger industrial setting.
Shredders need frequent maintenance to keep running well and last as long as possible. As part of this upkeep, it is essential to use shredder lubricants. In this post, we’ll go over the importance of shredder lubricants and how to use them properly.
Digishred provides quality shredders for sale or rent. To find out more about our 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 you’re in need of shredder rentals or shredding services, we will gladly advise and give you a free quote.
Why Shredder Lubricants Matter
Shredder lubricants play a critical role in the performance and longevity of your shredder. These lubricants are designed to reduce friction and prevent the wear and tear that occurs when metal blades repeatedly cut through paper. Over time, the constant friction between the blades can cause the shredder to slow down, overheat, and potentially malfunction. Regular lubrication helps to prevent these issues by ensuring the blades remain sharp and move smoothly.
Lubrication is also essential for maintaining the shredder’s cutting mechanism, which typically consists of sharp metal blades that are responsible for slicing through paper. The friction caused by the cutting action leads to microscopic metal shavings, which can cause the blades to become dull over time. Without lubrication, these metal shavings build up, causing unnecessary strain on the motor and shortening the shredder’s lifespan.
Lubricants help reduce the risk of paper jams, which are a common problem in paper shredders. When blades are properly lubricated, they work more efficiently, allowing paper to pass through the cutting mechanism with ease. As a result, users will experience fewer jams and interruptions, ultimately saving time and improving productivity.
Lubrication also helps to reduce the noise generated by the shredder during operation. A well-lubricated shredder operates more quietly, making it a more pleasant tool to use in an office or home environment.
Are Shredder Lubricants Brand or Model Specific?
When it comes to choosing the right shredder lubricant, there is often confusion about whether lubricants are brand or model-specific. In general, most shredder lubricants are compatible with a variety of shredder models, but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.
Some shredder manufacturers produce their own branded lubricants, which are designed specifically for use with their models. For example, brands like Fellowes and Royal have proprietary lubricants that are formulated to work seamlessly with their shredders. While these lubricants may provide a higher level of performance for their respective models, they are not always required for optimal function. Most third-party lubricants, which are often more affordable, are designed to be compatible with a wide range of shredders.
That said, the type of lubricant you use can make a significant difference. Most manufacturers recommend using lubricants that are specifically designed for paper shredders, as these will contain the proper viscosity and formulation for safe and effective use. Lubricants designed for shredders typically come in two forms: spray lubricants and lubricant sheets.
- Spray lubricants: These are applied directly to the shredder blades through a nozzle. They are easy to apply and offer good coverage for shredders with exposed cutting mechanisms.
- Lubricant sheets: These are pre-moistened sheets of paper that are fed through the shredder. As they pass through, they lubricate the blades without creating a mess.
It is essential to consult your shredder’s user manual for specific recommendations. Some shredder models may have unique requirements that necessitate the use of specific types of lubricants.
How to Use Shredder Lubricant
Now that we understand why shredder lubricants are important and how they relate to different brands and models, let’s discuss the step-by-step process of properly applying lubricant to a shredder. Regular lubrication, typically every 1 to 2 months or after every 30 minutes of shredding, can extend the life of your shredder and maintain its performance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Shredder Lubricant:
Step 1: Choose the Right Lubricant: Ensure you have the correct lubricant for your shredder. If you are unsure about compatibility, refer to your shredder’s user manual or opt for a general-purpose paper shredder lubricant. If your shredder requires a specific brand of lubricant, make sure to use the recommended product to avoid damage.
Step 2: Turn Off and Unplug the Shredder: Before applying any lubricant, make sure the shredder is turned off and unplugged. This is an essential safety measure to avoid injury or accidental activation during the lubrication process.
Step 3: Apply the Lubricant
- For spray lubricants: Hold the can about 3 to 6 inches away from the shredder’s cutting blades. Spray an even amount of lubricant onto the blades. Be sure to cover the entire length of the cutting mechanism but avoid overspraying.
- For lubricant sheets: Simply feed the lubricating sheet into the shredder, just as you would a regular sheet of paper. Allow the shredder to process the sheet completely. The lubricant will coat the blades as the sheet is shredded.
Step 4: Run the Shredder: Once the lubricant is applied, turn the shredder back on and run it briefly without feeding any paper through. This helps the lubricant distribute evenly across the blades, ensuring full coverage and maximum effectiveness.
Step 5: Wipe Away Excess Lubricant: If you’ve used a spray lubricant, be sure to wipe away any excess lubricant that may have dripped onto the exterior or interior of the shredder with a clean, dry cloth. This prevents any unwanted mess or build-up of excess oil on the machine.
Step 6: Repeat as Necessary: Depending on how frequently you use your shredder, you may need to lubricate it every 1-2 months or after several shredding sessions. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent over-lubricating, which can attract dust and debris that may cause the blades to jam.
We also share insight on the importance of shredding for remote workers.
