How to Oil A Paper Shredder
The operation of home paper shredders requires very
little ongoing maintenance. The one main service that you must perform is to regularly oil your
cutting blades. By properly oiling your paper shredder on a
regular basis, you will greatly extend the life of your
shredder. A common question is: How often do I
oil my shredder.
The shredded papers create dust which gather on the heads
of the shredder and can pack together, so as to hamper the
movement of the blades. The oil softens the packed
dust, freeing the cutting assembly and providing longer life
for your unit. Extremely fine shredders like those
found in high security areas or government facilities need
to be oiled frequently to prevent this dust buildup.
Home paper shredders normally create a larger size confetti
that does not form dust buildup as frequently. Even
with the necessary oiling, it is wise to clean the cutters
on occasion before oiling, and also clean the buildup of
oily dust that gathers on the cutting assembly. This
buildup puts added strain on your motor and bearings.
(NOTE: Shredders that are not performing properly
should be serviced by a qualified technician, and be sure to follow the service
instructions in your home paper shredder manual for all
operation and maintenance.)
The guideline for when to oil shredder blades is
dependent on a number of factors. The amount of oiling depends on your usage and the size
of your shredded pieces. Strip cut shredders create
fewer pieces, and thus need less frequent oiling. A
crosscut shredder on the other hand will create much more
dust and consequently will require more oil. The other
important factor is usage, and this is why many
manufacturers call for their equipment to be oiled a certain
time intervals, like every thirty minutes, or every hour of
usage. The best practice is to oil the unit three or
four times per week if you use it every day for just a few
sheets of shredding, and to go by the manufacturers
instructions for heavy usage.
Whether you own a strip shredder or a crosscut paper
shredder, by regularly oiling your cutting assembly, you
will ensure the longest life for your shredder. Please
follow this link for:
Directions For Paper Shredder
Oiling
