Asking why you should keep your shredder lubricated is no different than asking why you should change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles. Not only is proper maintenance a requirement to maintain an active warranty, but all mechanical parts need a little oil to help them turn smoothly and to keep them clean. Applying shredder oil to the cutting heads inside a shredder lubricates them so that they efficiently destroy documents sheet after sheet. Fortunately, you will find that taking good care of your shredder is less expensive, faster and easier than caring for your car.

Every time you shred a sheet of paper a fine dust made of tiny paper particles is produced. This dust collects in the cutting assembly of a paper shredder. If allowed to build up, this dust will compact until it completely blocks the smooth turning of the cutting head. Shredder oil will actually break up the compacted dust lodged in the cutting assembly, allowing the parts to move and push out the softened dust.

Shredder oil is specially formulated to eliminate oil residue on the cutting head. Other oils, like WD-40, will attract dust, further clogging the cutters. When lubricating your paper shredder, only use oil specifically designated for shredder use or risk voiding your warranty and further clogging your shredder.

The frequency with which you should oil your shredder depends on several factors: frequency of use, shredder capacity, cut size and type of paper. Your shredder will need more oil the more you use it, the more paper you shred at once and the thicker the paper is that you shred. Also, shredders with smaller shred sizes require extra oil. A 1/4" strip cut shredder used only one to two hours per week will only require a weekly oiling. A cross cut shredder, on the other hand, requires oil after every half hour of use. If you remember to oil your shredder every time you change the bag you'll be in good shape.

There are two fast, easy ways to oil a paper shredder:

The first method involves applying the oil directly to the cutting head. Shredder oil is packaged either in plastic squeeze bottles or aerosol cans, designed for easy application. No tools are required, just aim the bottle directly at the cutting head, through the paper entry point, and apply a fine stream of oil from one end of the cutter to the other. Run the machine in reverse for 10-15 seconds until the entire cutting mechanism is coated. Finally, shred a few pieces of paper to remove any excess oil from the cutters.

The alternative method requires streaming oil onto a piece of paper. Do not soak the sheet in oil, but cover it evenly from edge to edge. Shred the oiled sheet of paper and then run the shredder in reverse for 10-15 seconds to allow the oil to coat the entire cutting mechanism. Finally, shred a few sheets of paper to remove any excess oil from the cutters. This procedure may be repeated up to three times to ensure proper lubrication.

If you take a few seconds once a week or every time you change your shredder bag to oil the cutting mechanism in your paper shredder, you'll maintain your warranties and keep your shredder running smoothly and efficiently document after document.

Visit FEI Office for a wide selection of paper shredders and shredder oil.

For more information about paper shredders, visit our Paper Shredders Info Blog.