No one wants a jammed paper shredder in the office. When the machine is out of commission, operations could slow down and sensitive documents could be at risk of falling into the wrong hands. To prevent a jam in your paper shredder, follow these precautionary maintenance and operation tips.
1. Use the Right Paper Type and Quantity
Always check the machine’s user manual to confirm the maximum number of sheets it can take at once. Many operator errors come from overloading the paper shredder beyond its capacity. For instance, if your shredder can handle 10 sheets, don’t force it to shred 15; the blades will have a harder time slicing the documents.
Additionally, avoid shredding thick paper, stapled documents, or glossy materials unless your shredder can handle them. When in doubt, lower the paper count and try shredding documents one at a time.
2. Keep the Blades Well-Lubricated
Your shredder’s performance depends on how well you take care of it. Using shredder-specific oil or lubricant sheets can keep the blades working smoothly, reduce wear and tear, and prevent clogs in the system.
For the best results, oil your shredder after heavy use or at least once a month. Your oiling schedule will change based on how often you use the machine, so consider starting a document shredding schedule for the office.
3. Straighten the Paper Before Shredding
Crinkled or folded paper can create uneven tension inside the machine. If you want to prevent a jam in the shredder, flatten and straighten them and remove staples or paper clips that could damage the blades.
4. Stay Within the Machine’s Duty Cycle
Most shredders have recommended duty cycles, which means they function for a certain amount of time before needing to cool down. Ignoring these cycles can lead to overheating and result in paper jams. Schedule breaks in between heavy-duty shredding sessions to avoid straining the machine.
5. Regularly Empty the Waste Bin
Paper jams don’t always occur because of the document you’re currently feeding into the machine. An overflowing waste bin can push paper back into the shredder’s blades. Make it a habit to check the bin before each shredding session and empty it if it’s nearing capacity.
Some modern shredders have transparent bins or indicators to make monitoring easier. Once you see the bin overflowing, throw the scraps into the recycle bin.
Investing in high-quality office paper shredders will reduce paper jams and other malfunctions. These devices have all kinds of features that protect the machine and your sensitive information. Browse our options at Capital Shredder to provide your office with a reliable machine!
