How To Unjam Shredder _verified_ Jun 2026
For severe jams where paper is tightly wound, use a box cutter or scissors to carefully slice through the blockage, then pull the pieces out with pliers. 4. Advanced "Lubrication" Method For jams that seem seized, oil can help reduce friction:
If standard procedures fail, the following methods may be employed for stubborn jams. how to unjam shredder
| Do This | Avoid This | | :--- | :--- | | Feed paper straight, not at an angle. | Staples (unless your shredder is rated for them). | | Observe sheet capacity: feed 80% of max. | Self-adhesive labels, stickers, or sticky notes. | | Lubricate every 2-3 bin empties or 30 minutes of runtime. | Plastic, credit cards, CDs, or foil. | | Remove paper clips and binder clips. | Damp, folded, or crumpled paper. | | Run 2-3 reverse cycles monthly to clear debris. | Continuous shredding over 5-10 minutes (let motor cool). | For severe jams where paper is tightly wound,
Prevention is the most effective method for maintaining shredder longevity. | Do This | Avoid This | |