Paper shredders are invaluable tools for securely destroying sensitive documents at home or in the office. However, like any machine, paper shredders can experience jams that grind workflow to a halt. Understanding why paper shredder jams happen and how to properly address them is key to keeping your shredder running smoothly.
Overloading the Shredder
The number one cause of paper jams is overloading the shredder by attempting to shred more paper than it is designed to handle at one time. Most standard office shredders have a defined sheet capacity ranging anywhere from 5-20 pages per pass depending on the unit’s specifications. Exceeding this capacity strains the shredder’s motor and dulls the cutting blades, making jams inevitable.
To avoid overfeeding jams:
- Carefully review your shredder’s capacity limits in the user manual
- Count out pages prior to shredding if capacity is not clearly posted on machine
- If unsure of sheet capacity, start with smaller 5 page batches
- Never force thick stacks through entry slot if they don’t feed smoothly
Key Takeaway: Respect your shredder’s capacity limits to minimize jams
Misfeeding Paper
Anything that interferes with the smooth entry and passage of paper through the shredder creates conditions ripe for jamming. Wrinkled, folded or curled documents prevent continuous contact between the paper and cutting cylinders inside the machine.
Common paper misfeeds include:
- Folded paper – Unfold documents completely before shredding
- Curled or crumpled paper – Straighten paper if possible, shred in smaller batches
- Wet paper – Let paper dry out before shredding, shred in minimal stacks
- Odd-shaped paper – Cut down flyers, folded brochures to standard paper size
Feeding paper too quickly can also outpace the shredder blades, causing paper to buckle and jam. Go slow and steady.
Key Takeaway: Properly prepare all paper before shredding by eliminating folds, curls and moisture
Shredding Impermissible Materials
Paper shredders are designed solely to shred paper documents. Feeding any other materials into standard office shredders almost assuredly causes immediate jams and possible machine damage.
Common no-no’s include:
- Plastic credit cards
- Optical discs – CDs/DVDs
- Paper clips, staples, clasps
- Transparency film
- Adhesive labels
- Fabric, cardboard, laminates
Check manufacturer guidelines about any materials not specifically stated as shred-safe. When in doubt, don’t shred it.
Key Takeaway: Only shred plain paper documents to avoid converter jams
Inadequate Maintenance
Paper shredders have moving metal cutting blades that require proper maintenance to function smoothly. Insufficient oiling and cleaning of key components is a preventable cause of increased friction and overheating that leads to jams.
Oiling
Most shredders require periodic lubrication with a specialty shredder oil to minimize metal-on-metal contact between parts. Without this oil buffer, cutting cylinders essentially grind themselves into oblivion.
- Apply shredder oil along the length of entry slots as directed
- Average oiling frequency is every 2 weeks assuming moderate use
- Over-oiling can also impact performance by attracting excess paper dust
- Refer to manufacturer guidelines for proper oiling technique
Cleaning
Paper dust, stray paper scraps and general office grime collects inside every shredder and hinders performance over time. Regular cleaning prevents buildup of debris on components critical for smooth paper feeding.
- Use compressed air, soft brush to remove dust from feed openings
- Carefully vacuum interior using narrow crevice tool when powered off
- Empty waste bin before it overflows into cutting mechanism
- Clean sensors to ensure they read paper thickness properly
Key Takeaway: Proper oiling and cleaning is mandatory for optimum shredder operation
Unjamming Techniques
Despite best precautions, unexpected paper jams still occur now and then. When they do, act swiftly using proper jam removal techniques to limit damage.
Run In Reverse
Most shredders have a reverse setting that runs the blades backwards allowing jams to safely back out through the feed opening when lightly assisted by hand.
IMPORTANT: Always power off before pulling jammed paper!**
- Set to reverse mode per manufacturer instructions
- Gently ease jam backwards through opening
- Power off once fully cleared to prevent re-feeding shreds
Power Off First
Some shredders lack a reverse, instead requiring jam removal with the machine powered completely off.
- Power button OFF
- Carefully tweeze out scraps with needle nose pliers if needed
- Ensure no remnants remain in mechanism before restarting
Reset & Retest
Clear sensor alerts if displayed on control panel. Run 1-2 blank test sheets on slow setting once unjammed before resuming normal use.
Identify Cause
Analyze what specifically triggered the jam – overcapacity load, odd paper angle etc. – and take steps to prevent recurrence.
Key Takeaway: Methodical troubleshooting preserves shredder integrity when jams strike
Preventative Maintenance Aids
While occasional jams will likely occur regardless of precautions, utilizing preventative maintenance tools maximizes trouble-free shredder run time.
Entry Throat Sprays
Spraying the paper entry guides with silicone or wax-based lubricants reduces fiction and aids smooth sheet glide into the cutting cylinders.
- Apply moderate amount across full opening
- Reapply after every few maintenance cleanings
- Check spray is approved for shredder parts before using
Sheet Counters
Small digital counters manually count sheets entering the shredder, eliminating guesswork on max capacity.
- Adhere counter below feed opening
- Push button to advance count with each inserted sheet
- Clear tally when emptied for new batch counting
Jam Response Kits
Specialty jam wrenches and pliers safely reach into shredders and tweeze out difficult jams without cutting injury risk.
Having the right tools on hand makes clearing jams faster and prevents aggravating the situation by using makeshift poking devices.
Key Takeaway: Proactively equipping your workspace minimizes shredder headaches
When To Call for Service
While many basic paper jams can be resolved following standard procedures, certain scenarios require assistance from a qualified shredder technician to appropriately address.
Seek professional service help for:
- Jams involving specialty media like DVDs
- Jams caused by prohibited items like staples
- Jams resulting in damaged/dull cutting blades
- Any electrical short or burned smell
Don’t attempt fixes on your own that require disassembling metal casing panels.
Key Takeaway: Recognizing when jams are beyond your safe self-service capabilities protects both yourself and the longevity of your shredder
Conclusion
Like any machine, occasional paper jams are inevitable with shredders but need not disrupt productivity too severely when properly addressed. Understanding the primary causes of jams equips you to proactively prevent many through conscientious use and routine maintenance. For those surprise jams that still strike, applying the appropriate response technique clears even the worst tangles quickly. Mastering basic paper jam strategies keeps your shredder running at peak performance year after year protecting sensitive information from prying eyes.