How to Recalibrate Paper Shredders

Calibrate your shredder and extended its usefulness.

Protect you identity and sensitive information by reconditioning your paper shredder. Recalibrating a shredder will extend its life and save the money that would be spent on another model. Over time, paper shredders stop efficiently shredding papers and consistently get jammed. The sensors that detect the papers stop working correctly as well as causing the shredder to intake less paper than what is rated. Recalibrating the shredder is easily done without the need of a technician.

Things You'll Need

• Flat head screwdriver
• Philips screwdriver
• Cloth
• Vegetable-based oil
• Spray can
• Shredder oil

Instructions

1. Disconnect the power plug from the wall and set the shredder on a firm flat surface. Remove the paper media guide located at the paper feeder entryway. Pull the center of the media guide upward using your fingers to pop it out of place. If that does not work, use a flat head screwdriver to pry the media guide upward until it snaps out of place.

2. Remove the two screws in the paper feeder area using a Philips screwdriver. Pull back any guides at the feeder entry area to reveal the sensor. Use a soft or moist cloth over your fingers to wipe away any dust and debris from the sensor and surrounding area.

3. Cover the sensors with any guides that were pulled back and screw in the two removed screws using a Philips screwdriver. Put the paper media guide back into the shredder paper opening and make sure it is securely in place. Plug the shredder back into an active outlet, set it to auto then shred a sheet of paper to verify that the sensor is working correctly.

4. Oil the cutters on the shredder to lessen paper jams and allow it to shred faster. Use a spray can with an extended nozzle to get easier access to the cutters. Vegetable-based oils such as corn or canola can be used on the shredder head. You can also use shredder oil if available.

5. Place the shredder in reverse and hold down the button while spraying the nozzle across the opening in two or three sweeps. Place the shredder in forward or auto and let it run for three or four seconds. Return the shredder into reverse mode for three to four seconds. Rotate between the reverse and forward setting for three more cycles to work the oil thoroughly into the cutters.

Tips & Warnings

• Calibrate your shredder every four months.

• Never used petroleum-based oils on your shredder to avoid combustion and serious injury.

• Never use WD 40.

References

• Fellowes: Oiling Guide
• Fellowes: Clean Sensor