How can I fix my paper shredder?

Question

Today, I was helping my dad shred some papers. The shredder stopped working and it started to smell burnt. It's probably the motor inside that smells. I can't shred anymore. When we plug it in, it'll just heat up quickly and won't shred. How can I fix this?

Answer 1

Get a new shredder.  Even if you could somehow make it work again, you would still have the burnt smell.  New shredders are affordable, and a lot of them are better than they used to be.

Answer 2

just be sure its unplugged when working on it.

if its burnt smell, the motor is ruined.  probably too thick of something got put in there.

Answer 3

Sounds like it's time for a new paper shredder. When using one, you have to give it a break now & then so it won't overheat.

Answer 4

Pour a little cooking oil on the blades after you have removed as much of the stuck paper as possible. use some tweezers to pull it out. You need to keep it oiled for it to work properly.

Answer 5

Can you put it in reverse? I use needle nose pliers to pull out the excess shredded paper.

Answer 6

Really it all depends on the type and brand of the shredder. If you're dealing with a small "Wal-Mart" special type of shredder, you may be out of luck. Smaller department store shredders do not have thermally protected motors and can burn out if too much paper is fed through or it gets a hold of a paper clip.

If it is a well-known paper shredder brand, you may very well be able to fix it. I would at least call a service technician to see what my options are. I have used ABC Office in the past for equipment repairs: http://www.abcoffice.com/service.htm

If the shredder is only jammed, you may be able to pull out the paper clip and be off to shredding again. Do you hear a grinding noise or is it just making a smell? Just be careful if you do try and clear a paper jam. Some older paper shredders are notorious for slicing and dicing fingers.

You may also want to pull the shredder head off and look underneath the shredder. I have pulled of paper shredder heads before, after being jammed, and noticed the paper had wound itself back up into the shredder blades. If you can clear the paper from the bottom, and that is indeed the problem, you could be back up in no time. Good luck!

Answer 7

I suspect you possibly shredded either a paper clip or staples along with the paper.  Neither are suitable for shredding.

It maybe that your shredder has now died a death.  It is possible to take the shredder mechanism apart, but a difficult job.

If you have to buy a new one, check every sheet for metal (as above) and monthly give it a treat of thin oil (three in one in the UK).  I found this tip (Tip No. 5) on the page below.  Don't use cooking oil, this is far too thick.

Answer 8

Home shredders are built to last as long as it takes to get them home.  If you want one to last get a much bigger one.

Answer 9

Let me guess,,, you shredded the owners manual.

My guess... it is toast, but something could be jammed in it... get a screwdriver, and take it apart.  (be sure to unplug it first.)