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Start with your shredder’s reverse control for a short interval, then gently remove only accessible, uncut paper. If that does not work, alternate reverse and forward in short bursts only if your model’s manual permits it. Before manually removing paper, switch the shredder off and unplug it. Keep fingers away from the cutters, and stop if the jam will not release.
Try the controls before removing paper by hand
- Check the manual for your exact model. Find its jam-clearing instructions and identify the reverse control. A shredder may use a switch, button, safety lock or sensor, and the controls and permitted procedure vary by model.
- Run reverse briefly. Follow the manual’s timing. For its 12C shredder, Fellowes specifies Reverse for 2–3 seconds. If paper loosens, gently pull only the uncut portion that is accessible at the feed opening.
- Alternate reverse and forward only when allowed. If reverse alone does not clear the blockage, some instructions permit slowly alternating reverse and auto-forward in short intervals. Do not assume this is appropriate for every shredder.
Remove accessible paper safely
- Switch the shredder off and unplug it before reaching near the feed opening. The cutters have sharp moving parts; do not put fingers into the slot.
- Gently pull out accessible, uncut paper. Stop if it resists. The manufacturer’s instructions support gentle removal of accessible paper, not forcing tools into the slot or dismantling the cutter assembly.
- Restart only as the manual directs. Follow its instructions for reassembly and operation before testing the shredder.
Know when to stop
If reverse or permitted reverse-and-forward cycling does not release the paper, stop rather than pulling harder or trying to reach the cutters. Consult the model manual or contact the manufacturer’s support. If the motor stops, the problem may be a jam or overheating; follow the manual’s cooldown directions. Fellowes says some models may need 30–60 minutes to cool, but that interval is not a universal rule.
Reduce the chance of another jam
- Stay within the sheet capacity. Check the limit printed by the feed slot and in the manual.
- Feed flat, smooth sheets. Folded, creased or wrinkled paper can contribute to jams.
- Let each batch finish. Do not feed another stack before the shredder has finished processing the previous one.
- Shred only approved materials. Check the model’s manual rather than assuming it can handle other materials.
- Empty the bin when full. A full waste bin is another condition to check when preventing recurring jams.
Consider lubrication as routine maintenance
Fellowes recommends regular lubrication for its cross-cut and micro-cut shredders, including oiling when emptying the waste bin. Its 12C manual specifies non-aerosol vegetable oil in a long-nozzle container. This is preventive maintenance, not a way to extract a jam; check your shredder’s manual for the correct oil and procedure before using any shredder oil.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
Sale
Wingwise 12-Pack Shredder Lubricant Sheets for All Shredders
- - Enhance Shredder Longevity & Performance: Wingwise Shredder Lubricant Sheets sharpen and lubricate blades to reduce friction, prevent jams, and extend shredder life. These paper shredder oil lubricant sheets are infused with vegetable oil, ensuring eco-friendly, efficient maintenance without messy residue—just feed a sheet into the slot for optimal operation.
- - Mess-Free Alternative to Shredder Oil: Replace traditional paper shredder oil with Wingwise’s pre-oiled sheets. Designed for clean, hassle-free use, they eliminate sticky spills and keep hands spotless while reducing static dust and blade buildup. Compatible with all shredders.
- - Eco-Consistent Lubrication: Made with recycled paper and plant-based oil, Wingwise Paper Shredder Lubricant Sheets deliver sustainable, high-performance care. Each 8.5” x 6.0” sheet cleans debris, prevents overheating, and ensures smooth cutting—ideal for offices or home use.
- - Quick, Effective Maintenance: Simplify upkeep with Wingwise Shredder Oil Sheets. Insert one sheet into your shredder’s slot to lubricate blades, minimize noise, and avoid costly repairs. The 12-pack provides lasting convenience, outperforming liquid paper shredder oil.
- - Prevent Jams & Static Buildup: Wingwise Shredder Lubricant Sheets optimize efficiency by reducing dust accumulation and maintaining blade sharpness. These shredder oil sheets are a must-have for hassle-free, eco-safe shredding—no drips, no stains, just reliable performance.
Rank #4
BONSEN Paper Shredder Sharpening & Lubricant Sheets-Pack of 50
- 50 pack of lubricant sheets sharpen, clean and lubricate paper shredder blades
- Protects the shredder from jamming to improve efficiency
- Size: 6.10" x 8.74", compatible with most brands of shredders, suitable for home shredders, home office shredders and office shredders
- Easy to use, works like shredding a piece of paper, no oil on hands and splash on shredder's surface
- Made of recyclable paper
Rank #3
Amazon Basics Paper Shredder Lubricating Sheets for Cleaning and Sharpening Blades, 12-Pack
- 12-pack of lubricated sheets for cleaning and lubricating paper shredder blades for optimal performance (sheet size: 8.4 x 6.0 inches)
- Helps prevent paper jams, reduces static dust and buildup for optimized efficiency
- Feed lubricating sheet directly into the unit's paper slot for simple, convenient use
- Shredder lubricant paper sheets keep your hands clean, no messy oils or substances
- Compatible with all shredders; made with vegetable oil and recycled paper
Rank #2
Sale
Bonsaii Paper Shredder Lubricant Sheets, 24-Pack (8.4 x 5.9 inch/piece)
- 24-pack of lubricant sheets can cleans and lubricates your shredder blades for optimal shredder performance.
- Paper shredder lubrication sheets helps prevent paper jams; reduce static dust and buildup for optimized efficiency
- Easy to use, feed a shredder lubrication sheet directly into the paper feeder, just like a sheet of paper.
- Shredder lubricant paper sheets keep your hands clean, no messy oil needed.
- Compatible with all shredders, made with vegetable oil Epoxysoybeanoil(ESO) and recycled paper. (Sheet size: 8.4 x 5.9 inches).
#1 Best Overall
Amazon Basics Paper Shredder Lubricating Sheets for Cleaning and Sharpening Blades, Mess-Free, 24-Pack
- 24-pack of lubricated sheets for cleaning and lubricating paper shredder blades for optimal performance (sheet size: 8.4 x 6.0 inches)
- Helps prevent paper jams, reduces static dust and buildup for optimized efficiency
- Feed lubricating sheet directly into the unit's paper slot for simple, convenient use
- Shredder lubricant paper sheets keep your hands clean, no messy oils or substances
- Compatible with all shredders; made with vegetable oil and recycled paper
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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