How to Oil a Shredder

Last Updated: February 25, 2023 Approved

Oiling an office shredder is an important part of your routine. While the frequency of oiling depends on the type of shredder and how often it is used, it is inevitable that you will need to oil the machine at some point. When a shredder is used, paper dust is created and can coat the blades of your paper shredder. By following a few simple steps you can keep your shredder maintained.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using the Paper

1
Place a piece of paper on a surface. Place a sheet of paper (letter size or A4 is best) on a surface that can be cleaned from oil. Oil may spill on this surface so make sure it cannot be damaged if it does spill.^{[1]
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Research source}
2
Obtain manufacturer-approved oil. Purchase the oil recommended for your paper shredder by the manufacturer.^{[2]
X
Research source} Different shredders will use different oils and will usually sell the oil where you purchased your shredder.
- If you are using an old and/or out of warranty paper shredder, you can use canola oil as a substitute rather than purchasing oil. The oil produced by some brands is actually just repackaged canola oil so you can save a little money by using canola oil.
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3
Apply the oil to the paper in a zigzag pattern. Drizzle the oil over the paper in a zigzag pattern on one side of the paper.^{[3]
X
Research source} Try not to saturate the paper or put too much oil or else it can get a little messy.
- Make sure the zigzags stretch all the way from side to side to ensure sufficient coverage.
4
Turn the paper shredder on and shred the oil-covered paper. Shred the oil-covered paper by running it through the machine. As the paper gets shredded the oil will coat the blades, which then redistribute the oil. This keeps the shredder operating smoothly.
- Ensure that paper is not creased and damaged or it may cause a malfunction in the machine.
5
Add a few more papers into the shredder to absorb the excess oil. Pass a few more pieces of paper into the shredder so that they absorb the extra oil left on the blades.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Oiling the Shredder Without Paper

1
Obtain manufacturer-approved oil. Purchase the oil recommended for your paper shredder by the manufacturer. Different shredders will use different oils and will usually sell the oil where you purchased your shredder.
- If you are using an old and/or out of warranty paper shredder, you can use canola oil as a substitute rather than purchasing oil. The oil produced by some brands is actually just repackaged canola oil so you can save a little money by using canola oil.
2
Set the shredder to manual mode. Setting the shredder to manual mode allows you to control the direction that the blades are rotating and the length of time that they are moving. You will need this for oiling the paper.
3
Squirt a little oil along the paper entry line. While the paper shredder is off, squirt a line of oil lengthwise across the paper entry.^{[4]
X
Research source} This puts oil along the entire length of the blades.
4
Run the shredder in reverse for 10-20 seconds. Start the paper shredder in the reverse direction and keep it in motion for 10-20 seconds before stopping the blades.^{[5]
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Research source} This way the oil is spread and redistributed around to the entire cutting assembly.
5
Put the shredder back to automatic mode. Turn off manual mode and restart the machine in automatic mode for normal use.
6
Feed a few papers into the shredder to absorb the excess oil. Pass at least two or three more pieces of paper into the shredder so that they absorb the extra oil left on the blades.

Community Q&A

Question

What kind of oil should I use for Ativa shredder?

Community Answer

Office Depot recommends using 'Office Depot' brand shredder oil. Available in 4oz size only, it is nothing more than "vegetable oil" according to their MSDS.
Question

Would avocado oil work to oil shredder blades? Avocado oil can withstand higher heat than canola - just wondering if it matters?

Community Answer

Just used it and it fixed my shredder just fine! Don’t know about long term effects, but I was ready to buy a new one and now I don't have to!