Fellowes paper shredders are used to destroy paper documents of a sensitive nature. Long associated with spies and corporate documents, shredding paper has become more common in recent years because consumers have become more aware of identity theft. The most common problems associated with paper shredders include jamming, shredding less than capacity, squeaking and rubbing noises, stopping and suddenly switching into reverse. If these problems occur with your Fellowes paper shredder, they usually can be rectified easily if you follow a few simple troubleshooting steps.
Empty the wastebasket and move the power switch to the Reverse position if the shredder jams. This should reverse the jammed paper out of the shredder. Toggle the switch between Reverse and Auto if the shredder jams again.
Pull the paper out manually if the switch-toggling fails to clear the jam.
Oil the shredder if jams repeat. Squeaking and rubbing noises and shredding less than capacity are also indications the shredder needs oil. Press the Reverse button and hold it down. Place the tip of the oil bottle in the paper slot and spread oil the length of the opening. Run the blades for a few seconds by pressing the Auto button or the Forward button, depending on your model. Then run the shredder in reverse. Repeat this process a few times.
Turn the shredder off and let the shredder cool down if it suddenly stops. Fellowes paper shredders have overload circuitry that can kick in during heavy use.
Move the power switch to the Auto position or the Forward position for five seconds if the shredder will only function in reverse. The shredder may be blocked and this will clear any blockage.
