Symptoms
- Motor hums or strains without pulling paper in
- Paper stuck partway through the feed slot
- Unit shuts off mid-shred
- Overload indicator light on, if present
Likely causes
- CommonToo much paper fed at onceExceeding the sheet capacity is the most common cause of jams.
- CommonStapled or clipped paper causing a snagMetal fasteners can catch the blades and stop the mechanism, even on models rated to handle staples.
- PossibleOverheated motor from continuous useShredders often have a duty cycle limit and will stop or jam-protect themselves if overworked.
- PossibleForeign object (paperclip, CD, etc.) jammed in the bladesNon-paper items can wedge between cutting teeth.
What to do
- Stop feeding paper immediately and switch to the reverse function if the shredder has one, holding it until paper backs out.
- Unplug the unit before trying to manually remove any visible jammed paper.
- Check for and remove any staples, clips, or foreign objects caught in the blades.
- Let the motor cool for 15–30 minutes if it feels warm or an overheat light is on before trying again.
- Feed a smaller number of sheets at a time going forward, per the manual's rated capacity.
- Run shredder lubricant sheets through periodically to keep the blades moving smoothly and reduce future jams.
Tools and parts
- Shredder lubricant sheets (optional)
When to call a pro
A technician isn't typically used for personal paper shredders; if the motor is burned out, replacement is usually more practical than repair.
Safety
Use caution
Keep hands and loose clothing away from the feed slot, and unplug before reaching in to clear a jam.