What is the safe way to handle and repair a paper shredder that suddenly jams?

Update:08 Dec 2025

Paper shredders are common in daily office environments, but due to thick paper stacks, lack of lubrication, or improper long-term usage, paper jams occur frequently. To help you resolve the issue safely and effectively, this guide explains everything in detail—from basic safety precautions to practical repair steps, causes, and prevention.

I. Ensure Safety First — The Core Principle When Handling a Jam

Before attempting to fix any mechanical device, safety must always come first. Paper shredders contain sharp blades and a powerful motor, so the following steps are essential.

1. Turn off the power and unplug the machine

Even if the shredder stops moving, residual electric current may still be present. Touching the blade area while the machine is energized may cause severe cuts or electric shock.

Switch the shredder to OFF
Unplug it completely from the power outlet

Even if “OFF” is selected, unplugging is a necessary second layer of protection.

2. Confirm the blades have fully stopped

Shredder blades often continue spinning for 1–3 seconds due to inertia. Only proceed once everything has come to a complete stop.

II. Try Basic Built-In Functions — Let the Machine Help Itself

Many jams are minor and can be resolved using the shredder’s built-in controls.

1. Use the “REV” (Reverse) function

Most shredders have the following modes:

Auto
Off
Rev (Reverse)

When paper is stuck inside, reversing the motor can help eject the jammed paper.

Steps:

Turn the shredder on
Switch to REV
Hold for 2–5 seconds
Let the paper back out gently
Switch back to OFF

If the paper comes out smoothly, the jam is resolved.

III. Manually Clearing the Jam — Only After Completely Disconnecting Power

If reverse mode doesn’t work, you may need to clear the jam by hand. This must be done with the shredder fully powered off and unplugged.

1. Check whether the top portion can be opened

Some shredders are designed with removable heads, while others are sealed for safety.

If your model allows removal, follow the manual
If it cannot be opened, you must clean through the feed slot only

Never force the top open—this may break components or void the warranty.

2. Use proper tools (never your hands)

Recommended:

Tweezers (long tweezers preferred)
Small needle-nose pliers
Wooden sticks or plastic tools

Not recommended:

Metal screwdrivers
Blades/knives

These can damage the cutting mechanism and risk injury.

How to operate:

Identify where the paper is densely jammed
Grab the paper using tweezers
Pull slowly and steadily
If the paper is thick, tear the exposed portion into smaller strips before removing
Clean small scraps stuck between blades

3. Check and empty the waste bin

If the bin is too full, shredded paper may back up into the blades.

Empty the bin completely
Clean the sensors (often located near the top or sides)

A blocked sensor may cause the shredder to stop or jam.

Common Causes of Jams and Solutions

Cause of Jam	Typical Symptoms	How to Fix	Prevention
Paper too thick	Stops suddenly after feeding a big stack	Use reverse → Manual removal	Reduce sheet quantity per feed
Long or damp paper	Paper forms clumps inside	Remove gradually using tools	Do not shred wet or folded paper
Full waste bin	Shreds cannot fall freely	Empty bin, clean sensors	Empty regularly
Lack of lubrication	Loud noise, slow rotation	Apply shredder oil	Oil every 30–50 minutes of use
Foreign objects (staples, etc.)	Repeated jams, loud metallic sound	Remove foreign material; repair if needed	Remove metal before shredding