Collection: Shredder Oils
Extend the life of your high-security shredder with shredder oil from Whitaker Brothers
Why Use Paper Shredder Oil
Most paper shredders require shredder oil to function properly. Residue and paper dust can build up around the cutting blades and gear mechanisms, leading to issues like jamming and inefficiency.
Paper shredder oil softens packed dust and prevents sticky build-up, and smoothly moves paper through the cutting head.
Proper oiling is critical for heavy-duty and fine-cut shredders. Without regular maintenance and oiling, these paper shredders won’t operate well. Periodic oiling is essential for optimal performance.
Read: 3 Must-Have Shredder Supplies to Keep Your Shredder Properly Maintained
“EXCELLENT service! We needed some urgent help as we were up against an important deadline (election day) and needed some equipment overnight. Whitaker Brothers came through for us AND had the best prices! Without Whitaker's help, counting votes in our county would have been delayed. You all are heroes for democracy!” (Utah County 10.31.20)
Quantities of Oil for Paper Shredders
At Whitaker Brothers, we carry various quantities of oil for paper shredders. The quantity of oil you need will depend on the number of shredders within your business or organization, as well as how often you will shred paper.
From 16 ounces of HSM Shredder Oil to 4 gallons of MBM Destroyit Shredder Oil, you can purchase shredder oil in a quantity that suits you. Use our Parts Quote Request Form for help from our expert team in buying the correct shredder lubricant for your equipment.
Read: Shredder Oil vs WD40, Which is Better for Data Destruction Shredders?
How to Oil a Paper Shredder
Some shredders automatically oil themselves, while others call for manual oiling by applying oil to paper before shredding. There are two methods on how to oil a paper shredder.
The first method is the indirect method. The user has to apply shredder oil to a sheet of paper in an “S” pattern to create a lubricant sheet, then shred it along with a couple more sheets of paper. Next, the user has to run the shredder in reverse for a minute to ensure all of the blades and gears are coated with the oil.
The second method, the direct method, involves pouring oil directly onto the gears using the feed spout at the top. Then, the user has to run the shredder in reverse for a minute to fully cover the internal blades with oil.
Get in Touch with Our Expert Team for More Guidance on Shredder Care Here
Frequently Asked Question
As a guide, cross-cut shredders should be oiled every 30 minutes of shredding time. A professional strip-cut shredder should also be oiled roughly every half an hour to reduce paper jams.
Shredder oil, lubricating oil, or machine oil, is usually a mineral, oil-based fluid that is designed to envelop a shredder’s blades and gear mechanisms so it can run smoothly for long periods of time.
No, you should use shredder oil. Refrain from using alternative oils such as WD40, vegetable, or sunflower oil, as this could be unsafe and may cause lasting damage to your shredder.