How To Fix A Paper Shredder Jam

Plug the shredder back in. Feed a single sheet of paper to test. If it pulls through smoothly, you’re done. If it jams again immediately, there may be internal damage (bent blade or gear issue), and it’s time to call a professional or replace the unit.

An overfull bin can push paper back into the blades, causing a bottleneck. Simply emptying the wastebasket often resolves the issue. how to fix a paper shredder jam

Plug the shredder back in and switch it to "Reverse" for 2–3 seconds. Plug the shredder back in

A jammed shredder is rarely broken—it’s usually just overfed and unloved. With patience, the right tools, and a little oil, you can have it humming again in ten minutes. And remember: fingers off, power off, pliers on. If it jams again immediately, there may be

Pull out the waste bin. Often, a jam is simply caused by an overfilled bin preventing the cutting heads from turning. Empty the bin completely. While it’s out, pull away any visible paper shreds clinging to the cutter blades from below.

Now, with the machine unplugged, it’s time to extract the jam. Do not use sharp metal objects that can damage the blades. Instead, reach for:

To prevent future paper shredder jams, make sure to: