All Paper Shredders need shredder oil to continue to function properly. It is very common for paper dust to build up inside of the cutting assembly. After time, this sediment can become packed together like cement. Oil serves to soften this packed dust, which allows the movement of the cutting head. The proper movement of this head will push the dust out of the paper shredder. The finer the cut the paper shredder makes, the more oil it will need. Small particle cut shredders and high security specification machines require a lot of oil. Paper shredders, as with all electromechanical equipment, will not operate efficiently unless they are properly maintained. Periodic oiling is necessary to allow the shredder to operate at maximum efficiency. Frequency of oiling will vary greatly with the volume of use and the shred size. A shredder with a 5.8mm shred width used only 1 to 2 hours per week will only require a weekly oiling. A crosscut shredder, however, should be oiled every 1/2 hour of shredding time. The procedure for oiling a shredding machine is very simple and can be done by any operator. The oil is either packaged in a squeeze bottle or in pre-impregnated sheets. Always switch the machine off at the mains point before applying liquid oil. Oil from a squeeze bottle can be applied directly onto the cutting head in a fine stream. This is done through the paper entry throat. Take 1-2 seconds to oil from one side of the opening to the other. Run the machine in reverse for about 10-15 seconds to allow the oil to transfer to all parts of the cutting head. The final step is to shred a few sheets of paper to remove any excess oil. Alternatively, impregnated shredder oil sheets can be shredded like an ordinary sheet of paper to apply the oil. Some shredders come equipped with an oil reservoir and apply the oil to the cutters automatically as it is needed. This reservoir should be topped up as and when necessary from a squeeze bottle. Shredder oil is the only lubricant which should be used on your shredder. Shredder oil is of special formulation which leaves no residue on the cutters. Other oils will attract paper dust and in turn clog the cutting head.