[New Englander]

I have a cross-cut shredder that has developed issue. Before, when I put paper in it would shred it and then shut off by itself. Now, even after it has finished shredding the paper it keeps running. So I have to manually shut it off.

Last night the shredder was set to auto and I was in the other room it turned on by itself with nothing in it.

I've looked, but don't see any paper stuck inside so I'm wondering if any here know of a simple fix?

[retiredguy123]

I would suggest you buy a package of lubrication sheets at Staples. You just run them through the shredder and they lubricate it. If the shredder keeps running after it is empty, it sounds like the sensor is dirty and needs to be cleaned. If that doesn't work, and you can't find a clog, it may be time to buy a new shredder. Shredders usually break down because of too much paper being put in to them.

[JoMar]

Or buy a bottle of lubricating oil and put it on your next sheets you shred. Less expensive and lasts longer...going on year two with my current bottle and I lubricate once a month.

[villagetinker]

I had a similar problem with my cross cut shredder, and it turned out there was a small piece of paper jamming the switch for the AutoStart which kept the shredder running. After unplugging the unit, I was able to use a bent paperclip to remove the paper, and it has worked fine for over 2 years. hope this helps.

[Stu from NYC]

Ghostbusters?

I would use lubricating oil.

They do not last that long, we are currently on our third shredder and we buy heavy duty ones.

[blueash]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Ghostbusters?
.

Wrong reference? I'm certain that Shredder related to TMNT not Ghostbusters.

[New Englander]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I would suggest you buy a package of lubrication sheets at Staples. You just run them through the shredder and they lubricate it. If the shredder keeps running after it is empty, it sounds like the sensor is dirty and needs to be cleaned. If that doesn't work, and you can't find a clog, it may be time to buy a new shredder. Shredders usually break down because of too much paper being put in to them.

Where would I find the sensor?

[New Englander]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Ghostbusters?

I would use lubricating oil.

They do not last that long, we are currently on our third shredder and we buy heavy duty ones.

What type of oil? Is it made just for shredders?

[New Englander]

This is a two piece shredder. Meaning to empty the bin, you unplug is and lift odd the motor part.

So I lifted it off and plugged it in and with a toothpick pressed the saftey switch so I could see the rollers turning. The is nothing blocking it.

So, I have a can of this stuff Blaster silicone spray lubricant.
Woud this be okay to try?? Or would this make matters worse?

Robot Check

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by New Englander

Where would I find the sensor?

Here is a video that shows how to clean the sensor with a straw. I don't know if it applies to your shredder.

How to Fix a Paper Shredder that won't STOP - YouTube

[Nucky]

There is an actuator switch dead center in the slot where you insert whatever you are shredding. If you can take out the bin that collects the shreddings see if there is some debris caught in line with that switch I mentioned. If you shredded a plastic package or a credit card and then experienced this problem it is in fact due to that switch still being in the open position.

Use a small amount of Wesson Oil to lubricate your shredder. Just make sure you have paper in the bin when you add the oil. Don't add the oil where the switch is. It works and I've been doing it for years.

If you don't feel like doing the first part just keep running paper through and it may clear itself. If it wasn't for the current conditions I'd fix the shredder in a Jiffy!

I almost wiped out my Fellowes Shredder by mistakenly trying to shred a Apple Credit card that had been opened when it was shipped to me. One small problemo. It's made out of Titanium. Good Luck with your repair.

[Mikey Osmond]

Originally Posted by blueash

Wrong reference? I'm certain that Shredder related to TMNT not Ghostbusters.

Glad to know I'm not the only one who thought of TMNT.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Save your money on a new shredder and take your 50lbs of paper to Staples, which you can put into a secure shredding bin, for 99 cents per pound. . . . Unless you are generating over 100 lbs per year, a shredder purchase is not necessary

But as a finance guy, I did feel very weird throwing out checks from 1980 to 2010, and tax returns for the same time period at Staples. Felt very weird. . .

sportsguy

[New Englander]

Thanks to all but Retired Guy & Village Tinker had the answer.
I found the tiny glass sensor that is in the middle of the paper insertion slot. It's so small I needed my flashlight to find it.

I took a Q-tip and sprayed one end with Windex. Then I wiped the wet end over the tiny glass sensor (it barely fit in there). Then I did the same thing with the dry end of the Q-tip.

SUCCESS!!! Thanks to you all for saving a perfectly good shredder.

My house is ghost free.

[Heyitsrick]

Originally Posted by CoachKandSportsguy

Save your money on a new shredder and take your 50lbs of paper to Staples, which you can put into a secure shredding bin, for 99 cents per pound. . . . Unless you are generating over 100 lbs per year, a shredder purchase is not necessary

But as a finance guy, I did feel very weird throwing out checks from 1980 to 2010, and tax returns for the same time period at Staples. Felt very weird. . .

sportsguy

Staples has a "free 5 lbs of shredding" coupon now. Just go here and scroll down the page. You need to print it, btw. Apparently phone scans won't be accepted:

Staples Coupons