Shredder stopped working - relace or repair?

Legacy_user

Hello again Techie folks!
I hope this is the right forum, but as the title says, my trusty cross-cut shredder is no longer working. Should I replace or can I repair?
Initially I thought it had jammed, so I have cleared that and it just isnt running properly at all.
Any helpul advice, people?
Linda x

shaun_from_Africa

Is it running at all?
If not, have you checked the fuse in the plug?
If the motor had jammed it would have drawn a very high current, causing the fuse to blow.

If it is running but slowly or roughly, it might be that it needs lubricating.
You can get special shredder oil or lubrication sheets from most office supply stores.

chrisw

You could try taking the screws out and seeing if there is anything obviously wrong. You have nothing to lose.

On mine, a paper jam had broken some plastic teeth between the blades, which had cracked the case holding the blades in. Only fit for the bin.

PiratePete

Probably best to buy another.I bought one from Viking for £27 delivered and is very good for a cheap cross-cut shredder.Link below.

http://www.viking-direct.co.uk/catalog/catalogSku.do?id=5689645

InsideInsurance

How much is it worth? How old is it?

You'd have to spend at least £25 just to get someone to look at it and then your paying parts and labour on top of that if its fixable. On the basis I bought by last shredder for £20 or so I wouldnt be doing anything more than a cursory check for obvious problems and then looking to recycle it. Of cause if you have some big industrial beast that can shred trees as well as papers then it may be worth getting it looked at

System

Thank you folks,
it has been a good sturdy old workhorse that has sadly had its day then.
I bought it from Lidls a few years ago, I can't remember how much it cost, but I have probably had a good run with it.
I unscrewed the top, chrisw, but have been unable to actually prise the top of the cutting unit!
I'm not worried so much about cracking the unit as I am about potentially cutting my hand!
Thank you all for taking the time to post. I appreciate your good advice.
Time to get a new shredder....
Linda x

Bollotom

Inside the insert tray (mouth) is there a small microswitch that may have become worn down? I have one and after putting the paper in I then push folded paper or a plastic card down to depress the microswitch. Been doing that for over a year now but saves buying another. Might be worth a look. :cool: