Choosing the right oil keeps your Fellowes shredder running smoothly and extends its life. This guide covers top oil types, usage tips, and maintenance steps in simple, active language.
Why Lubrication Matters for Fellowes Shredders
Oil reduces friction, cuts noise, and prevents jams. Regular use ensures clean, sharp cuts and boosts safety.
Top Oil Types You Can Use
1. Fellowes Shredder Oil (Standard)
Fellowes offers clear shredder oil in convenient bottles. It delivers reliable lubrication and is easy to apply.
2. Camellia-Based Eco Oil
Made from camellia seed, this light oil fights rust and keeps blades sharp. It absorbs well and leaves minimal residue.
3. Mineral-Based Synthetic Oil
Durable and consistent, this option works well in heavy-duty shredders. It resists drying and helps maintain performance.
4. Biodegradable Vegetable Oil Alternatives
These are eco-friendly and safe. They may need more frequent use but still keep blades slick.
Comparing Oil Types
| Feature | Fellowes Oil | Camellia-Based | Synthetic Mineral | Vegetable-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Perfect | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| Lubricating Power | High | High | Very High | Medium |
| Frequency of Use | Monthly | Monthly | Every 2 months | Monthly |
| Eco-Friendly | No | Yes | Partial | Yes |
| Cost | Moderate | Moderate | High | Low |
How to Apply Oil Properly
- Turn off and unplug the machine.
- Apply oil:
- Sheet method: Drip oil along a full sheet of paper, then shred it.
- Direct method: Drip oil directly into the feed opening.
- Run shredder in reverse for 10 seconds to distribute oil.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes, then resume shredding.
When to Oil Your Shredder
Oil after every 30 minutes of use, or once a month if used less. Watch for slow or noisy shredding—these signs mean it needs lubrication.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using heavy machine oil: It clogs blades and attracts dust.
- Over-oiling: This causes mess and residue buildup.
- Skipping reversal: Distributes oil evenly and prevents jams.
Maintenance Tips Beyond Oiling
- Empty bin regularly.
- Keep blades clean with warm, dry cloths.
- Check for paper bits stuck in blades.
- Place shredder on stable surface away from dust.
Signs Your Fellowes Shredder Needs Oiling
Over time, a paper shredder shows clear signs it’s due for lubrication. One obvious clue is the increase in noise. If your Fellowes machine begins sounding louder or grinds more than usual, that’s a red flag. A well-oiled shredder runs quietly and effortlessly.
Another sign is a slower feed speed. When oil levels drop, the blades face more resistance, which can delay the shredding process. You might also notice partial shredding, where sheets jam midway or tear unevenly.
Burning smells, overheating, or paper jams that weren’t a problem before are all symptoms of dry cutting blades. Regular oiling prevents these performance issues and avoids bigger mechanical failures.
Can You Use Any Lubricant for Fellowes Shredders?
Not all oils are suitable for shredders. Avoid using WD-40, motor oils, or silicone sprays. These contain additives that may damage plastic parts or attract dust and debris.
Always choose oils labeled specifically for paper shredders or natural oils like pure vegetable or camellia oils. These are light enough to spread across blades without leaving behind sticky residues.
Some users experiment with DIY options like baby oil, but that’s risky. Baby oil contains fragrances and preservatives that may corrode or gum up the motor. It’s best to stick with options made for shredders.
Shredder Oil Sheets: A Convenient Alternative
If you prefer less mess, pre-lubricated shredder sheets are a simple solution. These paper sheets are already soaked with the right amount of oil.
To use one, just insert it into the machine like a normal document. Once shredded, the oil spreads across the internal blades. These sheets are handy, mess-free, and require no measuring or dripping.
Fellowes makes its own brand of shredder lubricant sheets. Other trusted names include AmazonBasics and Bonsaii. They’re ideal for office workers who want quick maintenance without the hassle.
Best Practices for Storing Shredder Oil
Store your shredder oil in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Heat can degrade the oil’s quality and affect how well it performs.
Keep the bottle tightly sealed after every use. If exposed to air for too long, some oils—especially plant-based types—can become rancid. Label your bottle with the date of opening and try to use it within a year.
Avoid placing the oil bottle near the shredder motor. Heat from the motor may gradually warm the bottle and affect its consistency.
Is Fellowes Oil Worth the Price?
Fellowes shredder oil is specifically designed for their machines. While it might cost slightly more than third-party options, it offers peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about compatibility or residue issues.
Its easy-pour spout and clear labeling also make it more convenient than generic brands. For frequent users or shared office environments, the reliability of Fellowes oil can prevent costly breakdowns and interruptions.
That said, occasional users may find more value in economical alternatives like eco-oils or oiling sheets—especially if they only shred weekly.
Shredder Care Schedule (Monthly Checklist)
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Oil blades | Monthly or every 30 mins of use |
| Empty bin | Weekly or as needed |
| Clean external parts | Weekly |
| Inspect for jammed paper | After heavy use |
| Run in reverse after oiling | Every oil session |
FAQ
How much oil should I use each time?
About a dozen drops across the paper sheet or 5–6 drops directly into the feed.
Can I use cooking oil instead?
It’s not recommended. It gum up blades and spoil quickly.
My shredder still jams after oil—what now?
Unplug it and remove jammed paper manually, then oil again.
(Images showing a bottle of shredder oil and a camellia oil drop on paper feed.)
Final Thoughts
For most users, standard Fellowes shredder oil works best—easy to find and trusted. If you want green alternatives, go for camellia-based or vegetable oils and follow correct usage. Proper oiling keeps your shredder efficient, quiet, and long-lasting.