Introduction
Can you use sewing machine oil on a paper shredder? This is a question that has been discussed for many years, ever since paper shredders were first invented. Oils are used for maintaining all sorts of machines, and oiling a paper shredder is just one of them. But can the same type of oil be used for both machines, and is it even necessary? In this article, we will examine this question and discuss whether you can use sewing machine oil on paper shredders.
Background
Paper shredders work by cutting paper into tiny pieces. The pieces are usually no bigger than 0.5 inches in length. To do this, paper shredders have many blades inside them that need to be lubricated to operate correctly. This is why oil is important, but it is not necessary to use the same oil for both the shredder and the sewing machine.
The type of oil used in a paper shredder will depend on the type of machine you have. Some manufacturers recommend using a specific type of oil, while others will leave it up to the user’s discretion.
Expert Opinion
Experts agree that using sewing machine oil on a paper shredder is not advised. That is because sewing machine oil is thicker than paper shredder oil and will clog up the tiny spaces between the blades. This can lead to decreased performance, jams and ultimately damage to the shredder.
Moreover, sewing machine oil has a higher viscosity than paper shredder oil and this can cause it to congeal, which would block the shredder’s gears. It is also important to consider that some paper shredders are designed to cut plastic cards and CDs. Using the wrong type of oil could lead to even more severe damage to these type of shredders.
Alternatives
The best way to oil a paper shredder is to use specific paper shredder oil. This type of oil is designed to flow easily between the blades and provide maximum lubrication while retaining its viscosity. This is why it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when oiling the paper shredder.
It is also important to check for signs of wear and tear in the shredder. If there is any, it is best to have it serviced by a qualified technician before trying to oil it yourself. It may just save you from more expensive repairs in the future.
Maintenance Tips
It is important to keep the paper shredder clean and oiled at all times. This means emptying its bin regularly and cleaning the blades. The shredder should also be oiled after every 10 to 12 shreds, or at least once every two months. This will help keep it in good condition and also prevent it from clogging up.
It is also important to remember to use the right type of oil when oiling the paper shredder. As mentioned earlier, using any other type of oil, such as sewing machine oil, could result in damage to the shredder.
Consumer Reviews
There are many reviews from people who have used sewing machine oil on their paper shredders. Many of them report that the shredders worked for a few months but eventually started to show signs of wear and tear, such as jams and decreased performance. Therefore, it is important to take caution when oiling and maintain the paper shredder properly.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do use paper shredder oil for oiling the paper shredder and don’t use any other type of oil.
Do clean and oil the paper shredder regularly and don’t wait till it jams up.
Do follow the manufacturer’s instructions and don’t try to oil the paper shredder yourself if you are unsure how to do it properly.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Using sewing machine oil on a paper shredder can be a risky venture. If the shredder is not maintained properly, it can lead to expensive repairs or even complete replacement of the machine. Therefore, it is important to weigh the benefits of using sewing machine oil versus the potential risks.
On one hand, using sewing machine oil can save money upfront. It is generally cheaper than paper shredder oil and some users have claimed it works as well, at least in the short-term. On the other hand, it is important to take into consideration the potential risks of using the wrong type of oil. The shredder has to be properly maintained and if it is not, it can lead to expensive repairs or even complete replacement of the shredder. Therefore, it is important to consider all factors before making this decision.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, it is not advisable to use sewing machine oil on a paper shredder. This is because sewing machine oil is thicker than paper shredder oil and will clog up the tiny spaces between the blades. This can lead to decreased performance, jams and ultimately damage to the shredder. It is also important to remember to use the right type of oil when oiling the paper shredder, otherwise it could lead to even worse problems. Therefore, it is recommended to use a specific paper shredder oil that is designed to flow easily between the blades and provide maximum lubrication while retaining its viscosity.
