A jammed shredder brings document destruction to a halt, and while many jams clear easily with the built-in reverse function, some require a more thorough approach to fully resolve without damaging the unit further.
Common Causes of Shredder Jams
Jam clearing service requests typically stem from feeding too much paper into the unit at once, exceeding the shredder's rated sheet capacity, or attempting to shred material the machine isn't designed for, such as thick cardstock or plastic. Staples and paper clips left in documents, while many shredders tolerate small amounts, can also contribute to jams if they build up or shift awkwardly within the cutting mechanism.
Clearing a Jam Safely
Attempting to force jammed paper out manually while the unit is still powered on risks both damage to the blades and personal injury, which is why proper jam clearing service always starts with fully powering down and, where appropriate, unplugging the unit before any manual intervention. From there, the reverse function is used first, and if that doesn't clear the jam, the cutting chamber may need to be accessed directly to remove the obstruction.
When Jams Keep Recurring
A shredder that jams repeatedly despite normal usage patterns often has an underlying issue beyond simple overfeeding — dulling blades that struggle to fully cut through paper, or debris buildup within the mechanism that's narrowing the effective feed path. Recurring jams are worth having assessed properly rather than continuing to clear each one individually as it happens.
Preventing Future Jams
Feeding paper within the rated capacity, removing large binder clips or thick staple clusters before shredding, and avoiding continuous use beyond the unit's rated duty cycle all help reduce jam frequency significantly.
Estimated Cost of Jam Clearing Services
| Service | Approximate Cost (KES) |
| Standard jam clearing | 800 – 1,800 |
| Deep clean and obstruction removal | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Recurring jam diagnostic assessment | 1,200 – 2,500 |
| Cutting mechanism inspection | 1,000 – 2,200 |
Book a Service
Recurring jams deserve a proper look rather than repeated manual clearing. Bestcare Facilities Management provides jam clearing service for office shredders across Nairobi.