My Fellowes PS30 Shredder runs but does not accept documents to shred.

Harry Stone, August 2008

PS 30 - You don't get into the gears. There are no screws for access. It is plastic welded shut. you can pop the sides (you will break the inset tabs that line up with the bottom's side depressions) but the center post is hard to break (lined up with the bottom's center deep depression) and you won't be able to put it back together let alone have it operate safely. The gears are metal nothing melts in the PS 30. Mine is over 15 years old. It's time to replace. It was an awsome shredder may it rest in pieces.

Igneous Rock, October 2009

I have a Fellowes P50. There is a screw under the barcode sticker at the bottom of the shredder head. If you remove that one (and all other visible screws) than you can open the shredder head. Mine has also the problem of the melted teeth on the gear. Hs anybody found out if you can get this replacement in the UK?

Paul

Paul Bode, October 2009

It sounds like you ran it for an extended period and the teeth on the plastic gears inside, that transfer power from the motor to the cutters, melted. That's what happened on mine anyhow - you need to check the specifications - home office models are designed to be used e.g. for 2 minutes continuously - then rest for 10 minutes etc. - the plastic gear teeth heat up and soften - if you keep pushing paper through the teeth just strip off and you lose traction. Sometimes the reverse function can seem to keep going a little longer than the forward function for some reason. Good luck finding parts for it - you're better off buying a new unit - especially if it's a made in China model (aren't they all) - the distributors just ship boxed units - if you ask them about spares they act like you're crazy. It's a bit sad having to junk an otherwise working unit for the sake of a plastic gear wheel but that's the way they keep the costs down unfortunately...

Steve Teale, September 2008

i have one that will not accept paper - it will run in reverse only = I tried to take it apart - took out all of the screws - but the way it is made it seems you have to break it to get it apart.

I just kept the waste basket and threw it away.

I bought another one not a fellows and it just stop on me. I just think they are toys - not designed for business applications.

Sorry I could not be of more assistance !!

gerald brown, August 2008