Need help with diagnosing this problem

[Henry Ynostroza]

Ok so i have no idea if this is a forum that helps with common electrical appliances so if it isn't please accept my apologies!
Well my girlfriend has this paper shredder and I am at a lost. The switch has an off and a reverse and a foward position now when I switch to the reverse or foward the light goes on but nothing to the actual gears, she used to switch it from reverse to off rapidly and the thing would turn on but not anymore. I checked the resistors and the diodes with all being within its range. Checked the wires for any continuity issues but all is fine. The power relay turns on and off when you switch the unit on, so besides that I don't know what else to check. Just need help guiding me to the next line of diagnosing the problem.

Sorry if this isn't a forum that helps with these kids of problems.

 

[telectrix]

maybe the motor is goosed. if this is a basic "domestic" shredder, cheap as chips. may as well replace with a new one.
Amazon.co.uk: shredder - https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=shredder&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

 

[Bobster]

Motors in domestic shredders aren't really that well built, an they're only suitable for short a duration at full load. The same thing happens changing direction rapidly.

 

[littlespark]

Is there a possible “cooling down”period which stops the motor if it overheats?

Can take a while if it’s been used a lot at a time.

Otherwise, don’t waste your time trying to repair, go buy a new one

 

[marconi]

If it is the type like ours that sits on top of a hopper, there could be a micro-switch which senses when the shredder is sat on top of the hopper.

 

[The Ghost]

You forgot to switch it on at the back of the forward reverse controls?

 

[freddo]

We had one that started playing up like that, the motor brushes were worn. The thing was rubbish so I just cut the flexible wires to the brushes so they could reach the commutator again and used it for another year or so until the brushes completely wore out and the brush springs wrapped around the commutator and blew the fuse with a loud bang.


Why do they put such weedy underpowered motors in so many of these things?

 

[static zap]

Why do they put such weedy underpowered motors in so many of these things?

Probably so no one gets their tie caught ,and have a "Final Destination " moment !

 

[telectrix]

We had one that started playing up like that, the motor brushes were worn. The thing was rubbish so I just cut the flexible wires to the brushes so they could reach the commutator again and used it for another year or so until the brushes completely wore out and the brush springs wrapped around the commutator and blew the fuse with a loud bang.


Why do they put such weedy underpowered motors in so many of these things?

so they can sell you a new one 1 month after the warranty expires.

 

[telectrix]

we call our shredder "Borg" coz everything is assimilated.

 

[Megawatt]

we call our shredder "Borg" coz everything is assimilated.

I bet your girlfriend turned it forward and while it was running and quickly turned it reverse before it stopped which could damage it . My advice is like above just buy a new one

 

[FatAlan]

I hate shredders, almost as bad as photocopiers. Never work when they’re needed.

 

[Megawatt]

I hate shredders, almost as bad as photocopiers. Never work when they’re needed.

I agree I have a printer that lm fixing to torch

 

[littlespark]

CLEAR!........*beep*..... *beep*.....

Another old thread successfully resurrected.

 

[static zap]

CLEAR!........*beep*..... *beep*.....
Another old thread successfully resurrected.

It takes a bit to hold back a stalled electric motor...
Lube for shredders ..
(This year found out rubber belted tread-mills need lube !)
Who designs this stuff , do I need silicone oil to be plastic compatible ?