The main task of a paper shredder is to break a sheet of paper into tiny bits so that it becomes unreadable. Therefore, the machine involves the task of cutting and tearing. These tasks will naturally require a sharp object. The shredder blades do this job. One must have noticed that when a knife in the house is used frequently, its sharp edges become dull after a few days.

Shredder blades are also about the same as knives. Since they are used in the task of cutting paper, they can wear out due to the friction force that develops between the paper and the edges of the blades. The force of friction is the force that develops between two bodies that are being rubbed. As a result of this force, the blade molecules change their usual position. Therefore, the molecules on the edge of the blades also change position. Finally, the sharpness of the blades decreases.

To sharpen paper shredder blades, all you need is kitchen aluminum foil. Kitchen aluminum foil can be of any brand. Separate the aluminum foil and keep it near the shredder. Then you may need a pair of scissors to cut the foil to a size of 8.5 x 11″. You can also fold the foil to the required size. The shredder should then be plugged into an electrical outlet. Then turn it to the ‘on’ state.The foil should now sit on top of the shredder.Now, feed the foil through the shredder.Do this as you feed other normal papers.

Aluminum foil works as a sharpening agent. The molecules of the aluminum foil are arranged in such a way that they produce a different type of frictional force on the body being rubbed. As a result, the part of the body that comes into direct contact with the blade becomes sharp. The same theory is followed when sharpening shredder blades.

The blades of a shredder do not need to be sharpened regularly. This will reduce the quality and strength of the blades. The shredder should not be overloaded to avoid wear on the blades.