User Manual
6
CARING FOR YOUR SHREDDER
Clean covers with a clean dry cloth. Do not use water or solvents. Make sure you dis-
connect your shredder from its power source before cleaning.
Paper shredders, like all mechanical equipment, need proper maintenance to ensure 
efcient operation. Periodic lubrication of the cutting blades is important to offset the 
friction generated within the cutting head. Frequency of lubrication will vary depending 
on the shred size and the amount of usage. A strip-cut shredder receiving light use  
(1 – 2 hours per week) will require lubrication only once or twice a month, while the 
same machine used 1 – 2 hours per day will require lubrication weekly. A cross-cut shred-
der should be lubricated every 1/2 hour of shredding time to maintain maximum capacity 
and efciency.
The procedure for lubricating your shredder is simple, and can be performed by any ope-
rator. The oil is packaged in a squeeze bottle and is applied directly to the cutting blades 
through the feed opening (3). Run a ne stream of lubricant from one side of the feed 
opening to the other. Run the shredder in REVERSE for a few seconds to help distribute 
the lubricant evenly. You can now continue shredding as usual.
Repairs on your paper shredder should only be performed by qualied technicians. If you 
need service, contact your local dealer, or you can contact DAHLE North America Custo-
mer Service between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm EST at (800) 995-1379.
Models 20392, 20394, 20396 
are equipped with an automatic oiling system
Using the automatic oiler will help maintain a 
permanent cutting quality and will aid in
keeping your shredder running at full capacity.
DAHLE Shredder Oil is the only lubricant you 
should use in your paper shredder. It has been 
specially formulated so as not to leave any resi-
due that could attract dust and clog the shred-
ding mechanism. You can order DAHLE Shredder 
Oil from your local dealer.
ALWAYS TURN SHREDDER OFF IF IT WILL BE UNATTENDED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME








