Why Is My Bonsaii S120-C Shredder Making Unusual Noises?

When your Bonsaii S120-C Strip Cut Paper Shredder starts making unusual noises, it can be both frustrating and alarming. As a valuable office tool, you rely on it to shred paper quickly and efficiently. However, when something goes wrong, it may disrupt your workflow and lead to concerns about its condition.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the common reasons why your Bonsaii S120-C shredder might be making strange sounds, how to diagnose the issue, and what steps you can take to fix it.

You may read: https://fixpapershredder.com/product-review/bonsaii-s120-c-strip-cut-paper-shredder-review/

Table of Contents

Understanding Your Bonsaii S120-C Shredder

Bonsaii-s120-c-shredder-multifunctional-shredding-image

The Bonsaii S120-C is a popular model known for its 8-sheet strip-cut capacity, which allows you to shred paper, credit cards, and CDs. The shredder is designed for light home office or personal use, making it a versatile choice for small shredding tasks. It features an easy-to-use design with three operational modes: Auto, Forward (FWD), and Reverse (REV).

Like any mechanical device, the Bonsaii S120-C shredder relies on a set of blades and motors to shred paper and other materials. These moving parts can sometimes wear down or experience issues, which can lead to unusual noises.

It’s important to understand the reasons behind these noises so that you can prevent further damage to the shredder and ensure it operates smoothly for years to come.

Common Causes: Fixing a Noisy Bonsaii S120-C shredder

Let’s dive into the most common causes of strange sounds coming from your Bonsaii S120-C shredder:

1. Paper Jams

One of the most common causes of unusual sounds is a paper jam. When too many sheets of paper are inserted into the shredder at once, the machine can struggle to process them. This can result in the motor working harder than usual, producing grinding or whining sounds.

How to fix it:

First, turn off the shredder and unplug it from the power source.
Look for the jammed paper by checking the entry slot. If paper is stuck, gently pull it out.
Use the Reverse (REV) function to help release any stubborn paper that might be stuck in the blades.
If the jam persists, you may need to open the shredder’s cover to manually remove the paper or use a pair of pliers to carefully extract it.

2. Overheating

Another possible cause of unusual sounds is overheating. The Bonsaii S120-C shredder is designed for intermittent use, and it has a built-in safety feature that automatically shuts off the motor when the shredder has been running for too long. If the motor is overworked, it can start to produce high-pitched whining or whirring noises as it struggles to continue operating.

How to fix it:

If the shredder has been running for more than 3 minutes, give it a break and let it cool down. It’s important not to exceed the maximum run time to prevent overheating.
Turn off the shredder, unplug it, and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes before using it again.
Always keep an eye on the shredder’s operation and avoid continuous shredding beyond the recommended time.

3. Dull or Damaged Blades

The shredder blades can become dull over time or become damaged, which can result in abnormal noises. When the blades aren’t sharp enough to cut through paper smoothly, they may produce grinding or scraping noises. In some cases, the blades may have even become bent or broken, which would make the noise even more noticeable.

How to fix it:

Turn off the shredder and unplug it before inspecting the blades. If you notice that the blades are dull or damaged, it’s time to lubricate or replace them.
Lubricate the blades by running a special shredder oil sheet through the machine. This helps to reduce friction and prevent damage to the blades.
If the blades appear bent or broken, you may need to contact customer support or a repair technician to fix the issue.

4. Incorrect Paper Insertion

Another reason for unusual sounds is incorrect paper insertion. If you attempt to shred paper that is too thick or has staples or paper clips still attached, the shredder may struggle to process it. This can lead to loud, jarring noises as the shredder attempts to force its way through the paper.

How to fix it:

Always check the paper specifications to ensure you’re not exceeding the 8-sheet limit. The Bonsaii S120-C can only handle a maximum of 8 sheets of paper (75g/m²) at once.
Make sure to remove all staples and paper clips before inserting paper into the shredder. Even though the shredder can handle some staples, it’s best to remove them to avoid unnecessary strain on the motor.
If you’re shredding thick paper or credit cards, insert them one at a time.

5. Dirty or Clogged Feed Slot

A clogged or dirty feed slot can also cause unusual noises. Paper debris, dust, and oil buildup can accumulate in the feed slot or on the blades, causing friction that leads to scraping or grinding sounds.

How to fix it:

Turn off the shredder and unplug it.
Clean the feed slot with a slightly dampened cloth and mild detergent. Avoid spraying liquid directly into the feed slot.
Use a brush to clean any leftover paper debris or dust from the blades. This helps reduce friction and ensures the shredder works efficiently.
Regularly clean your shredder to keep it in good working condition and prevent noisy operations.

6. Overloaded Motor

When the motor is overloaded, it can make a whining or buzzing noise as it strains to process too much paper or hard materials. This can happen if the shredder is forced to handle more paper than it’s designed for or if you’re trying to shred materials like laminated paper, plastic sleeves, or thick cardboard, all of which are not compatible with the Bonsaii S120-C.

How to fix it:

Always check the material you are attempting to shred. The Bonsaii S120-C is designed for paper, CDs, DVDs, and credit cards only. Avoid shredding anything that could damage the motor.
If the shredder is overloaded, stop and unplug it immediately.
Reduce the amount of paper you’re feeding into the shredder or check for materials that are incompatible with the machine.

7. Unbalanced Shredder or Incorrect Setup

If the shredder isn’t set up properly, such as being placed on an uneven surface or not aligned correctly with the paper basket, it can cause the shredder to wobble and make loud, unsettling noises.

How to fix it:

Ensure that the shredder is placed on a smooth, flat surface.
Check if the shredder is properly aligned with the paper basket. The device should be flush with the basket’s edge to avoid misalignment and ensure smooth operation.
Make sure the shredder is securely positioned to avoid vibrations that could result in noise.

Preventing Future Noises and Enhancing Shredder Longevity

By following a few simple maintenance tips, you can reduce the likelihood of your Bonsaii S120-C shredder making strange noises in the future:

Limit Usage Time: Always adhere to the 3-minute continuous usage limit to prevent overheating. Allow the motor to cool down before continuing use.
Regular Lubrication: Regularly oil the blades with shredder oil to keep them sharp and working efficiently.
Clean the Shredder: Clean the feed slot and blades regularly to remove debris, dust, and paper buildup.
Proper Insertion: Only shred the recommended amount of paper (8 sheets) and avoid inserting incompatible materials.
Turn Off When Not in Use: Always turn off the shredder when not in use, especially for extended periods, to preserve the motor and avoid unnecessary strain.

Conclusion

Unusual noises from your Bonsaii S120-C shredder can be a sign of underlying issues, such as paper jams, overheating, dull blades, or incorrect operation. However, most of these problems are easy to fix with simple troubleshooting steps. By following proper usage and maintenance instructions, you can keep your shredder running smoothly and avoid unnecessary noise.

If the problem persists after following these steps, it might be time to contact customer support at Bonsaii for further assistance. Keeping your shredder clean, well-maintained, and within its operational limits will ensure that you can continue to enjoy efficient and quiet performance for years to come!