The little paper sensor fell off inside the shredder lid, so it won't work now. I unscrewed the two halves of the lid looking for the missing part and they won't separate. ??? Gary

possible but check for a small level between the cutters that activates a micro switch when you put the paper in
small parts of shredded paper ball up and jam it so that it cannot move

From your description, it sounds like when you insert the paper the motor turns on, but the paper is not pulled into the shredder, indicating the two shredder cylinders are not turning. The most likely cause of this is a stripped (missing teeth) main nylon gear. These can be replaced but require some effort.

Dear Hal,
Here is some generic information about shredders that may help you.
Most of the shredders have a micro switch that "senses" if the paper has been introduced to the shredding slot. These micro switches are activated by a little arm/leveler that touches the paper and activates de contact inside the shredder housing. Also, note that some shredders may have an optical sensor that may be "clogged" with paper dust.
If you shredder does not stop, the sensor may be stuck in a on position, or, in case it has optical sensor may be detecting dust or a little piece of paper may be blocking the optical sensor and keeping the motor running.
I hope this gives you some light in further investigating your problem.
Good luck!
RC

Dear Michael,
Here is some generic information about shredders that may help you.
Most of the shredders have a micro switch that "senses" if the paper has been introduced to the shredding slot. These micro switches are activated by a little arm/leveler that touches the paper and activates de contact inside the shredder housing. Also, note that some shredders may have an optical sensor that may be "clogged" with paper dust.
If you shredder does not stop, the sensor may be stuck in a on position, or, in case it has optical sensor may be detecting dust or a little piece of paper may be blocking the optical sensor and keeping the motor running.
I hope this gives you some light in further investigating your problem.
Good luck!
RC

depending on what you have available, either a damp paper towel or alcohol wipe, or compressed air will work to clean the sensor eye located top at the center of the paper feed opening, you should see a little dot wipe, or spray these out well, then turn the machine off and back on again.
built up dust from the paper causes the sensor to keep registering that there is paper coming in hence it won't stop on its own.

you can try cleaning the "bin- full" sensors. they are located on the inside of cabinet, on the bottom of the shredder "head". one will be to the left side of basket and one to the right. they kind of look like little glass eyes mounted inside of black rubber casings. paper dust on these will do this sometimes. if that doesn't do it then it sounds like your "bin-full" sensors are bad. a known problem with these shredders. fellowes has come out with modified sensors. if it was purchased within 2 years, it should still be under warranty.

hth,
razors

make sure sensor switch is free and clear. unplug first before cleaning out. You will see little swith if you look inside where paper is fed in. GL

Have you received an answer yet.Please advise. [email protected]

I had the same problem with my Novitech Model: PS-026/B2 only working in reverse but not forward. So I decided to take it apart and see if I could find any loose wires, broken parts etc. Keep in mind I am not a paper shredder mechanic, but I was able to fix it, at least for the time being, and here is how:

1. Unplug the machine, and I mean it. Make sure you unplug the machine before you start any fixin'. Unplug the machine!

2. I unscrewed the 7 screws located at the bottom of the case

3. I carefully separated the cases and made sure I did not allow any tension on the few wires that span the case halves

4. With the can of electronics duster I use for my computer keyboard, I sprayed all of the electric contacts, making sure I did not spray any of the grease at the gears. I poked the straw in all of the switch housings and the motor.

5. If you feel a little adventurous, you can remove the 6 screws that hold the cover and safety switch in place. At this point pay attention to how the safety switch arm is positioned ( take a picture if you have to) so it will be in the correct position during assembly. Remove the cover and look for anything that could be caught in the shredders. Remove any foreign matter with tweezers or needle nose pliers. Replace the safety switch and cover, make sure the switch arm is in the same position before you took it apart.

6. Put the two case halves together making sure there are no wires pinched inbetween. Put the seven screws back where they belong and tighten snugly ( do not over tighten cause you will break the plastic, guaranteed!)

7. Place the machine on the waste bucket and plug it in. And voila the motor should start buzzing and humming like it was brand new.

For me, the problem was the sensor connections. I took the unit apart (7 phillips screws, I'm not sure why I didn't have to remove the 8th.) Then I took the paper sensor unit off (2 more phillips screws.) Then I removed the little black box that both sensor wires are connected to (1 more phillips screw.) Then I pried that box open with a flat head screwdrive. Some parts fell out. I put it all back together and it worked.

If you don't want to mess with it, just remove the two wires and tie them together. The unit will always be on when turned on to Auto, but that's better than not working.