Clogged shredders are not uncommon. The reason for this is almost always improper use. Find out below why chippers get clogged, how to avoid blockages and how to loosen jammed branches and leaves.
Why is my chipper clogged and how do I fix it?
A chipper often becomes clogged due to improper handling, e.g. too many or too thick branches or moist material. To clear the blockage, remove the chipper cover, clear the blades of branches and leaves, and make sure the blades are sharp.
Reasons for a chipper to become clogged
Small garden shredders are not intended for large quantities of branches and twigs. They also have problems with thick wood. The most common reason for a blockage is that the user tries to chop too many branches at once or twigs that are too thick. The shredder groans under the load and only works slowly. Anyone who then loses patience and stuffs it with a stick will finish off the chipper. It is overloaded and stops.
Another common cause of a blockage is shredding soft, wet material. Don't shred anything that you can already compost as is. Clogging is more likely if the knives are blunt. Therefore, you should always ensure that the knives are sufficiently sharp.
Fixing a clog
To clear the blockage, you will need to remove the cover of your chipper. Depending on the model, this can look very different and be in different places. It is important that you expose the knives. Proceed as follows:
- Unplug your shredder and put on gloves.
- Unscrew the cover fixing screws and loosen the cover.
- Remove leaf residue, wood particles and anything else that prevents the knives from cutting.
- Remove stubborn parts with pliers. Be careful not to hurt yourself! The knives are sharp.
Constipation due to blunt knives
If the knives are blunt, the shredder clogs more quickly. So if you notice that your shredder is no longer working as quickly as before, you should sharpen the knives. The knives are often only attached with a simple screw connection and can therefore be easily removed and sharpened.
Avoid constipation
With the correct application you can avoid annoying blockages.
- Be patient when chopping. Give your shredder the time it needs.
- Don't put too many branches in the chipper at once
- Shrink branches that are too thick with an ax or secateurs
- Avoid putting moist, soft material in your shredder
- Always chop from the thick part to the thin part
