Hi
I have a Staples branded paper shredder that I've been using for a number of years with no issues at all. Last night I was using it and it made an odd, and loud, *crunch* sound, nothing like I've ever heard from a machine. Ever.
The motor turns on and sounds proper, no odd smells, but the teeth do not turn.
While I'm no mechanic, I know how to use tools and I've fixed things over the years. Today I opened the thing up. One of the gears has lost some teeth, two I think.
Are these things, gears, generally available for purchase? If they are, can they be removed and replaced and have the device brought back to a properly functioning state without too much effort, or is it too much work (for instance, I don't know how to weld and have no equipment to do so)? Should I just recycle the device and buy a new one? Shredders of this type are currently upwards of one hundred and sixty dollars.
Thanks

Paul