What to Consider When Choosing a Paper Shredder

Due to the rise in fraud and identity theft, it's never been more important to own a paper shredder

. Whether you're looking for your first one or need to replace your current machine, there are some things you need to consider when choosing your device. Here they are....

1.) Cross- or strip-cut? Shredders come in two varieties: strip-cut and cross-cut. Strip-cut machines basically turn your documents into spaghetti-like strips and they tend to be less expensive than their cross-cut counterparts. They're good for shredding junk mail and the like, but if you need a machine that offers more security, you should get a cross-cut device. Cross-cut shredders turn paper into particles so your documents can't be reassembled. They're perfect for shredding bank statements, business documents, and other items that need to be kept out of the public eye. Keep in mind that these products come with a security rating that's somewhere between 1 and 6. Level 6 machines offer the most protection, so choose accordingly.

2.) Shredding capacity and speed. One of the most important things to think about when choosing your unit is how much paper the machine can handle at once and at what speed. Personal-sized machines will only be able to process a few sheets at a time whereas a departmental device can handle dozens of sheets at once. You'll want to carefully consider how much you'll be needing to shred so you don't choose a machine that either shreds too little or too much. Also, be sure to choose a device that works quickly so you can get done shredding and move on to other things.

3.) Multimedia shredding. There are some shredders on the market that can handle non-paper items including credit cards, CD's and DVD's, and even floppy disks (despite their waning popularity). A lot of the personal-sized machines available can handle credit cards, but if you need a device that can handle the other items, you're going to need a small office or departmental shredder.

4.) Safety features. Paper shredders can be extremely dangerous to use, so you'll want to choose one that has enough safety features to keep yourself and those around you safe. Some machines will automatically shut down if they detect the presence of foreign items within the vicinity of the feed opening while others have a safety lock to prevent unauthorized use. Be sure to choose a machine that you'll feel comfortable using.

5.) Odds and ends. Some other things to keep in mind when choosing a shredder include waste bin size, whether the unit has casters, and price and warranty. If you select a device with a roomy waste bin, you won't be emptying it very often which can save you some time. As far as casters go, they can be very helpful if your shredder is large and/or heavy. So be sure to look for them if you're purchasing a bigger unit. And, of course, you'll want to consider whether the price of the device will fit your budget and if the warranty is sufficient.

Choosing a paper shredder is pretty easy when you know what to look for. Hopefully this article will be helpful for you when you go out into the world and purchase that unit for your home or office. Good luck and happy shredding!

What to Consider When Choosing a Paper Shredder

By: Jeff McRitchie

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