Businesses and individuals are using paper shredders more and more.Identity theft and other crimes can be prevented with the use of a shredder.The security and safety features of shredders have been improved.Understanding available features will help you choose a shredder that is right for you.
Step 1: A low-level security shredder is a good option.
A strip-cut paper shredder shreds a standard letter size paper.The largest strips of paper are typically produced by this type of shredder.The original style of shredder was strip-cut.It's still a big step above throwing something away.Strip-cut shredders can be less expensive than other types.Determine what you need to shred in order to decide if a strip-cut paper shredder will suffice.How sensitive is the information?Those who don't dispose of high-level security documents can use strip-cut shredders.
Step 2: A mid-level security shredder is a good idea.
A cross-cut paper shredder is a type of shredder.This is the most popular shredder.It has a higher level of security than the strip-cut variety.A standard letter size paper is cut into small pieces.It's hard to get sensitive information from a confetti-cut shredder.It's good for sensitive information like bank account and credit card numbers.Some computer programs shred documents.It's next to impossible to figure out what is shredded into small confetti pieces.You can change the bags of shredded paper less often since they are so small.The shredder will cut a standard letter size paper into over 400 pieces.
Step 3: Go to a high-level shredder.
One of the highest levels of security is offered by a micro-cut paper shredder.If you need to destroy sensitive and confidential documents, this is the type of shredder you should use.A standard letter size paper is cut into small pieces.Information can't be retrieved from a document that has been shredded.Micro-cut shredders are popular with large corporations.People are at risk of having classified or secret information stolen if they use these shredders.You can change the bags of shredded paper less often since they are so small.The super shredder is within the micro-cut shredder family.The standard letter size paper will be cut into over 6,000 pieces.High security shredders cut a standard letter size paper into thousands of tiny pieces.The high-level security of the standard micro-cut paper shredder is unaffected by this.
Step 4: You can find an affordable shredder.
There are a variety of shredders that are affordable.Micro-cut shredders tend to be more expensive, but you can find smaller versions that are relatively affordable.The most expensive type of shredder is the high-level micro-cut shredder, which can cost thousands of dollars.The cost of the commercial variety is very high.
Step 5: You can choose shred speed.
The size of shredded pieces is the most important factor in determining what shredder to buy.It can take a long time if you have a lot of paper to shred.If you use the shredder at home or at an office, the speed should be the same.Home shredders can meet your needs if you're just shredding paper at home.Home shredders shred 5 to 12 sheets of paper in less than 8 minutes.If you shred a lot, you may want a higher shredder speed.A home office shredder can work for you.10 to 18 sheets of paper can be shredded in 7 to 30 minutes.If you're buying a shredder for a large office, make sure it has a high shredding speed.There is a heavy duty shredder.They can shred for 45 minutes at a time.13 to 38 pieces of paper can be shredded.
Step 6: Take a look at daily usage.
Pick a shredder that is rated for how much daily usage you need.Depending on the location of the shredder, it can be located in a home or an office.Don't buy a shredder that is not powerful enough to meet your needs.Determine how many people will use the shredder and how often they shred paper.Personal shredders can be used for one person.There are small office shredders.A general office shredder can support many people.Pick a commercial shredder for 10 or more users.
Step 7: Determine the page capacity.
How many sheets can a shredder shred at once?A 5 sheet model is less expensive.Feed a few sheets at a time if you shred more than the occasional page.If you don't have a multiple page capacity, you may have to unjam the shredder a lot.It's a good idea to choose a shredder with a higher capacity than you will use.It can cut down on paper jams.Commercial shredders can shred up to 30 sheets of paper at a time.A few sheets at a time is what most personal shredders allow.The capacity of the bin is important.It's a good idea to get a shredder with a pull out bin, they're much easier to remove and empty, and this can help reduce paper jams.Ask about the shredder's run time.If you shred your documents in bulk, you need a shredder that can run for a long time.A run cycle can take anywhere from 2 minutes to 40 minutes.
Step 8: Consider anti-jam technology.
There is a chance for a paper jam if you are feeding a lot of documents into the shredder.Anti-jam features help to limit the problem.If you shred a lot of paper, it's important to get a shredder with anti-jam technology.The more paper you shred, the more likely your shredder is to jam.Some shredders are jam proof.jam proof shredders can cut down on jam time.Credit cards, paper clips, and many other items can be shredded with certain shredders.
Step 9: Look for a warranty.
The longer the warranty, the better.You may be able to find a longer warranty.The mechanical part of the shredder will usually be covered by the warranty.Hold onto your shredder until the warranty expires, and try to keep your warranties as long as you can.Make a note of the warranty's expiration date in your calendar to keep track of how long it will last.Ask about the warranties.The company that makes the shredder may have a warranty.If you buy your shredder through a large retail chain like Best Buy, they may offer a warranty as well.
Step 10: Energy saving features should be noted.
In the long run, energy saving features could save you money.This may not be important if you don't plan to use the shredder often.If you shredding documents every day, look into energy saving technology.If you use your shredder frequently, you can rack up your energy bill fast because 80% of the shredder's energy consumption comes from shredding papers.Some shredders say they can reduce energy consumption by 70%.Others say they are 100% energy effective.If you want the best savings, look for a shredder that will maximize energy savings 100% of the time.
Step 11: It's important to make safety a priority.
If something comes too close to the opening, some shredders have sensors that stop the shredder.If you have children or animals, safety features are important.An automatic shutoff feature is what a shredder should have.The shredder should shut off if fingers get too close.To learn about safety features, check the shredder's box.You can talk to a worker about safety concerns if you're buying in store.
Step 12: The noise should be kept down.
A feature in some shredders reduces noise by 10 decibels.If you have a shredder that's constantly running, your neighbors may be annoyed.There are shredders that make a lot of noise.There are paper shredders that promise a quieter job.You might want to look for reviews that discuss a shredder's noise level.It is possible to test a shredder out in store before buying it.