Looking for a shredder machine for your office or home?
Do you want more protection and security when getting rid of a document?
A shredder can be a great tool that can keep you protected from identity theft and other concerns. However, when choosing a shredder you need to be aware that there are a lot of options. Take your time when deciding, and make sure that you choose one that is perfect for your needs.
Below are the 7 things you need to consider before buying a paper shredder machine.
1. Reasons For Buying a Shredder Machine
A shredder can be a great tool for many reasons but you need to decide what you need it for. Your requirements in a machine will vary depending on your usage.
Do you need credit cards shredded? Are you planning on shredding bank statements and other personal documents? A shredder is great to have for personal use in your home and is one of the best assets to have in the fight against identity theft.
On the other hand, you may also need a shredder for your business. You may need a heavy-duty shredder if you will be using it for your business or in an industrial setting.
Take your usage needs into consideration before you buy a shredder and you will be much more likely to make the best choice.
Look at a shredder that can shed paper clips, staples, credit cards and CDs?
Destroyit 3104 Cross Cut Shredder
2. Storage Capability
The next thing to consider when buying a shredder machine is what size and amount of storage you will need.
Shredders come in all shapes and sizes and depending on how much paper you need to shred each day you may have different needs when it comes to making your decision.
You may choose to get a smaller model that can easily be placed on top of a desk. You may also choose a shredder that is more similar to a standard wastebasket and offers a plenty of extra room for shredded documents and waste.
You may wish to get a small model that can easily be stored in a drawer or you may want to get a freestanding model. A freestanding model will eliminate the need to put it away after each use. For both types, many colors and styles are available for matching the rest of your office or home.
3. Cutting Type
There are several different cutting styles that are popular for shredders and you need to choose the one that is best for you and your needs. Each will offer varying levels of security based on the cutting style.
The strip cut shredders are less common these days but were used often in the past. They are also faster than other shredder types. However, they don't offer as much security as other options.
Cross-cut shredders are often the best choice for most users. very popular and are more secure than the strip cut shredders. However, the security still isn't perfect.
If you need the maximum amount of security available, the micro cut shredder is for you. Micro-cut shredders cut documents into even smaller pieces, and are the best choice for ensuring that your documents are safe in the trash.
4. Speed and Power
You also need to consider the power that you need for your shredder machine. Power varies among shredders and influence how many pages you can shred - both on a particular day and at one time.
Shredders that are designed for lighter usage may only be able to shred a load of 4 to 12 pages at one time. This can be perfect for home usage. However, if one of these shredders is overloaded and worked too hard the motor can have problems.
A business or warehouse may require more shredding power and speed. In these cases, a more heavy-duty bulk shredder machine will help to shred large capacities each day.
High Speed Destroyit 3804 Shredders
5. Jam Resistance
If you're shredding a large number of documents each day or week, paper jams are likely to happen. Paper jams can lead to the slowing down of business and can be a problem.
While it can be difficult to deal with a paper jam and clear a clogged paper shredder, some shredders come with additional features that will help if a situation occurs.
Some shredders have special sensors that will notice when a paper load is too thick and will disable the shredding capabilities before it is too late. Some shredders will eject paper if it senses a jam will occur.
6. Status Checking
In addition to jam reducing features, you may also want to look for a good shredder that can help you by alerting you to the status of the shredder's storage and condition.
Some shredders will feature an indicator light that will alert you when a device has reached its storage capacity.
You may also want to find a shredder machine that has a clear shredding compartment. This will allow you to easily look into the device and see how much storage is remaining.
Be aware that it is important not to overload your shredder. Overloading may lead to frustrating paper jams or overheating.
7. Additional Shredder Machine Capabilities
You should also consider whether there are any special features you will need from your shredder.
While most shredders are equipped to handle paper, you may wish to purchase an even more heavy-duty option that will allow you to shred other things. Some mid-range or high-range shredder options will allow you to easily dispose of items that have the thickness of a CD, DVD or floppy disk.
Another feature that can be helpful is an auto button. An auto button will allow you to keep the shredder on even when it is not running. This will prevent you from needing to turn the shredder off and on everytime you use it.
Final Thoughts
A shredder machine can be a great tool for a business or for personal use. It can allow you to make sure that your identity and other important information is well-protected even when placed in the trash bin.
By using the tips above you'll be sure to find a shredder that is perfect for your needs and that serves you well for years to come.
Looking for the best office and industrial shredders? Start browsing our extensive selection of shredders now.
