If your business shreds a large number of documents, you may have considered several options when it comes to finding the right paper shredder for the job.
You might have thought about buying a used piece of equipment online, relying on a professional shredding company, or simply keeping your documents in a digital cloud.
But the reality is that all three of those options put sensitive information at serious risk.
Instead, it's much smarter to invest in a new shredder -- and of course, to learn how to take care of it.
To learn how to keep your new shredder working safely and efficiently, keep reading.
The Benefits of a Cross-Cut Shredder
First of all, let's answer the most basic question: what exactly is a cross-cut shredder, and how is it different from a standard option?
These types of shredders are one of the most popular choices for office shredding because they shred every document both horizontally and vertically. They also work to ensure that the size of each individual shred strip is smaller than it would be with a standard model.
Our shredders meet security levels 3 and 4 (read more about the different security levels on our site.) This means that your documents won't be put at risk by poor quality shredders or lax document disposal security standards.
After all, many people wrongly think that cybersecurity data breaches are all they need to worry about.
However, both paper and cybersecurity leaks can cost larger businesses an average of $4 million.
Avoid These Common Errors
Now that you're ready to get a cross-cut shredder, let's look at what you need to avoid if you'd like to keep yours in good working order.
First of all, resist the temptation to over-stuff your cross cut shredder. Yes, these machines are incredibly durable and can hold far more paper than the average shredder. And they also come with devices and technology that helps to stop them from overheating.
Still, you shouldn't push it.
Set up a shredding schedule with your team to ensure that you won't have to stuff lots of paper into the machine at the last second, potentially damaging the machine.
Also, be sure to watch what you put into your shredder. Yes, it can be annoying to remove paper clips and staples from your pages. However, taking the time to do this will save you hours down the road.
After all, you don't want to lose a workday -- or have to buy a new part for your shredder -- because of a careless user error.
Additionally, stuffing non-paper materials into your shredder can damage its cutting head, which will dull the blades faster and result in less-effective shredding.
Finally, if there's a serious issue with your shredder, don't go the DIY route when trying to fix it. You can end up losing time, money, and can potentially get yourself into a serious accident.
It's just not worth it.
Rely on the professionals to fix your cross-cut shredder instead.
Frequently Oil Your Cross-Cut Shredder
Just like your car or your front door, if you want your shredder to keep working well, you'll need to oil it occasionally.
The process isn't at all time-consuming or complicated, but it can save you from having to deal with serious headaches down the line that could result in lost productivity.
When to Oil
So, when exactly should you oil your shredder?
Of course, any time that you notice that your shredder is squeaking, doesn't seem to be working as well as usual, or it appears to be jammed, it's a smart idea to bust out the oil.
Your oiling schedule will also be influenced by how often you shred documents and the amount of paper that you run through your shredder.
If you're a heavy shredder, then it's a good idea to oil it every time you empty out the bin. Once it's full, just do a quick check of the machine (unplug it, of course) to make sure everything is working properly.
However, if you shred less frequently, then follow the general rule of thumb of oiling it about once every two months.
How to Oil
So, you know when to oil your shredder, but how exactly does the process work?
First of all, always refrain from using aerosol oils, because they are highly flammable. Instead, if possible, look for vegetable-based oils to prevent fires, smoke, or simply damage to your shredder.
Once you've selected the right kind of oil, turn on your machine and hit the reverse button. Then, run the oil all along the tray feeder, while keeping your finger on the reverse button for about ten to fifteen seconds.
Keep in mind that many of our models come with automatic oiling options so that you won't have to remember to do it yourself.
Especially if you're the forgetful type, self-oiling shredders or even shredders that remind you to oil them are an excellent option.
Where Can You Purchase A Cross-Cut Shredder For Your Business?
Thanks to this post, you're now much more aware of the benefits of investing in a cross-cut shredder for your office. You also know exactly what you need to do in order to take care of them.
Now, all that's left is to purchase the perfect cross-cut model for your office.
That's where we come in.
Spend some time on our website to learn more about the specific features of our favorite shredders, so you can choose the one that suits your company's needs.
Also, be sure to check out our blog to study up on how to effectively shred documents and much more. If you need any help or have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.