How to Find the Right Paper Shredder for Your Needs

Having a paper shredder is necessary if you need to protect personal and/or business information. If you don't have one of these devices, it's time to get one. The good news is that you can find the right paper shredder for your needs simply by asking yourself the following questions:

• How much do you need to shred? One of the most important considerations in choosing a shredder is how much you need to shred at once. If you only need to shred a few sheets at a time, a heavy-duty departmental shredder might be overkill. Likewise, a small deskside shredder isn't going to cut it if you need to shred large amounts of paper on a regular basis. Get a machine that has a shredding capacity that will meet your needs.
• How much security do you need? Since you're getting a shredder to keep certain information under wraps, you need a machine that will give you the appropriate amount of security. Shredders are commonly given a security rating that ranges from 1 to 6. As you might expect, machines with a higher security rating will give you more security. These machines include strip- and micro-cut shredders. Some of these devices even receive approval from federal agencies such as the Department of Defense, so they're perfect for highly confidential materials.
• Do you need to get rid of non-paper items? A lot of paper shredders have the ability to shred non-paper items including staples, credit cards, and CD's. These machines can be really helpful if you work with a lot of electronic media or if you don't want to remove staples and paper clips from your documents. Also, you'll be able to get rid of expired credit and debit cards which can give you extra protection against identity theft.
• What security features do you need? You need to give some consideration to safety features since shredding can be dangerous. A lot of machines have safety interlocks that prevent accidental and unauthorized use. And there are shredders that have safety shields in the feed opening. Plus, there are devices that can shut down when your hands are too close to the feed opening. So there are plenty of features to look for that can keep you safe.
• What kind of special features do you need? Many of the shredders on the market come with special features. These include quiet operation (great for shared work areas), jam-free performance, and automatic oilers which make it easy to maintain the machine. Also, some shredders are small enough to fit under desks, which can be really helpful if your workspace is limited.
• What kind of warranty coverage do you need? You should choose a shredder that has good warranty coverage so you'll be covered in case anything goes wrong. A good warranty will last for at least a year.

By asking yourself the above questions and answering them honestly, you'll be able to find the right paper shredder for your needs. Good luck and happy shredding!

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Written by Jeff McRitchie
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