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If your business handles sensitive documents, you know how important it is to safeguard the information. Paper shredders are practical solutions that transform data destruction safety. They provide efficient and secure disposal of confidential information, preventing it from falling into the wrong hands. But with so many options available, finding the best paper shredders for you can be difficult.

In this article, we’ll cover:

  • The different types of shredders and their benefits

  • Common challenges with using shredders

  • Answers to common questions about shredders

Benefits of Shredders and Cutters

There are many different kinds of shredders to choose from. Below we review some of the most common. 

Digital Media Shredders

Digital media shredders destroy digital storage devices. In professional settings, they destroy:

  • USB drives

  • CDs

  • DVDs

  • Disks

  • Credit cards

With the rise of cyber threats and identity theft, using digital media shredders can reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized data retrieval.

Autofeed Shredders

Gone are the tedious days of manually feeding papers into a shredder. Autofeed shredders automatically pull in and shred stacks of paper without supervision, freeing up your precious time for other important tasks.

They also typically include features like anti-jam technology and quiet operation, increasing productivity, reducing the chances of paper jams, and offering a less intrusive shredding experience.

Small Office Shredders

Small office shredders offer the perfect balance between efficiency and compactness for smaller offices or home-based businesses. They’re tailored to handle moderate shredding needs without the bulkiness of larger models. They also feature a user-friendly design that even the newest office workers can operate with ease.

Large Office Shredders

If you’re scaling up your operations, large office shredders are the perfect machine to meet the demands of a bustling corporate environment. Big offices have piles and piles of paperwork to dispose of, and using smaller shredders is time-consuming and tedious. It can also be expensive to outsource shredding. 

Large office shredders are engineered for high-volume shredding and cater to businesses with substantial shredding needs. These heavy-duty shredders often come with thermal protection and energy-saving modes to prolong machine life and save on utility bills.

Industrial Shredders

Industrial shredders are the workhorse of shredders. They’re built for rigorous use and can handle various types of material, from paper to cardboard.

These commercial shredders are perfect for large-scale operations like recycling centers and manufacturing plants. Their robust construction and large bins help them stand up to the demands of constant use. They can shred tens of thousands of sheets of paper a day. Furthermore, advanced safety features like autoreverse and load indicators keep operators safe.

Challenges with Using Shredders

While shredders bring numerous benefits to modern offices, they do have challenges. Just like any other piece of equipment, they can experience things that halt production.

Frequent Paper Jams

One of the most common issues with shredders is the dreaded paper jam. Paper jams disrupt the feeding process and increase wear and tear on the machine. Some common ways you may cause a paper jam include:

  • Overloading the shredder

  • Feeding the shredder wrinkled or folded papers

  • Trying to shred materials the shredder isn’t equipped to handle (like adhesive)

To prevent paper jam, make sure your shredder receives regular maintenance like oiling. In addition, follow all manufacturer’s guidelines regarding batch sizes, materials, and shredding intervals.

Overheating During Prolonged Use

Continuously using a shredder can cause it to overheat, especially if it’s not designed for heavy-duty tasks. Overheating reduces the machine’s longevity and can even be a potential fire hazard. 

To avoid overheating, always stay aware of the shredder’s duty cycle and allow it to cool down for the manufacturer's recommended time during extended shredding.

Noise Disruption

Finally, shredders can be pretty loud, especially if they’re older models or don’t have noise-reducing features. The noise can disrupt shared workspaces or quiet office environments, affecting concentration and productivity.

Opting for shredders with noise-dampening technology or placing the shredder in a designated area away from common work areas can help alleviate this challenge.

Common Questions

Is a cross-cut or micro-cut shredder better?

Micro-cut shredders offer a higher level of security because they cut to the smallest particle size. So they’re the best paper shredders for disposing of highly confidential documents.

What is the safest paper cutter?

In terms of document safety, high-security micro-cut shredders are the safest because they cut to the smallest particle size, making documents completely illegible and unrecoverable. In terms of user safety, industrial paper cutters with advanced safety features like auto shut-off, safety guards, and plexiglass barriers around the feeding entry are the safest paper cutters. 

What is the smallest cut a shredder will make?  

The smallest cut a shredder will make is a micro cut, which creates a particle size of around 1/32” x 3/16”. 

Do shredders require oiling?

While there are some oil-free options, most shredders do require oiling to function optimally, and some even come with an auto oiler. Oiling time and amount may increase or decrease depending on the materials you shred.

How many years do paper shredders last? 

The lifespan of a paper shredder can vary based on its usage and maintenance. With proper care, most shredders last 5-10 years or more.

Choosing the Best Shredder for Your Business

Selecting the right shredder is an investment in the security, efficiency, and compliance of your business. It guarantees streamlined operations and the utmost protection of sensitive information, building trust and confidence among your clients and stakeholders.

If you’re looking for your next shredder, MyBinding provides a diverse range of high-quality machines to meet any office need. With 30 years of expertise and unparalleled customer support, we guide you every step of the way.

Are you ready to elevate your document disposal processes? Check out our paper shredders today!

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Call us today at 1-800-944-4573 for help choosing your paper shredder for the office.