Fellowes Powershred C-120 Strip Cut Paper Shredder

Staff Review

Fellowes Powershred C-120 Strip Cut Paper Shredder Review

Often smaller offices simply need a basic shredder that offers quick shredding and convenient storage.  One great option for this is the Fellowes Powershred C-120 Strip Cut Paper Shredder.  It is designed for light office use by up to 5 people and is nicely priced for a small business budget.  In addition, it offers fast and efficient shredding while still being easy to operate.  Here is a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of the C-120.

Strengths:

• The streamlined design of this machine offers convenient storage between file cabinets or next to a desk.  Since this device is only nine inches wide, it takes up minimal floor space.  Tiny offices will especially appreciate the petite dimensions.
• Use is very easy, thanks to the many automated functions.  The automatic start and stop turns the blades on as needed when items are in the feed for on-demand shredding.  The auto stop is also triggered by a paper jam, full waste bin, or an open cabinet door.  In the case of a jam, the Turbo Jam Release allows you to power through, saving you the hassle of clearing the blades.
• A heavy duty motor is used to provide power.  It is rated for continuous shredding, allowing extended shredding periods without needing frequent cool down times.  This isn’t often seen on smaller machines but adds extra convenience.
• The 9.5 inch wide throat can take in up to 20 sheets at once, including staples, paperclips, and credit cards.  The blades slice everything as fast as 20 feet per minute, leaving only narrow 7/32″ strips.  The slices offer a low level 2 security rating, great for generic office shredding of old memos and work orders.
• Unreadable strips are collected in a 13 gallon waste bin.  The shred container pulls out for simple removal and replacement.  A safety interlock switch on the cabinet door triggers the auto stop if not secured properly.  This prevents fingers from accidentally coming into contact with running blades.
• A three year warranty covers this product with lifetime protection on the blades.

Weaknesses:

• This small machine weighs 60 pounds.  While this isn’t overly heavy, there aren’t casters on the bottom so moving it will be difficult.  We suggest you use a dolly if you need to move it on occasion or store it on a cart for frequent location changes.
• The thin strips created by the blades only earn a low level 2 security rating.  This is adequate for most generic office shredding.  However, any confidential information should go through at least a level 3 cross cut shredder.  We recommend the cross cut version of this one, the C-120C.

As you can see, the Fellowes C-120 is perfect for the basic shredding needs of any small office.  With a slim, space-saving design, this device can easily provide efficient shredding even in places where space is limited.  And since it’s easy to use as well as fast, any business will appreciate the convenience that it brings.  We think the C-120 is an excellent choice for your next low security small shredder.