MyBinding Knowledge Base
What should I know about Multimedia Shredders?
With identity theft on the rise, more people are looking for ways to properly destroy multiple types of materials. Most machines that shred paper also handle the occasional paperclip and staple as well as credit cards. But what do you do with old CDs containing personal information? Or 3.5″ floppy disks storing former customer records? You put them through a multimedia shredder. Like paper shredders, multimedia devices come with a variety of features. Here are a few things to help you sift through the details when choosing a multimedia device.
- Materials. One of the first things you’ll want to decide is what you’ll need to shred. Then look for a machine with that capability. Many paper shredders can accommodate CDs and DVDs; in fact, you may already have a machine that can do this. A good multimedia device can also accept 3.5″ floppy disks and Zip disks, both 100mb and 250mb. There are also models designed to handle 4mm DAT tapes, LS120 superdisks, DV tape, and VHS tapes. Martin Yale even makes a specialty pharmacy shredder built to securely destroy pill bottles, cough syrup containers, and adhesive labels.
- What do you already have? Most of these machines can shred paper as well as media items. However, if your office already has a decent paper shredder, you may want to invest in a model solely for media. Another option is to upgrade your current shredder to a device that can handle all materials you need to destroy.
- Safety. As you can imagine, shredding plastic items creates tiny shards. To prevent accidental injury from flying pieces, you’ll want to find a device with a plastic safety shield over the opening. Another important feature is an automatic off for a jam, an open cabinet door, or an engine overheat. This helps prevent injury as well as prolongs the life of your shredder.
- Separate waste compartments. With a device that handles both paper and media items, segregated waste bins make recycling easier. You can put the paper in the recycling bin while tossing the plastic remnants.
- Security level. Multimedia items are pretty much impossible to reassemble no matter the security rating. But if you plan to also use the device for paper, make sure you get the rating you’re looking for.
- Capacity. Most multimedia slots work for one, maybe two, pieces. But if you’re looking for a machine to also handle your sensitive paperwork, be sure you pay attention to the capacity details. The entry width should be broad enough to accept your most commonly used papers. And the number of pages the blades can take at once as well as the shred speed should be proportional to your requirements. A shredder that handles less than you need is frustrating and slows productivity.
- Warranty. Finally, as with all shredders, consider the warranty. Quality brands will back up their products with a decent warranty. Cutting heads are often covered for ten years to life, depending on the manufacturer. Parts and labor coverage is on average one to two years.
< Over the years, a number of customers have asked me whether they can use twin loop wire with their plastic comb binding machine. These customers often don’t want to have to buy a brand new machine but like the look and feel of twin loop wire binding. However, the answer to their question isn’t as simple as it seems. You see, they actually do make twin loop wire that is designed to work with the plastic comb binding hole pattern. With that said, if you want to use these wires you are going to need a way to close the wires. What is Spiral-O Wire? Let me explain a little bit more…There is a product that we carry called Spiral-O Wire. This wire has 19 loops and is designed to work with the hole pattern from a plastic comb binding machine. Spiral-O Wire is sometimes called Wire Combs or Ibico Wire and was originally designed for use with some of the older Ibico binding machines. A number of the older Ibico plastic comb binding machines also included a twin loop wire closer on the front of them to allow users to use both plastic combs and wire. This 19 loop wire was designed for this purpose. What Equipment is Needed? As the Ibico brand has been phased out by GBC and all of the older Ibico plastic binding machines have been replaced with new models, they no longer have the twin loop wire closer on the front of them. This presents a problem in trying to use these spiral-o wires since you can’t use the wires without a way to close them. One of the only options left is to purchase a Twin Loop wire closer. However, since twin loop wire closers are not incredibly cheap this option usually only appeals to users who have larger electric plastic comb binding machines. Otherwise, it is often advisable to simply buy a low end 3:1 pitch twin loop wire binding machine (the supplies are cheaper). This being said, if you have one of the older Ibico binding machines that has a wire closer included you are in luck. The Spiral-O binding supplies that we carry will work perfectly with your machine and you will be able to use both plastic combs and wire depending on your needs. These Spiral-O binding supplies are available in Black, Silver, White, Blue and Red and in sizes up to 1″ in diameter. If you aren’t sure what type of wire binding supplies that you need to work with your machine simply give us a call. Our trained sales representatives will be glad to help you find the correct supplies for use with your machine.(Read More)
