What to Look For in a Paper Shredder

One Time Purge, Our Services

By Boston Document Shredder

Whether you need a small shredder or one that’s able to handle a lot of paper, there are a few things you need to look for when buying one. Some of the things you need to look for include how long the shredder will run, the safety features, and whether it’s able to handle cross-cut or strip-cut paper.

Cross-cut vs strip-cut shredders

Getting the right type of paper shredder can be tricky. If you’re a business owner or a homeowner, you may have questions about which type of shredder is right for your needs. Here are a few things to consider. The first thing you’ll need to know is the difference between a cross-cut and a strip-cut shredder. Both types of shredders have their advantages and disadvantages. However, when it comes to security, a cross-cut shredder is the best choice. It provides more security than a strip-cut shredder, making it the ideal choice for highly confidential documents. A cross-cut shredder is designed to cut paper into smaller pieces, making it harder for identity thieves to reassemble the shredded documents. The resulting shreds are also small enough that they take up less space in a shredder bag. It’s also easier to clean.

A strip-cut shredder, on the other hand, is designed to produce a ribbon-like strip of paper. The strip-cut shredder is a popular choice in offices, homes, and businesses. It can handle large jobs faster than a cross-cut shredder.

concord ma shredding service

Wastebasket

Invented by Abbot Augustus Low, a Brooklyn, NY inventor, the paper shredder is an innovative machine that turns documents into tiny confetti-like particles. Paper shredding is a great way to keep confidential information out of the wrong hands, as well as a great way to protect your privacy. Several different models of paper shredders are available. Many of them are low-volume, ideal for occasional home office use. Others are more advanced and allow users to shred credit cards and other items in the same space as confidential documents. They can also be used to destroy optical media, such as CDs, hard drives, and credit cards.

The paper shredder has an outer frame and an inner bin. The bin may be a top-mounted bin or a pull-out bin. A pull-out bin is easier to empty than a top-mounted bin. The shredder can also be equipped with a foot pedal that allows the user to displace the inner bin. Alternatively, the shredder may be a lift-off head shredder.

Maximum run-time

Using a paper shredder for home use is a great way to destroy personal and sensitive information. However, there are some things you should consider before purchasing a new shredder. The first thing you should do is find out how many sheets a shredder can handle at a time. This is usually based on the type of paper stock used. If you have several documents to shred, a shredder with a longer run time is the best option.

Another factor to consider is the amount of time the shredder takes to cool down. Smaller shredders with runtimes of two to five minutes will take longer to cool down than a larger shredder that can run for an hour or more. A high-end paper shredder may have features such as a document feeder, an automatic document feeder, or a pull-out waste bin. They may also have safety features such as a reverse function to clear paper jams.

Safety features

Whether you use a shredder in your office or at home, safety features are an important part of using it properly. Shredding paper can be dangerous, especially for children. During a CPSC study, staff found that a large number of paper shredder injuries were caused by operator error.

To avoid injuries, you must read the instructions and follow safe practices. These include storing the shredder in a safe, convenient place, avoiding paper jams, and turning off the shredder after use. You may also want to consider cutting back on the power. Paper jams can cause the shredder to overheat, which can cause it to malfunction and spark. The best solution is to unplug the machine from the electrical outlet. If the machine does not shut off on its own, it should be checked by a qualified technician.

If your shredder has an auto-feed feature, it will automatically stop when it detects too much paper. This feature prevents paper jams, saving you time. Some models also feature capacity sensors, which will warn you if the bin is near empty. Often these shredders are unproductive if you have a large volume of paper and old documents including checkbooks, X-rays, and binders, that is why we recommend hiring a professional shredding service like Neighborhood Parcel that is currently serving Waltham, Worcester, Wilmington, Woburn, Tewksbury, Andover, Dracut, Billerica, Chelmsford, Tyngsboro, Nahua NH, Salem NH, Portsmouth NH and more. Call 978-636-0301 or drop-off your documents here at 1215 Main St, Tewksbury MA 01876.

author avatar
Boston Document Shredder Editor
In today’s digital age, the risk of identity theft and consumer fraud looms larger than ever, especially when outdated personal and confidential documents are carelessly discarded into household trash. This oversight has fueled an alarming rise in identity theft, transforming it into a widespread epidemic across Massachusetts communities. Recognizing the urgent need for proactive measures, we spearhead Community Shredding events in key locations like Boston and Lowell, MA, where our influence is palpable. Our Community Shredding events are meticulously designed to offer individuals a secure platform to dispose of their sensitive documents. By providing off-site shredding services free of charge, we empower community members to protect their personal information effectively. These events gain additional credibility and reach through partnerships with local media, law enforcement, and government bodies, ensuring a broad impact and heightened awareness around the issue of document security. Beyond these community initiatives, we are committed to making residential shredding services both accessible and affordable. Our competitive pricing plans are crafted with the consumer in mind, ensuring that safeguarding personal information doesn’t have to be a financial burden. Take a decisive step towards securing your private documents and preventing identity theft. Schedule your shredding service with us today by calling (978) 636-0301, and join us in our mission to fortify our communities against the threat of consumer fraud and identity theft.