Paper shredders are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and capacities. You will save a lot of time and money if you choose the correct paper shredder up front. It’s not a tough task. Knowing a few fundamental questions to ask yourself before buying a paper shredder can help you cut down on the number of worthless paper shredders on your shopping list.
What are the most typical issues with paper shredders? Listed below are a handful of them. “My shredder keeps jamming,” is the most typical complaint of all. Complaints regarding the engine overheating, needing to replace the bag too often, not being able to shred staples, and other issues have also been raised. This article will assist you in resolving all of your issues.
To begin with, if your paper shredder continues clogging, it’s likely that you’re shredding too much material at once. Before you go out and buy a paper shredder, figure out how many sheets of paper you’ll be shredding at once. Also, if you need to shred 25 sheets of paper at a time, avoid purchasing a paper shredder that can only shred “up to” 25 sheets.
Manufacturers of paper shredders frequently exaggerate the capabilities of their machines. They want to know how many pages you can put through the shredder before it breaks. This figure is generally considerably too high to be used on a regular basis. It is advised that you get a paper shredder that can shred at least 20% more paper than you require. Buy one that can shred up to 30 sheets of paper at a time if you need to shred 25 sheets at a time. Consider the possibility that your shredding volume will rise in the coming years.
Keep in mind that not all paper shredders are built to run continuously. Many paper shredders contain a fail-safe feature that stops the engine from overheating. This is to keep the motor from being damaged. Many paper shredder manufacturers are now using thermally shielded motors. Continuous duty paper shredders are what they’re called.
Even if you won’t be shredding on a regular basis, buying a paper shredder with continuous-duty capability is strongly advised. You never know when you’ll need to shred a significant amount of paper in a single day. On the packaging of most paper shredders, it will indicate “continuous duty.” When buying online, “continuous duty” is usually listed as a feature.
Is the bin in your paper shredder filling up too quickly? Many people are unaware that a strip cut paper shredder fills a bin about 60% faster than a cross cut paper shredder. Cross cut paper shredders, also known as confetti cut shredders, break the paper into smaller bits, allowing it to compress better in the shredder bin. Some cross cut paper shredders shred paper into smaller bits, necessitating fewer bag changes. Also keep in mind that shredders with bigger bins are available.
Many individuals desire to be able to shred paper without having to bother about staples or paper clips. Metal fragments would nearly always destroy shredder blades in the past. Many shredders now come with hardened steel blades that can handle staples and the odd paper clip. This is frequently stated on the packaging or on the website. Although it’s still best not to shred metal particles if at all possible, it’s good to know that a staple or paper clip won’t harm the shredder.
Paper shredders come in a variety of brands. Many department stores sell inexpensive Chinese paper shredders that are easy to dismantle. There are a few reliable brands constructed from high-quality parts that will offer you a leg up on the competition in terms of longevity. Destroyit, HSM, Offis Life, Intimus, Dahle, Formax, and Kobra are among these brands. Many of these paper shredders are designed and manufactured in Germany. German shredders are well-known for their high quality.
Last but not least, there’s upkeep. Shredder maintenance done correctly can increase the life of your machine by several years. Many individuals are unaware that paper shredders need to be lubricated on a regular basis. This isn’t a difficult or messy procedure like changing your car’s oil. It’s as simple as squirting oil on a sheet of paper and putting it through the shredder. Every time you replace the bag, it’s a good idea to lubricate the paper shredder. It doesn’t take much, but it helps to reduce friction and wear from metal-on-metal contact.