Paper shredding basics

It is very important to know and understand a few paper shredding basics before you begin using your shredder.

There will be a time when you will have to properly destroy of some document, whether it's an office, home, or in a small or large company. The mail you receive at home is full of personal correspondence that should be shredded fully for security. Therefore, it is important to know and understand a few paper shredding basics.

Paper shredders are very simple to operate, with the majority of problems occurring when we attempt to shred more paper at time than the machine is designed to do. Ensure that you know what paper capacity the shredder is you are using and do not attempt exceed it. If you are shredding especially thick pieces of paper, then count them as two sheets instead of one.

A home/office paper shredder can have a capacity range from as low as five sheets to as much as 20 sheets depending on the model. Therefore, if your home shredder has a capacity of 10 sheets do not attempt to shred 15 sheets. This will jam the shredder and could cause damage to the motor. If your shredder does jam, DO NOT try to pull the paper out with your fingers while the shedder is on. This can cause server damage to your fingers and hand.

The majority of paper shredders do have a reverse mode, which is to help prevent some jamming. If you follow these simple shredding basics, you will securely shred all of your important documentation and still have all your fingers.

Shredding Basics