Choosing a paper shredder

To choose the right office paper shredder to meet your needs, ask yourself these three questions:

1. Which paper shredder will meet my needs, a Strip-Cut or Crosscut?

To answer this question, you have to decide how secure you want your documents to be once they are discarded. Strip-Cut machines shred the paper into long thin strips. They are generally faster, require less maintenance, and are acceptable for most personal and office use. Crosscut shredders provide the greater security by cutting paper into tiny, confetti-like bits. However, they generally do require more maintenance.

2. What size are the documents do I shredding?

If the only size of paper you will be shredding is 8 1/2"x 11?, than any shredder will do. However, if you require a machine that can shred oversized documents than you have to find one with a feed opening large enough.

3.How much paper do I shred?

If all you shred is your personal documents, such as bank statements, receipts, credit card applications ect, than most models will meet your needs. On the other hand, if you need to shred pounds of documentation, then an industrial size machine is your best option. However, inquire about its output power and speed to ensure that it will meet your needs.

A rule of thumb is to estimate your needs then purchase a machine capable of handling about 20 percent more. This prevents breakdowns from being over taxed.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Paper Shredder