All about the Paper Shredder

You know the device that you bought some time ago that now collects dust? It’s calling your name. It wants to help you, it wants to be sure your identity or your client’s identity doesn’t get stolen. It wants to hide your confidential information from prying eyes. What does it demand of you? It demands that you read the owner’s manual, so you will know how to treat it. The device that I am talking about is your paper shredder.

So where do you begin to start knowing what your paper shredder can do—the manual. The manual is in the shredder box for a reason. With the manual, you will know what to do to keep it in top shape. It will tell you about maintenance, such as how often and how to oil it. It will also tell you what items to shred in it so you don’t get a paper jam. Shredder jams are so frustrating. That is why you need to know how to treat your paper shredder.

Some general things to think about before you buy your next paper shredder. Do you want it to shred crosscut or strip? Crosscut paper shredders provide better security. If security is a great concern go with a micro shred cut. It will “pulverize” the paper. Besides the size of the cut, also think about if you can get by with a personal shredder or if you need a commercial paper shredder. Commercial shredders sometimes called industrial paper shredders are meant for offices with medium to high traffic. It can shred from 20-30 sheets of paper at one time, and needs little rest.  Some shred more than paper such as credit cards, paper clips, CDs and DVDs. There are a variety of features you can choose from, from shredder safety features to auto-oiling features.

After you have chosen your paper-devouring machine, you need to think about the protocol or shredding routine you will use. It needs to be something you will do regularly, whether its once a day or a couple times during the week. Have two piles. Documents you are sure you need to shred and another pile of documents that you aren’t sure about. The last pile, I would advise you to scan electronically to keep an electronic backup, before shredding, unless you are sure you will not need the document.

Those are a few pointers. I hope they help. Remember to treat your machine like office equipment, which is what it is. It is not a play toy. You should always practice shredder safety. You should also maintain a routine to oil your shredder to keep it in good shape.