How Does a Shredder Work?

The Strip-Cutting Paper Shredder

We all use paper shredders, but we don't always know how they work. The strip-cut paper shredder is the shredder most often used for cutting up junk mail and papers that may have your address on them. You can get a unit that sits on top of your wastebasket, or comes with its own. There is a sensor at the top of the mechanism that detects when a piece of paper is inserted. That turns on the rollers, which pull the paper into the shredder. Once inside, the paper meets up with bladed discs. The blades are serrated and placed one after the other on progressing discs. They keep the paper moving as it's going through the cutting process. The paper is then pushed out of the unit and falls into the wastebasket. These shredders come with openings of various sizes, to accommodate different sizes of paper. Some have automatic on/off and reverse functions in case your paper gets stuck. Some such shredders can cut 100 pages a day or more. Before you buy, note if the machine only takes one piece of paper at a time or multiple sheets.

Cross-Cutting Shredders

Cross-cutting shredders are a little more complicated than strip cutters. A timing mechanism hooked to the motor controls the rollers. Inside are two sets of wheels with serrated blades; they are angled so that one cuts one way and the other cuts the other way. The paper is then turned into confetti and pushed out of the machine. This type of shredder is much more secure than the strip cutter, because it would be much harder to put the pieces of paper back together again. Most small businesses and home users like using this shredder for documents with account and Social Security numbers on them. They also come in a variety of sizes and capacities.

CD/DVD Shredders

Many paper shredders of both kinds will also shred your CDs and DVDs. However, there are shredders made just for them. If you have discs that include information you don't want to fall into the hands of identity thieves, this is the product for you. These shredders work the same way as a cross-cut shredder, but faster. They are made with stronger blades for plastic. They will also cut your credit cards, so there is no fear of someone finding a card in the trash and using it.