How to Select a Paper Shredder

The paper shredder has become an essential office fixture. Not only do businesses need them for privacy concerns, individuals need paper shredders at home for security reasons. Throwing your personal information in the garbage is no longer safe. Criminals can easily steal your identity by searching through your trash. For this reason, everyone should own and use a paper shredder for sensitive documents. This article will help you choose the right paper shredder for your life.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide how much security you want for your private information. A cross-cut paper shredder offers the most security. Although anyone could re-construct shredded paper, cross-cut shredders offer the most security.

2. Consider the cost of a paper shredder. Shredders that cut into straight strips cost less up front and less in maintenance costs. Cross-cut shredders, on the other hand, cost a bit more, but make up for it in added security.

3. Think about the work your paper shredder will have to perform. If it only needs to shred about 100 pieces of paper per day, a personal shredder will do well. If there will be a large volume of paper, however, a more industrial machine would work better.

4. Check the throat opening of the paper shredder. If you need to full sized paper, you will need a mouth about 9 inches wide. If you just need to shred receipts and credit cards, a smaller mouth works well.

5. Consider extra features. A paper shredder can come with a reversible feature, built in waste baskets, automatic paper detectors, and warning lights. If any of these features are important to you, make sure you include them on your list.

Tips & Warnings

• When you look at the specs on a paper shredder, typically take 1 or 2 sheets of paper off of their load capacity at one time. This more accurately represents it's true capabilities.

Resources

• How to Stop Identity Theft

[mpodlesny]

on 8/12/2008 I love using a paper shredder, it gives me the sense that no one can steal my info. Then I take my shredded paper and mix it with my compost that I bury in my garden. Works great...you'd be surprised what worms would eat.

[MidniteWriter]

on 8/11/2008 I so need this article, thanks!

[Kilogramm]

on 8/11/2008 I've been needing a shredder for the longest, thanks for this!

[Gardengates]

on 8/11/2008 Good article. I'd rather shred my bills BEFORE they arrive, though. :-)

[LilacGirl]

on 8/11/2008 Good timing right before college starts. Great article, very helpful.