What Should I Look For In A Home Paper Shredder?

Written by Brianna Parks Monday, 29 August 2011 03:48

Identity theft is the fastest growing criminal offense across the country affecting many people a year. Consequently the application of home paper shredders has become a valuable aid in the fight against this criminal offense. There are manual and automatic shredders as well as a selection of capacities, and cutting styles. This article will take a closer inspection at the various types of shredders and functions available.

Identity theft is the fastest growing criminal offense across the country affecting many people a year. Consequently the application of home paper shredders has become a valuable aid in the fight against this criminal offense. There are manual and automatic shredders as well as a selection of capacities, and cutting styles. This article will take a closer inspection at the various types of shredders and functions available.

The manual desktop shredder is more than likely the most basic and inexpensive model. It possibly the perfect machine for you if your looking for a desktop solution and you only have a few of documents that include personal facts that you want to look after. It is a simple design with a handy hand crank that advances the paper through the cutter blades. Some models feature credit card and CD disposal also.

Automatic shredders are equipped with characteristics that add to security and ease of operation. One popular feature is the start stop sensor that detects the presence of paper and starts the shredder motor. Many shredders also provide a buzzer and an alert light when a paper jam occurs. When paper jams do occur, which possibly frequent when shredding too many papers straight away, a reverse feed switch is handy that reverses the motor and frees the jam.

As shredder technology advances modern features are being added for ease of operation. Some of the more expensive shredders feature racks to position plastic bags to gather waste and permit easy disposal. Also some units feature expandable basket sides that can be adjusted to the volume of waste collected at the time.

Shredding needs of a home user may vary and the volume and frequency of use should help determine the size of the shredder that will meet your requirements. For the home shredder may vary between 400 to 1000 sheets a day. All models are rated by capacity and these are only estimates to help you determine what you will have to get the job finished.

When shopping for a shredder you will notice the description is given in shred size, motor brake horse power (H.P), feed width, sheet capacity, and waste volume in gallons. Even high security shredding operations rule of thumb is the more private the facts the smaller the shred size. Shred size of 1/4" is enough for the majority high security operations although 1/8" is occasionally required therefore an even smaller particle size.

The higher high technology automatic paper shredders were originally used in business offices but are now find common use in homes. Further features as shredding folded paper, heavier stocked paper, envelopes, CD's, and heavy gauge paper clips are in high necessity by a segment of home shredders.

A home paper shredder can provide you with a measure of protection against identity theft. There are an assortment of shredders available to you. By working out your requirements, shopping wisely you will find a machine that will fill your needs and possibly protect you people who are out to steal your identity.