Shredders Comparisons
Your Shredder Might Need Tougher Teeth
K.L. Security has made its customers aware that paper shredders should be considered security items, not just a piece of office equipment. Another aspect of that is to understand that many models of paper shredders can be used for more than just disposing of paperwork. Sensitive information is no longer just on paper products; companies often use CDs and DVDs to store everything from client names and credit cards to bank account numbers. DVDs and CDs cannot just be tossed in the trash; even if you have erased them, scratched them up or smashed them. Smart and determined thieves can often retrieve data from disc that only has cosmetic damage.
There is a security question that you should ask yourself; should my company or home office stick with a paper-only shredder or do we need a model that thoroughly destroy CDs and DVDs and other forms of multimedia as well? Here is a list of pros and cons of each type of shredder.
Shredding Speed: paper-only shredders will go through documents faster; shredders that focus on or have the multimedia option will go slower; electronic media is tougher then paper. Warning! There is a danger to trying to shred discs/plastics in a paper-only shredder. You could be hit with a wave of potentially sharp bits of former credit cards and computer discs as well as damage the cutting cylinders of your current shredder. Before you shred any plastic or media, check to make sure your shredder is rated to shred it!
Bag Changes: Shredders that destroy DVDs/CDs often require a separate bag or bin for the chopped-up plastic and metal bits. There is a reason for that; it is more environmentally responsible; electronics often go to separate disposal areas for recycling.
Maintenance: paper-only shredders require various levels of maintenance depending which style of cutting head they use; mostly different levels of oiling. Since shredders that can destroy plastic have tougher cutting heads; they need more maintenance and controlled use. Regularly scheduled oiling is a necessary element.
Security: in this area you need to decide which type of shredder you need. If you think that your primary concern should the destruction of multimedia then go with a dedicated model that can provide the heavier cutters needed. If your company or office is paper-oriented then go with a cross-cut paper shredder. There are many crosscut shredders that also support multimedia shredding. It’s best to consult with an expert first!
Price and warranty: Price is often an important factor but don’t overlook warranties. Top-shelf manufacturers will have the cutting heads on their shredders covered from ten years to life. Product quality goes a long way with the return on your investment and the warranty is a reflection of that quality.
Here is a list of companies that manufacture both paper and multimedia shredders.
Dahle (Dahle shredders can universally shred documents, many are rated for staples, while many of their CleanTEC models can shred DVDs/CDs.)
Doing a job right requires the right piece of equipment. Tossing your paperwork and multimedia into the garbage without properly destroying it is too much of an identity theft risk. Shredders aren’t only for paper anymore. There are models that can destroy computer discs, DVDs, CDs, prescription pill bottles, credit cards and hard drive parts. One final piece of advice, many brand name manufacturers offer combo models that can switch between multimedia and paper modes. Be certain to ask the right questions and learn how each of these models shreds the different materials as well as learn the most you can regarding ratings and warranties for the cutting heads.
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Dahle’s new CleanTEC paper shredders are a cut above the competition thanks to some groundbreaking new features that are guaranteed to raise a few eyebrows. Here’s what you can expect.
Clean Technologies
The newest and most impressive innovation is the CleanTEC filtration system. It traps up to 98% of the fine dust that is produced under normal shredding conditions. The particles are funneled through an enclosed system to a filter at the back of the machine and permanently bound together. This means you are guaranteed a cleaner and healthier workplace for your employees.
Safer than Ever
Safety features also get a significant upgrade with the CleanTEC range. A voice command option allows you to activate an emergency shutdown with the word ‘Stop’, and the same action can be achieved by tapping the pressure sensitive top cover. You will even find electronic sensors around the blades that cease shredding operations when they detect the presence of fingers near the cutting blades, and an extra emergency shutdown button is located on the back of the paper shredder.
Hi-Tech Features
The new Electronic Sensing Protection is able to sense how many sheets of paper you are trying to shred at one time, and will not allow you to exceed the maximum load for each machine. An LED command dial gives you a visual indicator of how close you are to the maximum capacity and helps to ensure that paper jams are a thing of the past. Additional controls will alert you when the shredder bin needs emptied, or when the particle filter needs replaced, and some models even include automatic oilers to save you time when maintaining your shredder.
Efficient Operation
You don’t use your paper shredder all the time, but the chances are high that you still leave it on all day. As convenient as this may be, it wastes energy and adds to your company’s utility bills each month. Dahle’s new CleanTEC lineup has a solution for just this scenario. Its SmartPower Energy Management System automatically goes into standby mode after 10 minutes of inactivity, and goes one step further by eliminating all power usage after being dormant for 30 minutes.
So, if your current paper shredders have seen better days, now is the time for an upgrade to the Dahle CleanTEC. Call our customer service representatives today for a free quote on a new, state of the art Dahle paper shredder.