Choosing a Shredder
There are many things to consider when purchasing a paper shredder and all the variables can seem overwhelming. After all, the privacy of your information is at stake so it’s important to make the right selection. With sheet capacity, motor size and waste volume to consider, the following questions will help you narrow down your selection to only a few models.
While making a selection, it’s important to remember that your shredding volume will increase with time, so be sure to factor in growth when making a decision. For a more detailed evaluation, you can use Dahle's Shredder Selection Guide, download our Needs Analysis Form, or contact Dahle Customer Relations at (800) 995-1379.
How much will you be shredding each day?
- Personal Size Shredders: Up to 100 sheets per day
- Small Office Shredders: Between 100 and 400 sheets per day
- Office Shredders: Between 400 and 2,000 sheets per day
- Multi+Media Shredders: Between 2,000 and 8,000 sheets per day
- Department Shredders: Between 2,000 and 12,000 sheets per day
- High Capacity Shredders:
- 20390 Series: Between 12,000 sheets and 28,000 sheets per day
- 20450 Series: Between 28,000 sheets and 2 tons of paper per day
What level of security do you need?
- Security Level 1: For shredding general internal documents (Not available on Dahle Shredders)
- Security Level 2: Strip Cut Particles - For shredding sensitive internal documents
- Security Level 3: Cross Cut Particles - For shredding confidential documents
- Security Level 4: Extremely Fine Cross Cut Particles - For shredding highly sensitive documents
- Security Level 5: Espionage safe for extremely high demands of security
- Security Level 6: NSA/CSS specification 02-01 which is the current standard for the destruction
- of Top Secret COMSEC documents
Do You Prefer Strip Cut or Cross Cut?
- Strip Cut: Documents are cut into thin unreadable pieces. Generally the strips will be as long as the document.
- Cross Cut: Documents are cut in two directions producing smaller particles and providing greater security.
