What Paper Shredder has the Longest Lifespan?

There are numerous factors to think about while shopping for the perfect paper shredder with the longest lifespan. Here are some things to bear in mind as you search for the optimal solution:

• Price
• Capacity
• Identifying the Types of Cuts Available
• Longevity

While all of these factors are important and will all influence your choice of shredder, we want to highlight why the longevity of a paper shredder matters. Depending on how well it is cared for and how carefully it is used, your paper shredder’s cutting blades should last for quite some time in the office. The average lifespan of the best paper shredder is between 3 and 10 years with regular maintenance.

An office shredder might not be too pricey initially, but there are ongoing expenses like repairs, replacements, and cleaning to factor in. Its lifespan drops significantly if you shred regularly. When you include in the time and money spent maintaining and cleaning the equipment, monthly shredding costs can quickly add up.

You need a long-lasting answer that won’t give you trouble for months, if not years, in the form of paper jams or other annoyances. There is a spectrum of maintenance needs for shredders. Having an idea of the device’s limitations before making a purchase might help you make the most of your downtime. Keep maintenance needs in mind when comparing devices, since the more complex a feature is, the more likely it is to have an additional maintenance step. Basic upkeep is required of all shredders, including frequent emptying and cleaning of the waste bin and occasional lubrication with oil paper or shredder lubricant.

Cooling time

A paper shredder’s motor makes heat. Good shredders have a safety feature that turns them off so they can cool down before they get too hot. The amount of time a shredder will run before it turns off by itself is called its “run time.” The longer the runtime, the more you can shred at once. The term “run-time” refers to the amount of time that the motor of a shredder can run before it needs to be turned off. To ensure that the shredder will last as long as possible, it is essential to be aware of the prescribed cooling times and to adhere to them.

Most home shredders can shred continuously for 5 to 10 minutes before they need to cool down. Office shredders can work for up to 30 minutes. But you can also buy commercial shredders that can keep going without stopping to cool down. These are the heavy-duty models. For most shredders, the time it takes to cool down is much longer than the time it takes to run. A basic paper shredder that works for 3 minutes needs 30 minutes to cool down before it can be used again.

The maximum runtime is typically reduced when the DIN security level is increased. This is generally the case. Because a DIN P-5 shredder creates smaller particles than a DIN P-2 shredder, for example, a DIN P-5 or P-6 shredder needs to cool down more frequently than a DIN P-2 shredder in the same class.

Shredding paper into tiny particles forces the motor to exert more energy and power, which accelerates the rate at which it heats up.

Maintenance tips

In general, paper shredders are able to make quick work of any type of paper. A few of them are even able to process credit cards, CDs, DVDs, paper clips, and staples. However, despite their intended use, paper shredders occasionally experience problems such as paper jams, overheating, or reduced cutting speed. These typical paper shredder problems are unavoidable with any machine; in fact, even machines that are properly maintained occasionally experience difficulties. If, on the other hand, you already own a machine and are interested in maximising its service life, the following recommendations can help:

• Any wires or other equipment that generate heat should be kept far away from the paper shredder. They easily overheat and cause damage.
• Limit your shredding to the amount recommended in the owner’s manual for your model of paper shredder.
• Be sure to grease the blades of your shredder as directed by the manufacturer. Use the oil that came with your shredder, or that the manufacturer advises.
• To prevent paper clogs, empty the paper shredder’s waste bin after each use.
• Clear the blades of any dust, dirt, or other particles for best performance.