Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you help me with a survey of what paper shredder I require for my business?
2. How often do I need to oil my shredder?
3. How do I use shredder oil?
4. How much will you shred each day?
5. What is the decibel range for personal, office, departmental and industrial shredders?
6. What are paper shredder security levels, and what do they mean?
7. Is security an issue when dealing with paper shredding contractors?
8. Is it cheaper to use a paper shredding contractor?
9. Do contractors use less secure equipment?
10. Does in-house paper shredding send a better message to one's employees?
11. Shredder and Folder Glossary of Terms
12. Paper Weight Conversion Chart

Answers...

1. Can you help me with a survey of what paper shredder I require for my business?

   
   Certainly. Please contact us via email (orders@psofficesupply.com) or by telephone (800.203.0233) and one of our certified paper shredder specialists will walk you thru the evaluation process.

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2. How often do I need to oil my shredder?

   You should oil your crosscut shredder on a regular basis. If you are shredding a small quantity such as only 50 sheets a week or if you are using a small shredder, then you should oil your shredder every other day. If you are shredding a large quantity such as hundreds of sheets, then oil after 30 minutes of usage or after you empty the bag.

   NOTE: Do not use excessive amounts of oil! If you are still uncertain as to how much or how often you should oil it, please call us (800.203.0233) and we will be more than happy to help!

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3. How do I use shredder oil?

   Shredder oil is highly recommended on all crosscut shredders. Only shredder oil may be used to lubricate the shredder cylinders. Any other lubricant or oil used will void the manufacturer's warranty. In other words, you may not use WD-40^®.

   To use shredder oil: simply spread a small amount of shredder oil on one piece of paper in a zig zag motion. Make sure to lightly spread oil all over the sheet. NOTE: You do NOT need to soak the paper in oil. The next step is to turn on the shredder and feed the paper that has the oil into the shredder. That's it!

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4. How much will you shred each day?

   
   

   Personal 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
   Departmental Shredders	Between 2,000 and 12,000 sheets per day
   High Capacity Shredders	Between 12,000 and 2 tons per day

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5. What is the decibel range for personal, office, departmental and industrial shredders?

   For example, most personal, office, and departmental shredders are below 80 dB. Below are some examples of decibel ranges:

   Whisper	30 dB
   Conversation Range	40 - 60 dB
   Rush hour traffic	85 dB
   Lawn Mower	90 dB
   Subway train	100 dB
   Amplified Rock concert	125 dB
   Turbo Jet	150 dB

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6. What are paper shredder security levels, and what do they mean?

   
   

   Security Level 1 - general internal documents	StripCut - 3/8" Crosscut - between 3/8" x 1-1/2" and 3/8" and 3-1/8"
   Security Level 2 - sensitive internal documents	StripCut - 1/8"
   Security Level 3 - confidential documents	Crosscut - 1/8" x 2" or 5/32" x 1 13/16" -- FACTA Compliant type paper shredder
   Security Level 4 - secret documents	Crosscut - 1/8" x 1 1/8" -- FACTA Compliant
   Security Level 5 - extremely confidential documents	Crosscut - 1/16" x 5/8" or 1/32" x 7/16" -- FACTA Compliant
   Security Level 6 - Approved by the NSA/CSS for top secret shredding	Crosscut - FACTA Compliant type paper shredder 1 mm x 4 mm approved NSA/CSS 02-01 shred size .8 mm x 4.5 mm approved NSA/CSS 02-01 shred size

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7. Is security an issue when dealing with paper shredding contractors?

   No matter which contractor you hire, you will still be dealing with an outsider. Will you need to send someone to watch the contractor do the paper shredding? What type of people does the contractor hire? Does he service his equipment when it has a break down? What does the contractor's "Certificate of Destruction" actually say?

   Most organizations have concluded that paper shredding in-house with your own staff gives you total accountability and protection.

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8. Is it cheaper to use a paper shredding contractor?

   In the long run, using a paper shredding contractor is more expensive.

   Every time the truck arrives, you can expect to pay several hundred dollars. Multiply that number by 100 and then count the zeros! That's what you can expect to spend over eight years with monthly scheduled visits. The payback on in house shredding is very quick in most cases.

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9. Do contractors use less secure equipment?

   Paper shredders come in many different sizes and security levels, from 1/2" wide strips to high security crosscut models used by the Department of Defense. The contractors' paper shredders are usually set for wide strips for maximum speed. Are you satisfied with that??? Can you protect your business and your employees with a 1/2" wide strip?

   If you had in-house paper shredders you would determine what security level you are comfortable with...Even different departments could be protected by different levels of shred size.

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10. Does in-house paper shredding send a better message to one's employees?

    The worst thing your employees can see is a pile of confidential papers lying out in the open waiting for the contractor to arrive. Not only does this entice someone to read them, but it also is NOT protecting your employees or your business from the competition or someone determined to harm your company.

    On the other hand, the company that purchases several paper shredders is sending a message to the employees that company information is confidential.

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11. Shredder and Folder Glossary of Terms

    The paper folder industry uses many terms and specification ratings. To help you understand the differences between these terms, ProSource Office Supply has included a list of those used most frequently. If after reading this section, you need further professional assistance, please feel free to contact the Manager of Paper Shredder Sales at 800.203.0233 or send him an email at paul at psofficesupply dot com. Solutions to all paper folder issues may be found at ProSource Office Supply

    Auto On/Off:
    Paper shredding action starts automatically when paper is inserted into the feed opening and stops after the paper has been completely shredded. It is controlled by the paper contacting a mechanical sensor or by breaking a light barrier.

    Auto Reverse:
    To help prevent paper jams, the paper shredder will automatically reverse, momentarily, if an overfeed occurs. This is accompanied by an audible and visible warning. This feature is available on select models as part of the complete electronics package.

    Bag Full-Auto Off:
    When the waste bag or bin reaches a pre-set level, a sensor turns the paper shredding action off. This is accompanied by an audible and visible warning. This feature is available on select models.

    Capacity:
    The number of 8 1/2" x 11" sheets of paper that can be shredded at one time by the paper shredder. Generally shown as two numbers, the first using 20 lb paper and the second using 16 lb paper. These numbers are only a guideline. Paper quality, type of paper and atmospheric conditions can effect the paper shredder capacity rating.

    CrossCut:
    Documents are cut in two directions producing small particles. The size of these particles offer greater security and are self compacting, which reduces overall bulk.

    Feed Width:
    The size of the opening where paper is inserted into the paper shredder.

    High Security:
    Engineered to meet the demanding requirements for Top Secret data destruction. High Security paper shredders are perfect for military, Federal, State and local government agencies as well as defense contractors. Purchasing of paper shredders may be conducted under GSA contract for federal government at Machine-Solution.com.

    Motor:
    Measured in horsepower, it is the available paper shredding power that is calculated from the wattage specifications of the motor.

    Shred Size:
    The overall dimensions the paper is reduced to. Shown as one number for Strip Cut paper shredder models and two numbers for Cross Cut paper shredder models.

    Speed:
    Shown in "feet per minute", the number is determined by shredding continuous forms and calculating the length of paper shredded over a given time.

    Strip Cut:
    Documents are cut into thin unreadable strips. Generally the strips will be the length of the document.

    Waste Capacity:
    Measured in gallons, it is the volume of paper that the waste bag or bin can hold.

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12. Paper Weight Conversion Chart

    Calculation and Conversion Chart of Equivalent Weight Papers With Basis Weight In Bold Type And Reams of 500 Sheets Copyright ProSource Packaging, Inc.© 2011 HELPFUL GUIDELINES for PAPER USAGE Do Not Stack Materials such as Designer Gold, Designer Silver, Super Color Gloss, Super Color Photo, Super Color Photo Cards, Super Color Shrink. Feed into printer one sheet at a time. Prior to use, paper should be allowed to acclimate at least 48 Hours in the environment in which it will be used. Optimum storage facility would retain temperatures between 70-80 degrees F with 50% relative humidity. Before loading paper, fan the sheets on all four sides. This creates a small layer of air between the sheets which should help printer feeding mechanisms. Load Materials according to the instructions in the printer owner's manual. Recommended feeding is generally to use the manual feed tray, or the straightest path through the printer.

    BOOK Book (25'' x 38'') Bond (17'' x 22'') Cover (20'' x 26'') Bristol (22.5'' x 28.5'') Index (25.5'' x 30.5'') Tag (24'' x 36'') Metric (g/m square) 30 11.8 16.4 20.3 24.6 27.3 44.4 40 15.7 21.9 27 32.7 36.4 59.2 45 17.7 24.6 30.4 36.8 40.9 66.6 50 19.7 27.4 33.8 40.9 45.5 74 60 23.6 32.8 40.5 49.1 54.6 88.8 70 27.6 38.3 47.3 57.3 63.7 103.6 80 31.5 43.8 54 65.5 72.8 118.4 90 35.4 49.3 60.8 73.7 81.9 133.2 100 39.4 54.7 67.8 81.9 90.9 148.1 120 47.2 65.7 81 98.2 109.1 177.7 BOND Book (25'' x 38'') Bond (17'' x 22'') Cover (20'' x 26'') Bristol (22.5'' x 28.5'') Index (25.5'' x 30.5'') Tag (24'' x 36'') Metric (g/m square) 33 13 18.1 22.3 27 30 48.9 40.6 16 22.2 27.4 33.3 37 60.2 50.8 20 27.8 34.3 41.6 46.2 75.2 61 24 33.4 41.1 49.9 55.4 90.3 71.1 28 38.9 48 58.2 64.7 105.3 81.3 32 44.5 54.9 66.5 73.9 120.3 91.4 36 50.1 61.7 74.9 83.2 135.4 101.6 40 55.6 68.6 83.2 92.4 150.4 COVER Book (25'' x 38'') Bond (17'' x 22'') Cover (20'' x 26'') Bristol (22.5'' x 28.5'') Index (25.5'' x 30.5'') Tag (24'' x 36'') Metric (g/m square) 91.3 36 50 61.7 74.8 83.1 135.2 109.6 43.2 60 74 89.7 99.7 162.3 118.8 46.8 65 80.2 97.2 108 175.8 146.2 57.5 80 98.7 119.7 132.9 216.4 164.4 64.7 90 111 134.6 149.5 243.4 182.7 71.9 100 123.3 149.6 166.2 270.5 201 79.1 110 135.6 164.5 182.8 297.5 237.5 93.5 130 160.3 194.4 216 351.6 292.3 115.1 160 197.3 239.3 265.8 432.8 VELLUM BRISTOL Book (25'' x 38'') Bond (17'' x 22'') Cover (20'' x 26'') Bristol (22.5'' x 28.5'') Index (25.5'' x 30.5'') Tag (24'' x 36'') Metric (g/m square) 99.3 39.1 54.3 67 81.3 90.3 147 118.5 46.7 64.9 80 97 107.8 175.5 148.1 58.3 81.1 100 121.3 134.7 219.3 177.8 70 97.3 120 145.5 161.7 263.2 207.4 81.7 113.5 140 169.8 188.6 307.1 237 93.3 129.7 160 194.1 215.6 350.9 INDEX Book (25'' x 38'') Bond (17'' x 22'') Cover (20'' x 26'') Bristol (22.5'' x 28.5'') Index (25.5'' x 30.5'') Tag (24'' x 36'') Metric (g/m square) 109.9 43.3 60.2 74.2 90 100 162.8 134.4 52.9 73.5 90.7 110 122.2 198.9 171 67.3 93.6 115.4 140 155.5 253.2 207.7 81.7 113.7 140.2 170 188.9 307.4 TAG Book (25'' x 38'') Bond (17'' x 22'') Cover (20'' x 26'') Bristol (22.5'' x 28.5'') Index (25.5'' x 30.5'') Tag (24'' x 36'') Metric (g/m square) 110 43.3 60.2 74.2 90 100 162.8 137.4 54.1 75.2 92.8 112.5 125 203.5 164.9 64.9 90.3 111.3 135 150 244.2 192.4 75.8 105.3 129.9 157.5 175 284.9 219.9 86.6 120.4 148.4 180 200 325.6 274.9 108.2 150.5 185.5 225 250 407 International Metric Paper Sizes - ISO Standard SIZE WIDTH (mm) HEIGHT (mm) WIDTH (in.) HEIGHT(in.) A0 841 mm 1,189 mm 33.11 in. 46.81 in. A1 594 mm 841 mm 23.39 in. 33.11 in. A2 420 mm 594 mm 16.54 in. 23.39 in. A3 297 mm 420 mm 11.69 in. 16.54 in. A4 210 mm 297 mm 8.27 in. 11.69 in. A5 148 mm 210 mm 5.83 in. 8.27 in. A6 105 mm 148 mm 4.13 in. 5.83 in. A7 74 mm 105 mm 2.91 in. 4.13 in. B0 1,028 mm 1,456 mm 40.48 in. 57.32 in. B1 707 mm 1,000 mm 28.66 in. 40.48 in. B2 514 mm 728 mm 20.24 in. 28.66 B3 364 mm 514 mm 14.33 in. 20.24 in. B4 257 mm 364 mm 10.12 in. 14.33 in. B5 182 mm 257 mm 7.17 in. 10.12 in. B6 128 mm 182 mm 5.04 in. 7.17 in.

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