Help & FAQs

Paper shredder security levels (DIN 66399) run from P-1 to P-7. Lower levels produce larger strip-cut pieces, while higher levels produce smaller cross-cut or micro-cut particles for stronger data protection.

Security levels explained

• P-1 Strip cut for general, non-sensitive material
• P-2 Strip cut for low-risk internal documents
• P-3 Cross cut for low to mid security needs
• P-4 Cross cut for medium security and common office use
• P-5 Micro cut for medium to high security and sensitive data
• P-6 Micro cut for high security and confidential documents
• P-7 High-security micro cut for top-secret and strictly confidential data

We offer DIN 66399 security coverage from P-2 to P-7, including P-7 NSA/CSS-listed models designed for classified government, intelligence, and military applications. For the secure destruction of data, security levels P-4 and above are recommended and are GDPR compliant.

P-4 security level offers a moderate protection level suitable for most home shredding needs. It produces smaller cross-cut particles that reduce reconstruction risks and support protection against identity theft.

Security levels P-3 to P-4 are generally recommended for home or small office use. They suit documents containing sensitive personal information such as bank statements, bills, payslips, work contracts, tax papers and confidential business files.

For personalized guidance and expert advice contact our expert team.

Yes, many paper shredders are designed to handle paper and additional media such as credit cards, staples, paper clips, CDs and DVDs. Models with security levels from P-2 to P-6 often include compatibility for these materials.

High security P-7 models typically shred paper only, with limited exceptions such as units that include a separate CD or OMDD cutting unit. Specification sheets should always be referred to for material compatibility to avoid any blade damage.

Commercial shredders are designed for high-volume workloads in business environments across a wide range of security levels. Government-use shredders are designed to meet very high security destruction standards at security level P-7 for classified and top-secret data.

Commercial shredders:

• Built for continuous heavy use in large offices and departments
• Provide higher sheet capacities and large bins for daily shredding
  Example model: MBM Destroyit 4003 Cross Cut Shredder (P-4) with up to 36 sheets per pass and a large 44-gallon bin.

Government-use shredders:

• Produce ultra-fine particles for irrecoverable data
• Meet NSA and DoD standards for secure information disposal

Available in deskside, office and departmental sizes

• Example model: HSM Classic 411.2  (P-7) Micro Cut Shredder with up to 10 sheets per pass and a 38.6-gallon bin suitable for a secure large office.

Commercial shredders support high-volume shredding for offices and departments, while industrial shredders are designed for continuous bulk processing in more demanding environments. Industrial models can handle heavier materials and significantly larger loads.

Commercial shredders:

• Suitable for large offices and departmental shredding needs
  
• Can process paper and additional media such as credit cards, staples, paper clips, CDs and DVDs (depending on the model)

Industrial shredders:

• Designed for rigorous, nonstop bulk use
  
• Can handle materials such as paper, binders, cardboard, digital media and plastic bottles
  
• A strong example is the Kobra Cyclone Industrial Shredder, which handles up to 500 sheets per pass and includes a 100-gallon bin for large-scale industrial operations

A normal paper shredder cannot shred cardboard, but many heavy duty and industrial shredders are built to handle stronger materials like cardboard. Depending on the shredder model, they can shred a wide range of materials other than paper.

Heavy duty and industrial shredders:

• Built for tougher materials and bulk workloads
• Based on the model they can shred cardboard, binders, CDs, DVDs, digital media, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles

Some examples of Industrial shredder models include:

• Formax FD 8906CC Cross-Cut Industrial Shredder
  
• Kobra 430 TS C4 Cross Cut Shredder
  
• Kobra Cyclone Industrial Shredder

Shredded paper is recyclable, but it requires special handling at recycling facilities due to its small particle size. Recycled shredded paper serves various practical and eco-friendly purposes after being pulped and reformed into new paper products such as tissue paper, cardboard or newsprint. It can also be repurposed directly without industrial recycling for everyday uses, helping reduce waste and landfill contributions.

Cardboard shredders can process cardboard with staples, as they can shred through them. However, they cannot process labels, plastic tapes, wood pieces and nails in the cardboard. These materials should be removed before feeding the machine, as they can either stick to the rollers, create clogging during operation or damage the cutting shafts and internal components.

The right method depends on security needs, budget, and environmental priorities. Physical destruction through shredding provides the highest level of security by completely destroying digital media devices. Degaussing erases stored data on magnetic media such as hard drives, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes without physically breaking the device.

Overview of destruction methods

• Physical destruction damages internal components through shredding, crushing, or punching, making data recovery impossible but creating waste.
  
• Degaussing uses strong magnetic fields to erase data on magnetic media, allowing recycling but permanently disabling hard drives.
  
• Maximum security can be achieved by degaussing first, followed by physical destruction.

Only shredder-approved lubricants should be used since they are specifically designed for shredders. These lubricants are formulated to stay fluid under pressure and temperature, supporting smooth operation and reducing wear on the shredder blades.

• Household oils should not be used on shredders, as they can gum up, attract dust and paper particles, cause jams, increase strain on the shredder or damage internal parts.
• It is recommended to use shredder brand specific oil, but another shredder brand oil can also be used and does not harm the machine as long as it is a proper shredder lubricant.

Oiling a shredder helps maintain smooth operation, reduces wear on the cutting blades and supports long-term performance. Using proper shredder oil and applying it correctly ensures the machine stays efficient and less prone to jams.

Steps to oil a shredder correctly:

• Turn off and unplug the shredder for safety
• Apply thin lines of shredder oil directly onto the feed opening or across a sheet of paper in a zigzag or S pattern to run through the shredder
• Run the shredder in reverse for several seconds to distribute the oil evenly
• Resume normal shredding for a few sheets to clear any excess oil

Paper jams often happen for a few reasons, such as feeding too many sheets at once, inserting paper unevenly or skipping basic maintenance such as oiling or emptying the bin. A jammed shredder can usually be cleared safely by following a few simple steps.

A jammed shredder can usually be cleared safely by following a few simple steps.

Steps to fix a paper jam:

• Turn off and unplug the shredder
• Allow the machine to cool for several minutes
• Use the reverse function to back out the jammed paper
• Alternate between forward and reverse if the paper remains stuck
• Carefully remove visible debris with tweezers or a small brush, avoiding metal tools that may damage the blades
• Empty the bin and apply shredder oil to the blades and run the shredder with a sheet of paper

A shredder may show a full bin even when it is not full if paper particles block the sensors, the bin is misaligned or a non-transparent bag is covering the sensor area. Clearing these issues usually restores normal operation.

Common causes and fixes:

• Shake the bin after emptying to remove stuck paper particles
  
• Brush or blow out debris around the cutting head and sensors
  
• Use transparent or clear bags to maintain visibility and airflow
• Empty bins frequently to reduce jams, strain on the shredder, overheating and dust buildup

We ship only within the continental United States (48 states).

Orders usually arrive within 3–7 business days, and delivery details are provided in the confirmation email.

Yes. If you need to return an order, we’re here to assist. Simply email us, and we’ll guide you through the process. Please refer to our Return Policy for details.