Over the years, I have owned several different paper shredders for our home use. In our world where identity theft is a very real concern, it is wise to purchase and use a cross-cut shredder for old bank statements, old credit card statements and applications, old tax returns and oft times, even unsolicited mail offering new credit cards. These types of documents should not simply be thrown in the trash bin for someone else to happen upon and use to steal your identity or to apply for credit in your name. And, we certainly do not want to have to hoard every piece of paper with our personal information just to protect ourselves.
As I preciously stated, I have owned several paper shredders over the last 15 years or so. None of them last forever.
In fact, we have to replace our shredders every few years. I consider myself fortunate if I get one that lasts for 3-4 years. That is both good and bad. It is bad because I hate having to replace any equipment or household appliance because it stops working. It is good because each time I have to buy a new shredder, I purchase an improved version.
The Ativa Cross-Cut Paper Shredder
I recently purchased the Ativa 12 Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder, model #12CC01 and I have been pretty pleased with it. In the past, my home shredders would only shred a few pages at a time. This new shredder will truly shred 12 sheets at a time without jamming up. That is a definite improvement!I also like the lockable wheels on this shredder. They allow me to move the shredder to a different room or pull it right up next to the file cabinet. When I have finished shredding the papers, I simply roll it back into it place next to the wall.
Benefits of the Ativa Cross-Cut Paper Shredder
- Shreds up to 12 sheets at a time
- Shreds Credit Cards
- Waste Basket with Full Indicator Light
- Lightweight Basket ~ Pulls out / Removable / Easy to Empty
- Eats through Staples
- Cross-cut for Shorter Strips
- Reverse Mode on Power Switch in case of Jams
- Automatically Shuts off when Overheated
- On Lockable Wheels
- Dimensions: 18.9" x 9.5" x 13.6"
If you are bulk shredding, the waste basket does require being emptied frequently. I should also note that this shredder does not shred cd's, but otherwise is a great little home paper shredder.
Lubricant Sheets for the Ativa Shredder
You will need to properly maintain your Ativa Shredder by periodically using a lubricant sheet. If you plan to bulk shred, you will need to run a lubricant sheet through the shredder every 30 minutes or so. The lubricant sheets are very easy to use. You simply put them through the shredder like you would a regular piece of paper. There are arrows on the lubricant sheet showing the direction in which to insert the sheet. Extremely fast and easy! No Mess!
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