Dahle

FAQs - Dahle Shredders

Do I need a shredder?

Recent events have made shredding confidential information a necessity. Documents found in the trash are not legally protected so they’re fair game to individuals looking to find out more information about you or your business. This explains the rapid increase in Identity Theft and Industrial Espionage. New security laws require that confidential medical information and consumer credit information must be properly destroyed before the information is discarded. What’s the best way to destroy this information? Shred it with a Dahle Professional Shredder.

What types of documents should I shred?

Any paper that contains information you would not like others to see. This could include personal information such as credit card info or bank statements, and business information such as accounting records or personnel files.

What distinguishes your machines from other shredder manufacturers?

Dahle shredders are made in Germany using the latest technology and finest materials. Each component is manufactured and assembled with precision from over 20 years of shredder experience. Dahle machines use solid cutting cylinders milled from German Solingen Steel that are guaranteed to last a lifetime. Other components such as rubber shock mounts, electronic sensors, and a thermally protected motor result in a quality machine and piece of mind in knowing your Dahle shredder will provide many years of trouble-free operation. For more information, download our What Sets Us Apart information sheet.

Why should I buy a shredder when I can have a shredder service come by and shred my documents?

Mobile shred services are a never ending expense that experience constant increases in wages, fuel, and equipment maintenance. These increases eventually get passed on to their customers (you) each and every year. For more information on the differences of in house versus mobile shredder services, please read our Benefits of Shredding Your Own Documents.

What are some factors to consider when purchasing a shredder?

Please visit our How to Choose a Shredder page for options to consider when choosing a shredder. For a more detailed evaluation, please download Dahle's Needs Analysischecklist or contact a Customer Relations Representative at (800) 995-1379.

What do most people overlook when they purchase a shredder?

Most people forget to think about the anticipated growth of their company. Will the proposed shredder be sufficient to handle your demand in five or ten years? You should always keep that in mind. If you buy a shredder that you can grow in to, you’ll wind up saving a lot of wear and tear on your shredder in the long run.

We only have a certain amount of dollars to spend on a paper shredder. What would you recommend?

You should always buy a shredder based on the need for that particular shredder. If you buy on dollar amount instead of need, you will repeat the scenario over and over again. Sometimes it is better to wait until you can afford the best shredder that fits your needs.

Can a Dahle shredder destroy staples and paper clips?

Dahle shredders can accommodate paper that has been stapled or has paper clips still attached. Dahle shredders with a security level of P-6 & P-7 are the only exception due to the extremely small particle size they produce.

Can Dahle shredders destroy CDs?

Yes Dahle shredders with a Security Level of P-2 through P-5 can shred CDs. The only exception is the Dahle 41322.

I don’t want a machine in our office that makes a lot of noise. Do you have a quiet shredder?

Most noise is caused by vibration from the cutting mechanism. Dahle has addressed this concern by installing rubber shock mounts that support and absorb the part of the shredder that causes noise.

We have 25 people that will be using the shredder. Should we buy several smaller shredders or one large Department Shredder?

In most cases large cross cut Department Shredders will hold up better and the higher sheet capacity will be more than sufficient. The overall life of this size shredder will also be much longer.

What do security levels mean and what should I look for?

Security levels are used mainly by the Government to designate how difficult a document is to reassemble after it has been shred. These levels are directly related to the size of the shred. The smaller the shreds the harder they are to reassemble, which corresponds to a higher security level. Currently Level P-7 is the highest security level and known as the NSA/CSS 02-01 standard for the destruction of Top Secret COMSEC documents.

What are High Security Shredders and how do I know if I need one?

High Security Shredders offer the greatest level of security and the smallest particle size. All Dahle High Security Shredders exceed the standards set forth by the NSA/CSS 02-01 standard for destruction of Top Secret COMSEC documents.

How can I purchase supplies for my shredder if my dealer does not stock them?

The dealer you purchased your shredder through should be able to order Dahle supplies for you. If you are still having problems, contact a Dahle Account Representative at (800) 995-1379. We have an extensive dealer network located throughout the world and will help you find a dealer that has the item you need.

Can I plug my shredder into an extension cord or power strip if an outlet is not available?

In order for your shredder to receive the proper voltage for operation, it must be plugged directly into the wall. Using a power strip can damage your shredder and will void the warranty.

What are shipping bolts and how do I remove them?

To protect your shredder during transport, the cutting head is secured in place with shipping/transport bolts. For removal, open the shredder door & remove the suspended waste bag. Then locate the two (or three) recessed shipping bolts inside the cabinet, directly under the cutting head, and remove them. (A hex key (Allen Wrench) is provided for your convenience.)

Do you have any technical information regarding your shredder oil?

Technical information in regards to the chemical properties of Dahle shredder oil can be found on our Technical Data Sheet (TDS) as well as the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

Can I use WD-40 to oil my Dahle shredder?

Properly oiling a shredder is essential to prevent jamming of the cutting mechanism and ensure the machine is shredding to capacity. WD-40 is a penetrating oil that can cause paper to stick together and ultimately jam the cutting mechanism. Dahle Shredder Oil is the optimal choice. It is specially formulated to work with our shredders and offers a high cling value with low dust retention.

What is the benefit of using Dahle shred bags as opposed to store bought trash bags?

Dahle Shred Bags are designed specifically to fit your Dahle shredder. These bags feature gusseted sides that expand and ensure your bag will hold the maximum amount of shreds possible.

How can I get replacement parts for my shredder?

Dahle keeps a large number of parts for each machine in their inventory and in most cases parts can be shipped next day if the order is placed early in the day. If you should need a replacement part you can contact the dealer you purchased the machine from or Dahle directly at (800) 995-1379.

What does the warranty cover on your shredders?

Dahle guarantees it's paper shredders to be free from manufacturing defects (materials / workmanship) for a period of 2 years. Dahle offers a lifetime guarantee on the cutting cylinders (1 year on Security Leve P-6 and P-7 models). This warranty does not cover damage caused by improper oiling, paper jams, misuse, abuse, improper line voltage, or unauthorized repair. This warranty applies to the original purchaser only and is not transferable. There are no other warranties expressed or implied beyond the face of this agreement. For service or more information on this warranty, contact a Dahle Customer Relations Representative at (800) 995-1379

Who should I contact if I need a warranty repair or my shredder needs service?

Please contact Dahle's Technical Service Department at (800) 995-1379.