Destroyit 4002 Paper Shredder Review

Strengths:

1. Safety is always key, but that is especially true when you are searching for a centralized office shredder that will see a lot of users. We are rather impressed with Destroyit's array of safety features. First of all, there is an electronically controlled transparent safety shield in the feed opening which keeps hands, fingers and clothing well away from the cutting mechanism. Second, the control element is back lit and color coded to clearly indicate the machine's operational status. Third, the 4002 features an auto reverse and power cut off function in the event of a paper jam (also a great feature for a centralized shredder, as not every user will be aware of the machine's capacity). And finally, the 4002 cuts power automatically if the shred bag is full or if someone opens the cabinet while the shredder is in action.
   
   
2. A lot of shredders are limited in that they can only be run for a certain amount of time before they need to be rested to prevent overheating. The 4002 however, is rated for continuous use, and so should stand up to the demands of heavy office usage.
   
   
3. We found it handy that the user won't have to turn the 4002 on and off in order to use it. It features a photocell that automatically starts and stops the machine when you place documents in the feed.
   
   
4. In our testing, the 4002 easily handled staples, paper clips, credit cards, and compact discs. As an added safety attribute, the disc feed even featured a plastic guard to keep shards of plastic from flying from the opening.
   
   
5. For such a powerful shredder, we found that the 4002 was remarkably quiet in operation. For a machine that will be used often, this is a highly underrated feature, as the noise from your typical shredder can be a bit distracting in a busy office setting.
   
   
6. Though these may seem like small things, we appreciated how easily the bag holder slid out, and on further inspection, found that it was mounted on rollers. Also, the cabinet of the 4002 is mounted on casters, for easy transport from room to room.
   
   
7. The cabinet is of wood construction, which we found to be a classy touch, and aesthetically a cut above all of the plastic we are used to seeing out there.

Weaknesses:

1. We can't see a lot of weaknesses, but we have to list some, and here is a minor one: as with a lot of shredders, you will need to make sure that you oil the 4002 periodically. There are many heavy-use shredders on the market that have automatic oiling systems, and the 4002 does not have such a system. Again, not a deal-breaker by our estimation, but something that might push you toward Destroyit's next machine up, the 4005.
   
   
2. Looks-wise, although the 4002 is no ugly duckling, it is not quite as sleek and "euro" looking as some other members of Destroyit's line, in that the corners are not as rounded. We are talking about quibbles here, though.