
Before you specify
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a P-6 machine especially need an automatic oiler?
Finer cutting heads generate more friction per sheet and clear paper dust less easily, so lubrication has a bigger effect on both throughput and cylinder life. On top of that, HSM’s lifetime cutting-cylinder warranty covers P-2 to P-5 only, so a P-6 head is not protected if it wears out. Automatic lubrication is the cheapest insurance available against the most common cause of that wear.
Can it shred staples and paper clips?
Yes. HSM lists paper together with staples and paper clips for the 0.78 x 11 mm cutting head. That is genuinely useful at this security level — the P-7 version of the same cabinet accepts paper only, so every page has to be pre-stripped. Remove anything heavier than a staple or a standard paper clip: binder clips, spiral bindings and ring mechanisms will damage the cylinders.
Is 0.78 x 11 mm really P-6?
Yes. DIN 66399 requires a particle area of 10 mm² or less and a strip width of 1 mm or less for P-6. This cut is 8.58 mm² and 0.78 mm wide, so it satisfies both. It is often mislabelled P-5 by sellers who only check the area figure. HSM publishes the article as P-6 and F-3.
Is this NSA approved?
No. NSA/CSS 02-01 sets a maximum particle of 1 mm x 5 mm and requires the model to appear on the NSA Evaluated Products List. An 11 mm particle length rules this out on dimensions alone. P-6 is a high DIN 66399 commercial level; it is not equivalent to NSA approval and we will not describe it as such.
What oil does the oiler take?
HSM cutting-block oil, supplied in bottles that fit the oiler module. Do not substitute vegetable oil, thin general-purpose machine oil or any aerosol lubricant. Consumption scales with how much you shred rather than with time, so a lightly used machine will go a long while between top-ups. Order oil with the machine so you are not caught out.
How much extra width does the oiler need?
HSM’s B26 series data quotes 547 mm for oiler-equipped machines against 497 mm standard, so allow about two extra inches on one side. The per-article datasheet still prints the standard cabinet width, so measure your alcove rather than trusting either number blindly. Depth and height are unchanged at 397 x 676 mm.