Staples MailMate(TM) Shredder Review

Like many others who have purchased a MailMate, we were impressed with the idea and ability of the machine - at first.  Then it just quit.  No jams.  No overuse.  No overheat.  Just quit.  Seems to be an issue with all MailMate models.

I called Staples, and after moving up the food chain to corporate, finally got a credit for this machine that didn't last 6 months of light use.  They were going to just give us half, but the coupon arrived for the full amount, so thanks, Staples.

Unlike others, I then took the shredder apart, identified and fixed the problem.  The problem is a 5 amp fuse soldered to the main circuit board.  It should probably be a slo-blow type, but apparently is not.  I removed it, soldered a couple of wires in place of it and hooked their other ends to a fuse holder I mounted on the case (giving wide berth to the shredder mechanism/motor.)  Now, when the fuse blows (which hasn't yet; I'm using slo-blow type) I'll just replace it.