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Once you've decided to buy a paper shredder, the next step is determining which type of paper shredder you should buy. While there is no single perfect solution for everyone, this article provides a comparison of cross cut and strip cut shredding machines so that you can make a decision that is right for your life and your needs.
The first thing most people want to know about a shredder is which kind provides the most security. The short answer to that question is that cross cut models(also known as confetti cut, diamond cut or micro cut) provide a much more secure cut than strip cut shredders. Because of recent developments in technology, there are now software programs that can recreate information from paper shreds. Cross cut shredders make it much more difficult to piece shredded information back together. If you handle extremely sensitive papers, you should look into a document destruction solution that has been approved by the Department of Defense or the National Security Agency. These high-security paper shredders offer the highest level of protection for your sensitive data and cut your documents into such small particles that they are virtually impossible to ever reassemble.
Another consideration in choosing a paper shredder is its speed and capacity. Equipped with identical motors, a strip cut model will work faster and accept more sheets than a cross cut machine. Because the cut is simpler, shredding is faster.
Many paper shredders are equipped with bags to handle waste as soon as documents are shredded. An additional way in which cross cut shredders differ from strip cut paper shredders is in the volume of waste (paper shreds) each creates. Because cross cut shredders shred the paper into smaller pieces, their waste takes up less room. This means that you change bags less, which increases productivity. In fact, cross-cut models will often produce two thirds less waste volume than strip-cut models.
Maintenance is also an important aspect of choosing a paper shredder. The good news is that paper shredder maintenance is simply a matter of oiling the machine. Paper shredder oil is inexpensive, and both types of shredders use the same oil. Cross-cut models need to oiled after 30 minutes of shredding. Strip-cut machines can go twice as long before being oiled. If you don't oil your paper shredder, you could end up burning out the motor and replacing the machine. Oiling your machine will enhance its performance and longevity. As a general rule, the smaller the particles that your machine produces the more that it will need to be oiled.
Of course, price is an important factor in choosing any piece of office equipment. In general, confetti-cut machines cost about ten percent more than straight-cut models. However, remember that confetti cut machines are also a little slower than straight cut systems. This means that you may want to look at a machine with a slightly bigger motor, which could end up costing you about 25% more.
One thing that both cross cut and strip cut shredders have in common is that they are each available in a variety of capacities. Shredders range in capacity from shredding a single sheet at a time to handling over 500 sheets at once.
Choose a paper shredder based on the volume and sensitivity of paper you need to shred, your commitment to maintenance and waste disposal, and your budget.
We've all seen those ads. You know, the ones where some hapless person is sitting there looking forlorn and then suddenly becomes animated while channeling the voice of their identity thief. I'll bet the first time you saw an ad like that you cracked a smile and thought to yourself, ‘that could never happen to me'. I'll also wager that's the exact thing all those victims of identity theft thought too … before it happened to them. That's why you need to invest in something like a paper shredder to protect your identity.
No? You don't need something to help with document destruction? Well, let's take a look in that trash bag, shall we? There's a phone bill with your number and address; a bank statement with your account number; a card from Aunt Rose with your birthday; and an official letter with your social security number. What do you think could happen if someone got their grubby little hands on all that personal information? Still think you don't need a paper shredder?
Before you go running out to buy one though, you need to take a few things into consideration. All paper shredders are not created equally and they have varying levels of effectiveness when it comes to document destruction. You need to find a good balance between performance and price. Here's a brief overview of the two main types of paper shredders:
As the name suggests, strip-cut paper shredders cut paper into neat, long strips. The thickness of the strips can vary from as little as 1/8 of an inch to as much as 1/2 an inch. Logically, it is better to strip the paper as thinly as possible for maximum security. These paper shredders are typically low maintenance and can handle a large amount of paper. Although difficult, it is possible for someone to piece those strips together enough to get some of your critical information.
Cross-cut paper shredders are quite good at document destruction since they slice paper both horizontally and vertically. It is very difficult to put the confetti-sized pieces back together and they compress better than long strips so there is less emptying involved. However, these paper shredders generally require more care, more maintenance and can be more expensive.
Whichever one you choose, remember that a very patient person can put together practically any shredded document. However, document destruction by means of paper shredders will greatly decrease the likelihood of anyone trying to steal your identity. I mean, would you prefer to rifle through someone's trash and get intact documents or bags of seemingly worthless paper that would take forever to put together? Exactly. And that's just what thieves are going to think too, especially when there are easier targets available. Invest in a paper shredder today. You won't regret it.