One of the most difficult decisions to make
when choosing a shredder is the decision between a strip cut sthredder
and a cross cut shredder.Here is a quick list of things to consider when choosing
between these two different types of shredders.
One of the most difficult decisions to make
when choosing a shredder is the decision between a strip cut sthredder
and a cross cut shredder. The specifications of these types of
shredders often seem so different and it can be hard to sort out the
differences. Here is a quick list of things to consider when choosing
between these two different types of shredders.
Bag Changes: Cross Cut or Confetti Cut shredders cut
documents into much smaller pieces making it possible to go as much as
two to three times as long between shredder bag changes. Less bag
changes mean more productivity (plus, nobody likes to change the bag).
Speed and Productivity: Given the same sized motor a strip cut shredder
will almost always be faster and able to shred more pieces of paper at
a time than its Cross Cut counterpart. Since the paper is simply cut
into strips instead of into small pieces, strip cut shredders are able
to cut much faster than cross cut models.
Security: Cross
cut or Confetti Cut shredders are far more secure than strip cut
shredders. With new special computer programs it has become easier than
ever to piece back together shredded documents. However, dealing with
the confetti from a cross cut shredder can be a lot more difficult than
the strips from a straight cut shredder. However, if you are extremely
concerned about the safety of your shredded documents you might
consider a high security NSA approved shredder from Destroyit or the
DOD approved shredder from GBC Shredmaster.
Price:
Generally speaking, you will pay about 10% more for a cross cut
shredder than you will pay for the same shredder in a strip cut model.
However, as was discussed above the cross cut model will have lower
productivity and speed than the strip cut shredder. Often to get the
same speed and shredding volume you will need to step up to the next
model and you may end up spending as much as 25% more than the strip
cut shredder you were looking at.
Maintenance: Since
Cross Cut / Confetti Cut Shredders do a lot more cutting than strip cut
shredders they need to be oiled more often than strip cut shredders. It
is suggested that cross cut shredders be oiled after ever ½ hour of
shredding and that strip cut shredders be oiled after every 1 hour of
shredding time. The good news about this is that shredder oil is very
inexpensive and regular oiling of both models will help ensure that
your shredder will perform better and last longer.
When you are working to decide on a shredder these are five important
factors to consider. After considering these factors, I tend to prefer
a cross cut shredder. However, there are some applications where a
strip cut shredder is a better choice. Whatever your decision, you
might want to check out the selection of GBC Shredmaster Shredders and
MBM Destroyit Shredders that we carry.
Jeff McRitchie is the designer and Director of Marketing for MyBinding.com. He has written over 100 articles on binding machines, binding covers, paper shredders,laminators,laminating supplies,paper handling equipments,binders,index tabs, and shredders.
