What are the different types of paper shredders?  Which one is going to be best suited to your needs?

It seems as if technology is always inventing something new and sometimes it can be difficult keeping up with the latest advancements that seem to be released on a regular basis.

How are you supposed to know whether or not they are for you?  Furthermore, why are there so many different types of shredding patterns available?  Is there any maintenance involved with a shredder?  What are warranty differences?  What should be the typical home shredder’s capacity?

The first thing which you need to determine is which type of home paper shredder you really need.

Each paper shredder has a different way of shredding the documents.  You can choose from strip-cut, cross-cut and now even something called micro-cut which is a relatively new addition to these machines.

What you need to understand is that some types of shredding mechanism will give you better security than others.  That is, they will do a better job at destroying the document.  Making it nearly impossible for someone to reconstruct the document and steal your valuable personal information.

You really need to balance how much you are prepared to spend versus how securely you want your documents to be shredded.

Strip-cut:

Paper shredders which employ strip-cut methods are going to be the least expensive.  A strip cut shredder can usually handle the most paper at any one pass due to the fact that the cutting process is relatively simple and there are fewer parts necessary to get the job done.

The strips are usually cut in the general vicinity of one-eighth inch to one-quarter inch in width, depending on the make and model of the paper shredder on which you decide.  Occasionally you may find a promotional shredder which produces three-eighths inch strip-cuts.

While it would be highly unlikely that someone would try and find all the strips to a single document and piece them back together, the risk is higher than with other types of shredders.  Of particular note is the “best practice” of the operator which may make it easier, or harder, for an identity thief to steal vital information.

Generally, the thinner the strip, the more difficult the reconstruction will be.

Cross-cut:

If you are more security conscious, then you should look at a cross cut home paper shredder.  A cross-cut is the style that is favored by most commercial businesses, there is nothing to say that you shouldn’t use it in your home if you were willing to spend a little extra.

Cross-cut shredders cut in both the vertical and horizontal orientation making the document harder to reconstruct, but they do tend to be slower in their operation because of the more complex process involved.

A cross-cut shredders capacity is frequently lower than an equivalent strip-cut.  When a model states “up to xx sheets at one time” – the capacity – believe it!  Add a staple to that stated maximum capacity and you have a jam waiting to happen.  Shred 24 pound paper instead of 18 or 20 pound paper and you could be inviting a paper jam if you shred at maximum capacity.  Inadvertently grab some “card-stock” postcard advertising mixed in with some other direct-mail advertising and the jam happens.

When comparing shredders back-off the “advertised” maximum capacity some.

Micro-cut:

The final option is a micro cut paper shredder.   You might be surprised to know that your sensitive documents are virtually mulched into a fine powder.

Top of the range micro-cut shredders will cut an A4 or letter size piece of paper into over 12,000 pieces, making it impossible for identity theft to take place.  This really has taken the protection of your documents in a paper shredder to a new level.

Maintenance for some models increases compared to the cross-cut and strip-cut.  Unfortunately maintenance is not frequently clear on retail boxes; it is usually only found in the Users Manual, inside the retail box.  Definitely read and carefully follow the manufacturer’s maintenance for micro-cut home paper shredders!

Which Cut?

Micro-cut home paper shredders are the best for the maximum security conscious who don’t mind paying more for that level of security.  Strip-cut machines, particularly one-eighth inch, combined with a considered and consistent “best practice” are more than adequate for most homeowners looking for an acceptable level of security.  Cross-cut machines can be the best compromise between cost, maintenance, occasional intense use by multiple family members and a solid level of security.

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