Some people tear up their sensitive documents by hand. Others buy a personal shredder to use. And then there’s those who burn their private papers (which can be pretty dangerous and should be avoided). When it comes to destroying documents, people use all sorts of do-it-yourself methods before recycling the remains. But how secure are these methods?
If you want to be sure your information is protected and documents are permanently destroyed, it’s safer to trust the professionals. Experienced shredding providers use highly secure practices to ensure documents are fully shredded and the information on them is unrecoverable.
One way they do this is by using cross-cut shredders, which differ from the strip-cutter shredders used in personal shredders. In this blog, we’ll compare the two and explore why cross-cut shredding is better than strip-cutter shredding. Read on or watch the video at the end of the post.
What Is Strip-cut Shredding?
Strip-cut shredding involves blades that slice paper into long, vertical strips that are wide enough to be a risk. At a minimum of ¼ of an inch and up to ½ of an inch, these strips can be put back together fairly easily. There’s even computer software that can aid in the reconstruction of strip-cut shredded paper. This method of shredding is considered the lowest level of security and can increase your risk for identity theft.
What Is Cross-cut Shredding?
Cross-cut shredding is similar to traditional strip-cut shredding, but it cuts paper into much smaller pieces. Cross-cutter serrated blades are placed in two sets facing opposite directions. When moving simultaneously, paper is cut into confetti-like pieces.
There is computer software that can aid in the reconstruction of strip-cut shredded paper.
The primary security benefit of cross-cut shredding is how difficult, if not impossible, it is for the tiny shreds to be reassembled and used for criminal activity. Cross-cut shredders cut a single piece of paper into 400+ pieces, making reassembly very difficult. For reference, there’s even a micro-cutter — it creates 2,000+ paper shreds, leaving little to be salvaged.
Comparing Cross-cut and Strip-cut Shredding
In comparing strip-cut and cross-cut shredders, there are several differences between the two. The difference lies mainly in the size of the pieces, which inform how secure the method is. The security of shredders is measured in levels, and the smaller the shred the higher the level. While strip-cutters only make up security levels 1–3, cross-cutting can provide security levels 4 and above.
The security of shredders is measured in levels – the smaller the shred the higher the level.
As we noted above, cross-cut shredders cuts paper into small, confetti-like pieces. Strip-cut shredders cuts paper into long strips, also called ribbon-cut or strip-cut. Strip-cut shredders can shred more paper at a time because of this. Cross-cut shredders, however, take longer due to how thoroughly each sheet is shredded. Cross-cut shredders require more maintenance than strip-cut shredders, including regular oiling. Strip-cut shredders don’t usually require much maintenance.
Cross-Cut Shredding Costs
Cross-cut shredders are typically more expensive than strip-cutters. While one can argue the security is worth the extra cost, there are actually opportunities for more cost-efficient cross-cutting. Before reaching for the checkbook, it’s important to consider options like mobile shredding and drop-off services when thinking about factors like direct costs and time.
Price Tag Comparison
A personal or office cross-cut shredder on one hand can range from several hundred dollars to thousands. This is in addition to oiling and maintenance costs. On the other hand, shredding services are not only cheaper, but can shred more paper at one time.
Shredding services are not only cheaper, but can shred more paper at one time.
For example, mobile shredding is common if you need to witness the shredding. For up to 10 boxes, they can be shredded for $130-$175. For drop-off shredding services, you can bring your documents to a local UPS or shipping store. They’ll often shred your documents for around $1 per pound, but make sure to call your local store to verify pricing.
Maximize Time-efficiency
Because cross-cut shredders cut the paper twice and can handle less at one time, cross-cut shredding can be tedious and time consuming. One solution for saving time is professional shredding services.
Cross-cut shredding can be tedious and time consuming.
As an example, one of the main advantages of mobile shredding is the convenience of coming to you to shred your paper. A mobile shredding truck is equipped with an industrial cross-cut shredder, and can shred as much as 300 lbs in minutes, as opposed to hours.
Secure Document Shredding With Shred Nations
For secure document shredding, look no further than Shred Nations. Our nationwide network of certified shredding professionals can help you securely destroy your documents on your schedule and at your budget. From mobile shredding and off-site destruction to recurring services and one-time purges, we can help you safely shred your documents.
Call us at (800) 747-3365, fill out the form, or contact us directly using our live chat for a free quote from professional shredders in you area.
