What’s the difference between the two main document destruction processes? Cross-cut and strip-cut shredding are both secure methods. However, they each have their benefits and drawbacks.
Find out which type of shredding will best meet your needs by watching this video or reading the transcription below.
Video Transcription
Cross-Cut Shredding Defined
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.
No Chance For Reassembly
The primary security benefit from cross-cut shredding is how difficult—if not impossible—it is for the tiny shreds to reassemble and their information stolen.
While on one hand, there’s computer software made to reconstruct strip-cut paper. On the other hand, cross-cut shredders cut a single piece of paper into 400+ pieces and a micro-cutter creates 2,000+ paper shreds, leaving even sophisticated software useless.
Cross-Cut VS Strip-Cut Shredding
There are several differences between strip-cut and cross-cut shredders, but the most important is the size of paper shreds.
The security of shredders is measured in levels, and the smaller the shred the higher the level. While strip-cutters only make up levels 1–3, cross-cutting can provide level 4 and above.
Differences Between Cross-Cut and Strip-Cut Shredders
| Cross-Cut | Strip-Cut |
| Cuts paper into small, confetti-like pieces | Cuts paper into long strips—also known as ribbon or strip-cut |
| Shreds slower and less at one time but is more secure | Shreds more at one time, but shreds can be reassembled more easily |
| Requires regular oiling and maintenance | Typically does not require regular oiling and maintenance |
Comparing Cross-Cut Costs
Cross-cut shredders are typically more expensive than strip-cutters, and 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 and drop off shredding 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 the thousands—in addition to oiling and maintenance costs.
On the other hand though, 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—1-10 boxes can be shredded for $130-$175.
With drop off shredding material, you can drop off your documents at local UPS and shipping stores for just $1 per pound.
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 shredding services. As one 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.
Need More Shredding Security?
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