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.

1. 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).

2. 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.

3. 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 or a DOD approved shredder.

4. 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.

5. 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 1/2 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.