The Best Type of Cut for Shredders
Shredder shopping can be confusing and overwhelming. With so many brands, styles and sizes to choose from, determining which one to buy can be difficult.
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Strip-Cut
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Strip-cut (or straight-cut) shredders are the most basic type of shredder. They cut paper into long, even strips. They are usually the least expensive type of shredder.
Crosscut
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Crosscut shredders cut the paper into smaller pieces than strip-cut. The blades cut the paper in several directions, leaving you with small, randomized strips of paper.
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Micro-Cut
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Micro-cut (or confetti-cut) shredders cut paper into confetti-like pieces. An 8.5 by 11 inch piece of paper can be cut into 6,000 pieces. These are usually the most-expensive shredders.
Identity Theft Protection
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For identity theft protection, micro-cut shredders are the best. Because the shredded pieces are so small, it's impossible for them to be put back together. Strip-cut shredders are the worst product for identity theft protection because the cut pieces are much easier to put back together.
Maintenance
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Strip-cut shredders are the easiest to maintain because there is only one set of blades. When used properly, they rarely get jammed. Crosscut shredders and micro-cut shredders are more likely to get jammed because of the amount of blades. To keep them better maintained, shredders should be oiled with shredder oil or shredder lubricant sheets.
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