Crosscut Paper Shredders Are the Way to Go

With the alarming growth of identity theft, the need for a home paper shredder is without question.  But with all the models available, which unit should you choose ? Well the most important decision is the type of shredder you choose.  The two major types available are the strip and the crosscut paper shredder.  All the other considerations such as throat width, auto-reverse, shredding capacity, and basket capacity are important considerations, but will not matter if you buy the wrong type.  You must purchase a crosscut shredder.  You do not have to read another word- cross cut is the way to go. 

Consider the difference.  A strip shredder, normally will cut your paper into 3/8" strip, which on a typical 8.5" by 11" paper will yield approximately 45 strips.  a precocious four year old can assemble 45 strips of paper.  Even if you have shredded 100 pages, you still only have 4500 strips of paper in your waste basket, and a determined thief, could reassemble the pages, given enough time, especially since many documents like credit card statement have unique colors and design.  Now a crosscut paper shredder also cuts the pieces in the horizontal direction, which can yield 10 to 40 times more pieces depending on the shredding size.  Now those previous 4,500 strips will be 45,000 to 180,000 pieces.  Most thieves are that committed.

Don't be one of the 10 million identity theft victims this year.  Buy a shredder that will turn your documents to confetti.  If a thief wants that information, they will have to earn it.