Choose the cut according to the sensitivity of the most confidential information you regularly destroy. Strip-cut machines create long strips and may suit low-risk paperwork. Cross-cut shredders produce smaller particles and provide stronger protection for many financial, personal, and business records. Micro-cut machines create finer particles for documents requiring greater confidentiality. Smaller particles can reduce sheet capacity and may require more frequent lubrication, so security and workload must be considered together. Review the types of material being discarded, including account records, tax documents, medical information, customer details, or private correspondence, before deciding which security level is appropriate.