MyBinding Knowledge Base
Why should I choose Cross-Cut Paper Shredders?
Of the two main types of paper shredders, cross-cut machines have many more advantages their the strip-cut cousins. Here they are so you can decide if they’re right for you….
1.) One of the best advantages to using a cross-cut shredder is that you’ll enjoy more security. These machines are more secure than their strip-cut counterparts because they produce paper particles as opposed to strips. This is very important if you’re trying to get rid of documents containing really private information such as Social Security numbers, banking information, medical records, and more. You can tell how secure a device is by looking at its security rating. Level 1 units offer the least amount of security while Level 6 ones offer the most. Be sure to choose something with the appropriate rating for your needs.
2.) There are a lot of cross-cut shredders available that can shred more than just paper. This is convenient – and important – because so much of today’s information stored on electronic media. This type of media includes CD’s, DVD’s, and DAT tape. Some machines can also shred floppy disks, even those these items are in use much any more. If you choose a device that can handle these items your information will be much safer.
3.) Some of the larger cross-cut devices have continuous-duty motors. These motors can run constantly and don’t need to cool off in between loads of paper. They’re perfect for shared workplaces in which people will need to shred a lot of paper over the course of a workday. There are also cross-cut units that have regular motors but they’re better suited for personal or small business use. These machines can shred for several minutes. However, you’ll then need to let them cool off. Some have to cool off for around 20 minutes which can be quite a long wait to say the least.
4.) Just about every paper shredder you can buy has some sort of safety feature to ensure safe operation. Some cross-cut shredders even have technology that causes them to stop shredding when an embedded sensor detects hands close to the feed opening. Looking for this feature is a good idea because you’ll definitely feel safer using this type of shredder.
5.) Cross-cut paper shredders are manufactured by a number of companies. Some of the most popular office device manufacturers make them including GBC and Fellowes. You’ll also come across devices made my companies like Formax, Dahle, and Standard. These companies tend to offer great warranties on their products, so be sure to check them out.
< Over the years, a number of customers have asked me whether they can use twin loop wire with their plastic comb binding machine. These customers often don’t want to have to buy a brand new machine but like the look and feel of twin loop wire binding. However, the answer to their question isn’t as simple as it seems. You see, they actually do make twin loop wire that is designed to work with the plastic comb binding hole pattern. With that said, if you want to use these wires you are going to need a way to close the wires. What is Spiral-O Wire? Let me explain a little bit more…There is a product that we carry called Spiral-O Wire. This wire has 19 loops and is designed to work with the hole pattern from a plastic comb binding machine. Spiral-O Wire is sometimes called Wire Combs or Ibico Wire and was originally designed for use with some of the older Ibico binding machines. A number of the older Ibico plastic comb binding machines also included a twin loop wire closer on the front of them to allow users to use both plastic combs and wire. This 19 loop wire was designed for this purpose. What Equipment is Needed? As the Ibico brand has been phased out by GBC and all of the older Ibico plastic binding machines have been replaced with new models, they no longer have the twin loop wire closer on the front of them. This presents a problem in trying to use these spiral-o wires since you can’t use the wires without a way to close them. One of the only options left is to purchase a Twin Loop wire closer. However, since twin loop wire closers are not incredibly cheap this option usually only appeals to users who have larger electric plastic comb binding machines. Otherwise, it is often advisable to simply buy a low end 3:1 pitch twin loop wire binding machine (the supplies are cheaper). This being said, if you have one of the older Ibico binding machines that has a wire closer included you are in luck. The Spiral-O binding supplies that we carry will work perfectly with your machine and you will be able to use both plastic combs and wire depending on your needs. These Spiral-O binding supplies are available in Black, Silver, White, Blue and Red and in sizes up to 1″ in diameter. If you aren’t sure what type of wire binding supplies that you need to work with your machine simply give us a call. Our trained sales representatives will be glad to help you find the correct supplies for use with your machine.(Read More)
