MyBinding Knowledge Base
What do the different levels of shredder security mean?
Shredders are commonly found in every major industry today. Even most home offices have at least a small device to get rid of unwanted junk mail and other documents. While it’s obvious that higher security levels create smaller pieces, it’s not always clear which level is best for what purposes. The most common rating system is the Deutsche Industrial Norm or DIN, which was designed as a standard in Europe as a guide to help customers make an informed choice. Here is a closer look at each level and what they are best used for.
- Level One: This is the most basic security level available and results in long strips of paper. It works well for general internal documents and records. It is also great for home use to dispose of basic materials, such as unwanted homework or junk mail. Do not use this level of security for any items containing private information.
- Level Two: Paper remnants at this level are mainly strips, with a few cross cut machines putting out bigger confetti pieces. While this is still a low rating, it can be used for sensitive internal documents and personal documents. This level is sometimes described as being good for every day use in the destruction of notes, invoices, computer print outs and photocopies. We still wouldn’t recommend this level for private information.
- Level Three: Most machines providing this level of security create cross cut particles, with a few very narrow strip cutters out there as well. Level three is the lowest rating needed for FACTA compliance. This level is great for disposing of confidential business and personal documents, including personal data, financial information, personnel files, and employee records.
- Level Four: From here on up, only cross cut particles will remain. Level four is excellent for secret documents. Pieces are either cross or diamond cut and will safely destroy documents crucial to a company’s existence or a person’s well being.
- Level Five: Extremely confidential documents will stay safe with a level five security rating, the highest rating given by DIN. This is also the first Department of Defense approved level for government offices, military agencies, and research labs. Level five is perfect for high security requirements.
- Level Six: Although not actually on the DIN scale, level six is nevertheless hailed as the highest security level available. The micro cut particles meet NSA/CSS specifications for top secret document destruction, making this rating ideal for use in military offices and Homeland Security agencies.
< 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)
