Five Tips for Binding Documents with Plastic Combs

Plastic comb binding has been popular for a long time because it makes documents look great, it's affordable, and it's easy to do, especially if you have a few pointers. Check out these five tips for binding documents with plastic combs:

• Plastic combs range in diameter from 3/16” to 2”. The largest combs – those that are more than 1-1/8” across – are oval as opposed to circular. They also feature locks so that your longer documents will be securely bound. Combs in general are easy to use, but the 3/16” ones can be a bit tricky because they're so thin. Thus, you might want to avoid using them and use 1/4” combs for your shorter documents.
• Many of the plastic combs available are meant for use with letter-sized paper (8.5” x 11”). However, if you want to work with smaller pieces of paper, you can simply trim the comb with a pair of scissors. (You can also order shorter combs, if you want.) The thing to keep in mind is that you need to have a machine with disengageable dies to successfully work with shorter combs. Otherwise, you'll end up with a hole at the edge of your paper when you punch it.
• Plastic binding covers can make any document look great. If you choose to use these and you need to punch holes in them, make sure you don't punch more than 2 covers at a time. If you try to punch more than 2 covers, you could damage your binding machine to the point where you need to replace it. Also, if you're working with standard flush-cut covers, try punching them with a piece of paper for cleaner holes.
• Many of today's comb binding machines have a depth of punch margin control. If your device does, make sure you use it. It will allow you to dictate where the holes are punched in relation to the edge of the paper. This ensures that your documents will be securely bound and that the pages will rotate easily.
• When it's time to start binding your document, break it up into small sections. It's much easier to insert the fingers of the comb through a few pages rather than a whole bunch. This will save you time and prevent you from getting frustrated.

Plastic comb binding is easy, especially when you follow these tips. Be sure to try them out the next time you need to bind your documents. You won't regret it.

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Written by Jeff McRitchie
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