How To Bind With Plastic Comb Binding

Binding a Plastic Comb Document
Plastic comb bindings, also called GBC binding, is the most common of the punch and bind styles. It is a relatively easy process and is basically the same for most all manual comb binding machines. Electric comb binding machines are similar, but simply have push button controls rather than a lever.

1. Select the proper size of comb binding element
   • Most providers of plastic comb bindings will be able to give an estimation of the proper comb binding size based on the count of sheets of paper and covers.
   • A comb binding that is too small will hinder both the durability and usability of the document as pages will not turn freely and could ultimately rip.
   • Comb bindings that are too large will look awkward and will not function as well as a properly fitted comb binding.
   • Appearance is perhaps the best way to judge the size of a comb binding.
2. Place the comb on the comb binder so that it opens
   • Place the solid spine of the comb binding on the comb binding opener from the back side so the loops are in between the fingers of the comb binding opener.
   • Make sure that the comb binding will open up rather than down.
3. Depending on the system: push or pull the lever to open the comb binding
   • Most systems have a single lever that will operate the punch by pulling forward and the comb binding opener by pushing back
   • Electric punches and some manual systems will have a separate comb binding lever that will usually be pulled toward the operator.
   • Opening the comb binding too far will cause the comb binding to snap shut and possibly fly off the system.
4. ‘Hang’ the front binding cover face down, followed by the contents of the document, and finish with the back cover
   • It is very common for plastic comb bound documents to have oversized covers which are easier to hang alone.
   • The contents of the document can be hung in sections. For larger documents, it may be necessary to close the comb binding incrementally.
   • For best appearance, start with the front of the document and place the document on the comb binding face down. (This will ensure that the seam of the comb binding is on the back side of the document).
5. Replace the lever into the center or resting position to close the comb binding, and remove the book.
   

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Written by Cory Ware
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