Renz PBS 340 Modular Plastic Comb Opener

Staff Review

Renz PBS 340 Modular Plastic Comb Opener Review

Binding machines are often bought and sold as inclusive items with the punch and comb opener all in one unit. However, there are also modular punches and openers that can be used alone or together to make a whole machine. Renz manufactures the DTP 340M modular binding device, a high-quality product that can help you punch up to 20,000 sheets of paper in just one hour. If you own this device (or are planning to) and you want a way to finish the binding process, you can purchase the Renz PBS 340, a comb opener designed to work in conjunction with it. Here are the the 340's strengths and weaknesses so you can determine if this is the binding equipment you need.

Strengths:

• The 340 is compatible with all sizes of plastic combs, all the way from the slender 3/16" ones to their larger 2" cousins. Because of this, you'll be able to bind documents containing as many as 500 pages.

• This opener can be used with combs that are up to 14" long and have 24 rings. Supplies of this length are perfect for legal-sized documents that measure 8.5" x 14".

• You can use the 340 as a standalone device, especially if you use prepunched paper. Using paper's that already punched can help you save time. You also won't need to spend money on a punch. However, you will need to buy a stand for the 340 - more on that in a moment.

• To make using this device easier, there's a stopper near the top edge of the device. You can use it to control how wide the comb is opened so it won't break nor will it go flying off the device and possibly injure someone.

• The 340 is extremely well-built and contains metal parts so it will last for years. It's strong enough to be used frequently so it's perfect if you need to bind a lot of documents.

Weaknesses:

• The main downside to the 340 is that you need to purchase a stand for it if you want to use it on its own. This stand costs about $50.00 extra.

• Although this opener is compatible with legal-sized paper, you can't use it for larger sheets such as those that are tabloid-sized (11 x17").

• As alluded to above, the 340 is only a comb opener. It doesn't have a punch so it's not a complete binding system unless you use it with the 340M.

• This is one of the more expensive comb openers on the market. It retails for around $500.00 while products from other companies tend to cost about $300.00. However, since this machine is so well-built, you'll definitely get what you pay for even if you choose to purchase the 340M to go along with it.

Overall, the Renz PBS 340 has a lot going for it. You'll be able to use all sizes of binding combs with it and it's been very well-constructed. Just keep in mind that you'll need to purchase either a stand or the DTP 340M to go along with it. If that works for you, consider taking a look at the 340M.