How do I bind a large document?

Binding large documents can be challenging especially since so many binding machines are designed for use with letter-sized paper. Whether you’re using large sheets of paper or your document is exceptionally thick, you may be thinking that there is no way to bind it. Luckily, that’s not the case. Here are a few ways you can bind your larger documents:

• Plastic comb binding. A lot of people like comb binding because it’s relatively easy as well as affordable. This binding method is good for thicker documents since the largest combs are 2” in diameter and can bind work that’s up to 425 pages long. Also, it is possible to use larger sheets of paper with a comb binding machine provided it has these two features: an open punching throat and disengageable dies. The open punching throat will accommodate your paper and the disengageable dies will allow you to produce the right number of holes for your document. After you disengage (or engage) the appropriate dies, punch holes in your document and then bind it with the machine’s comb opener. Repeat the process if necessary.
• Coil binding. Coil binding is another popular document finishing method for a couple of reasons. For one thing, coils are available in a lot of different colors and there are even some that are environmentally friendly. Also, coils can bind thick documents that contain as many as 440 pages. You need to keep in mind though that if you choose this method, you will need to use a machine with the aforementioned open punching throat and disengageable dies. You can then spin the coil through the holes in the paper manually or with an electric coil inserter. When you’re done, you will need to crimp the ends of them after you bind your work. Crimping the coil secures the binding and is done with crimping pliers. Some people find this task a bit challenging but it gets easier with practice. (Watch the accompanying video to see how crimping is done.)