Narrow Super Strips

Length should be matched to the binding edge of the document, not just to the overall paper size. Letter-size portrait work often needs a different strip length from half-letter, landscape, or legal documents. Width is a separate choice and should be based on finished spine thickness. Narrow Super Strips are generally used when the document remains within the smaller capacity range intended for that size. If the strip is too short, it will not cover the full edge properly. If it is too narrow, the spine may not bind as cleanly as expected. The safest approach is to assemble one complete sample and measure the exact binding edge and total thickness. That sample prevents ordering the wrong combination of width and length for repeat jobs.

Paper weight, cover stock, divider tabs, and coated sheets all affect whether narrow width is still appropriate. A document made from light bond paper behaves very differently from one built with heavier covers or mixed inserts. That is why spine thickness should be measured from the full assembled document rather than estimated from page count. For jobs that may move beyond the narrow range but still use the same strip family, Fastback Super Strips provide a broader starting point for deciding whether another width makes more sense. The goal is to keep the bind secure and well-proportioned without forcing a narrow strip onto a stack that has already grown past it. A single test bind usually reveals whether the chosen size still fits comfortably.

Narrow Super Strips are a good fit when the document needs a strong, polished bind but does not require the extra capacity of a medium or wide strip. They are often used for smaller reports, manuals, presentations, and office documents that still benefit from the Super Strip adhesive and finish. They can also suit work where the binding edge length changes, since narrow strips are available in more than one length. The right choice depends on document thickness, machine compatibility, and whether the finished piece should stay compact at the spine. Customers often get better results by thinking in terms of actual spine measurement rather than general project type. Even a document that looks modest can move out of the narrow range once covers and tabs are included.

The most common mistake is assuming that narrow size can be chosen from sheet count alone. Covers, tabs, coated paper, and insert sheets can increase spine thickness enough to push the document into another width. Another frequent issue is selecting the strip family before confirming machine compatibility, especially in workplaces that use more than one Fastback system. Length mistakes also happen when customers order for overall paper size instead of the edge that will actually be bound. It helps to settle machine, width, and length in that order before color is chosen. When the assembled document is likely to exceed narrow capacity, medium Super Strips are the more practical next step. That prevents avoidable rebinding and wasted supplies. Tab 19 # Navy Binding Covers