MyBinding Knowledge Base
What are the Common Binding Machine Problems and How to Solve Them?
If you have a plastic comb, twin-loop wire, or color coil binding machine, you’re probably glad that it’s pretty easy to operate. However, even the most user-friendly machine can give you problems once in a while whether its due to user error or because there’s something wrong with the device. Here’s some of the most common problems people experience with their binding machines as well as some tips on how to fix them so you can finish the job.
1.) It’s hard to turn the pages of your document. If you run into this problem, it could be one of two things. First, you may have picked a binding element (comb, wire, coil) that’s too small. If that’s the case, you can re-bind your work with something larger. Second, it could be that your work’s binding is too close to – or too far away from – the edge of the pages. Consult your owner’s manual to determine the correct punch setting for next time.
2.) The punching handle gets stuck in position. The handle can get stuck in place if the machine gets jammed up. The best way to handle this is by continuing to carefully punch your document until you can remove your paper. (Don’t try to forcefully remove the sheets. This can really damage your device.)You can then check to see how jammed the machine is and fix the problem accordingly.
3.) The holes were punched crookedly. Sometimes your document won’t get punched properly which can make it difficult to properly bind it. If you find that the holes are crooked, be sure to align the paper properly next time. If the machine is jammed due to paper chips, you can use something thin to clear away the debris.
4.) The device didn’t punch the holes as cleanly as it should. If you punch your document and you find the the holes aren’t crisp, it means that you’re punching too many sheets at a time. Punch less sheets at once and the problem should be solved.
5.) One of the holes runs off the edge of the page. Finally, you may find sometime that you have an incomplete hole at one (or both) ends of your document. The best way to prevent this is to use paper that’s the right size for your device and making sure your documents are aligned properly before you lower the punching handle. This may involve tweaking the edge adjustment guide if your device has one.
These are some of the most common problems people experience when using their comb, wire, and/or coil binding machines. Luckily, these issues are pretty easy to deal with so you won’t have to spend a lot of time troubleshooting. You’ll be able to fix things and continue binding. If you have a problem that’s beyond the scope of this article, check out your owner’s manual or get in touch with a service technician just to be safe. (Especially since trying to fix things yourself might inadvertently void your device’s warranty.) Good luck with your projects!
< Over the years, a number of customers have asked me whether they can use twin loop wire with their plastic comb binding machine. These customers often don’t want to have to buy a brand new machine but like the look and feel of twin loop wire binding. However, the answer to their question isn’t as simple as it seems. You see, they actually do make twin loop wire that is designed to work with the plastic comb binding hole pattern. With that said, if you want to use these wires you are going to need a way to close the wires. What is Spiral-O Wire? Let me explain a little bit more…There is a product that we carry called Spiral-O Wire. This wire has 19 loops and is designed to work with the hole pattern from a plastic comb binding machine. Spiral-O Wire is sometimes called Wire Combs or Ibico Wire and was originally designed for use with some of the older Ibico binding machines. A number of the older Ibico plastic comb binding machines also included a twin loop wire closer on the front of them to allow users to use both plastic combs and wire. This 19 loop wire was designed for this purpose. What Equipment is Needed? As the Ibico brand has been phased out by GBC and all of the older Ibico plastic binding machines have been replaced with new models, they no longer have the twin loop wire closer on the front of them. This presents a problem in trying to use these spiral-o wires since you can’t use the wires without a way to close them. One of the only options left is to purchase a Twin Loop wire closer. However, since twin loop wire closers are not incredibly cheap this option usually only appeals to users who have larger electric plastic comb binding machines. Otherwise, it is often advisable to simply buy a low end 3:1 pitch twin loop wire binding machine (the supplies are cheaper). This being said, if you have one of the older Ibico binding machines that has a wire closer included you are in luck. The Spiral-O binding supplies that we carry will work perfectly with your machine and you will be able to use both plastic combs and wire depending on your needs. These Spiral-O binding supplies are available in Black, Silver, White, Blue and Red and in sizes up to 1″ in diameter. If you aren’t sure what type of wire binding supplies that you need to work with your machine simply give us a call. Our trained sales representatives will be glad to help you find the correct supplies for use with your machine.(Read More)
