Frequently Asked Questions About Comb Binding Machines

Plastic comb is one of the most popular binding styles available. If you want to get the most out of your comb binding machine, there is a lot to know. If you have questions about this versatile and economical binding style, we are here to answer them. Let's go through our most common questions. Want to dig even deeper? Explore our knowledge base for all things comb binding.

What is Plastic Comb Binding?

Comb binding is an easy way to gather, organize, and add a professional finish to reports, catalogs, cookbooks, and more. This punch-and-bind method uses a plastic spine with teeth that resemble a comb to bind pages together. These spines are pulled open by a “spreader,” pages are threaded on, and are then closed to keep everything in place. One of the best features of comb binding is that the combs can be reopened at any time, so you can add or remove pages from the document or reuse the spine on your next project.

What is Comb Binding Used For?

Comb binding is a favorite choice for most casual and frequent binders, thanks to its availability at most office supply stores. Businesses love to bind their reports and presentations. Law offices and courthouses use them for transcripts, court records, case files, and contracts. Hobbyists love the editability and ability to create cookbooks, coloring books, and reference guides, where the ability to add pages is helpful. For more project ideas, check out our list of favorite comb binding applications.

Is Plastic Comb Binding Better for the Home or Office?

It’s great for both! Crafters can find a multitude of uses for a comb-binding machine, such as assembling photo albums and scrapbooks. Businesses can bind reports and marketing materials. Even schools and churches can benefit. Anyone can comb bind, and, thanks to their accessibility, it isn’t hard to find what you need to get started.

What are the Advantages of Comb Binding?

• Inexpensive - Especially when compared to other binding methods, it is a very affordable way to bind documents. Basic comb-binding machines can cost less than $100, so it doesn’t take a lot of money to get started. The materials are also cheap: all you need to bind is some paper (simple printer paper will work), ideally a cover, and plastic combs. A box of 100 combs will usually cost between $5 and $20, depending on size. Plus, they are reusable, so you could find yourself paying only a cent per project.
• Editability - One of the most exciting qualities of this binding method is that plastic combs can be reopened, so you can edit your work even after it’s bound. This is a feature you don’t often find in other binding methods. Usually, in order to make edits, you would have to fully unbind and rebind the document with new supplies or even have to start entirely from scratch.
• Customization - Finally, combs are available in many different colors and can even be printed with your company’s name, logo, and/or the title of your document. So, you can easily find the book you are looking for or show off your business’s branding.

What are the Disadvantages of Comb Binding?

There aren’t too many downsides to comb binding, but here are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing comb binding over other options.

• Lay Flat Design Doesn’t Turn 360 Degrees. While comb-bound documents will lie flat, you can’t turn the front page all the way around to the back.
• Not Tamper-Proof. While the editability of combs are a big plus, if you are looking for a binding with maximum security, you should consider Velo Binding or other more secure binding methods.

What Should I Consider When Buying a Comb Binding Machine?

What you want to look for in a comb-binding machine greatly depends on your budget, how many people are going to operate it, and how often the machine will be used. We break down what you should look for more thoroughly in our comb binder buyers guide, but here are some key things to consider:

1. Warranty and Construction. How well-built is the machine? What’s the warranty like? Are you buying from a reputable binding machine company?
2. Level of Customization. How much control do you want? Does the machine have disengageable dies so you can punch different paper sizes? Can you adjust the margin to optimize your binding for different book sizes?
3. Fit for Your Needs. What’s the machine designed for? A small manual machine might be great for individuals or small business owners who will only be binding once in a while. While a higher-volume outfit like a print and copy center will need a professional-grade electric machine.

Who Makes the Best Comb-Binding Machines?

General Binding Corporation, aka GBC, is the leading manufacturer of comb binding machines, and their products are incredibly popular. In fact, GBC machines are so popular that comb binding is sometimes referred to as “GBC binding.” Other great manufacturers of comb binders include Fellowes, Tamerica, Akiles, and Rhin-O-Tuff. Check out our Knowledge Base article where we break down each brand and why they are awesome.

What Do I Need to Comb Bind?

• Comb Binding Punch: To comb bind, you will first prep your paper for binding by punching the appropriate holes.
• Plastic Comb Opener: To actually bind your documents, you will use a comb opener to add your pages to the spine. Many smaller comb binding systems include an opener on the top of the machine. Higher volume users will sometimes choose to use a stand-alone comb opening device so that two people can work on binding together. The opener can also be used to edit bound documents if you ever need to add or remove pages from the book.
• Report Cover: Consider adding a cover to the front and back for a professional look and extra durability.
• Plastic Combs: Last, but certainly not least, you need a comb. They come in all sizes and colors, so you can find the perfect spine for your project.

What Sizes Do Plastic Combs Come In?

Plastic binding combs are available in a number of sizes for virtually any project. The Diameter of a comb determines how many pages it can bind, while the length represents the size of the binding edge. The smallest diameter available is 3/16 of an inch for documents that are just a few pages long. The largest goes up to 2” and can handle as many as 425 sheets of paper. It is good to note that combs 1-1/4″ or larger are oval-shaped, while smaller combs are round for easy turning. Comb lengths include letter, legal, and custom sizes. You can even cut long combs down to smaller sizes for custom lengths in a pinch.

What Size Comb Do I Need for My Document?

It can be overwhelming trying to choose the perfect comb from the wide range of options available. How are you supposed to know the difference between 1/16?” Luckily, we have a handy sizing guide to help you choose the right comb size for the number of pages you want to bind.

Can I Customize My Comb Bound Book?

The short answer is yes. Here are some of our favorite ways you can customize your document.

• Colors: Comb spines are available in a variety of colors to match your branding or style. The most common colors are black, white, navy blue, and clear. However, combs are available in over a dozen colors. If you can’t find the color you need, you can have combs flood printed with a PMS color or custom order an extrusion of another color. However, keep in mind that PMS flood printing is expensive, and an extrusion of a custom color will require a large quantity (often between 10,000 and 50,000 pieces).
• Printing: It is also possible for you to buy plastic combs that are printed with your name or company logo. They can be foil-stamped or even silkscreened. This is a popular option for annual reports, cookbooks, and financial documents. However, virtually anything can be printed on a comb as long as it fits.
• Covers: A great way to customize any bound document is with a report cover. You can choose from a wide range of finishes, including leatherette, clear, and linen. You can also get custom covers for a high-quality look that showcases your brand and stands out.

Can I use my comb binding machine with other spine types?

Usually no. Only plastic combs can be used with comb-binding machines. However, there are some machines available that can bind documents using both combs and wire. These are known as combination binding machines. Or if you can get your hands on a wire closer, most comb binding machines can accommodate Spiral-O. Spiral-O emulates the look of twin-loop wire while being compatible with comb holes. Check out this article on Spiral-O binding to learn more.

How Do I Edit a Comb Book

Editing a comb bound book is very easy. Simply put your document back on the comb opener you used when you first bound it. Use the device to spread the comb, remove your pages, make any edits, and close the spine with the updated document. Just like that, you should be done. If you run into any trouble, check out this article on how to comb bind or give us a call at .

Can You Comb Bind Without a Machine?

You can comb bind without a comb binding punch, but you must have an opener. If you plan on binding rarely or infrequently, it may be cost-effective to only invest in a comb opener and use pre-punched paper. These pages already have the required holes for combs. You can simply print your document and get right to binding. However, if this is a one-off project, you should see if any local print shops can bind for you so you don’t spend money on a device you will never use again.

Is Spiral or Comb Binding Better?

This is a very hard question to answer because it all boils down to your specific needs. Here are some questions you should be asking yourself when choosing between spiral and comb binding, and our recommendations.

1. Which look do you prefer?

   The easiest way to choose is just which style looks best to you

   Comb Binding

   Spiral Coil

2. Do you want to be able to edit your document?
   • Comb Binding – Easily add and remove pages by re-opening the comb.
   • Spiral Coil – You can undo the binding by cutting off the spine and making edits, but you will need to use a new spine to rebind the document.
3. How durable do you need it to be?
   • Comb Binding – Combs are made of a flexible plastic that can withstand a decent beating, but can get warped or bent beyond repair.
   • Spiral Coil – Coils are a great balance of flexible and rigid. They can flex and bend without losing their shape.
4. Does it need to turn a full 360?
   • Comb Binding – Pages will be able to lie flat and maybe reach a good 300+ degrees. At some point, you will be stopped by the solid spine, preventing pages from turning from front to back.
   • Spiral Coil – Coils are one of the few options that allow the front cover to turn all the way around to the back.
5. What is your budget?
   • Comb Binding – Comb spines are extremely cost-effective, costing only a few cents per unit ($0.05 - $0.45) and are reusable.
   • Spiral Coil – Plastic coils are inexpensive, costing around $0.07 - $1.00, but can only be used once. If you have pre-punched paper, you can fully bind without a machine.

For more help choosing a binding style, check out our Binding Machine Buyer’s Guide.

You should now be ready to make the most of your comb binder. If you have any other burning questions, we are always happy to talk, . Explore our knowledge base for more information. Happy binding!