How to Use a Comb Binding Machine

Plastic comb binding is the most common of the punch-and-bind styles. It is a relatively easy process and is the same for almost all manual comb binding machines. The only difference for electric comb binding machines is that you simply push a button rather than pull a lever.

How to Bind with Plastic Comb Binding:

1. Select the proper size of comb binding spine
   • Check our sizing guide to see what size binding you need for your project
   • A comb binding that is too small will hinder both the durability and usability of the document. Pages will not turn freely and could ultimately rip
   • Comb bindings that are too large will look awkward and will not function as well as a properly fitted comb binding
   • Appearance is perhaps the best way to judge the size of a comb binding if you are unsure

1. Punch your document
   • Punch a test page so you can check for margin spacing and partial holes so you can adjust and disengage any dies
   • Place your pages in and pull the lever (or push the button) to punch
   • Separately punch your front and back cover

1. Place the comb on the opener
   • Place the solid spine of the comb binding on the opener from the back side so the loops are in between the fingers of the comb binding opener
   • Make sure that the comb binding will open upward rather than down

1. Push or pull the lever (depending on the system) to open the comb binding
   • Most systems have a single lever that will operate the punch mechanism by pulling forward and the comb binding opener by pushing back
   • Electric punches and some manual systems will have a separate comb opening binding lever that will usually be pulled toward the operator
   • Opening the comb binding too far will cause the comb binding to snap shut and possibly fly off the system. Open the binding just enough to fit all your pages in
   • Make sure the opener is closed all the way when inserting the binding. You'll see small hooks that will grab the comb and pull each tooth open.

1. ‘Hang’ the front binding cover face down, followed by the contents of the document, and finish with the back cover
   • It is very common for plastic comb-bound documents to have oversized covers, which are easier to hang alone
   • The contents of the document can be hung in sections. For larger documents, it may be necessary to close the comb binding incrementally
   • For best appearance, start with the front of the document and place the document on the comb binding face down. (This will ensure that the seam of the comb binding is on the back side of the document)

1. Replace the lever into the center or resting position to close the comb binding, and remove the book

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• Emptying the chip tray is essential. It may sound like a no-brainer, but emptying your machine’s chip tray is important. It will make the whole process easier and will reduce wear and tear on your device. If there are too many chips in the tray, punching will become more and more difficult, and you could eventually break some (or all) of the punching dies. That could lead to expensive repairs or even having to replace your machine.
• Lower the number of sheets you punch. Speaking of punching, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t try to punch too much at once. Your machine has a maximum punching capacity. Some are as low as 5 sheets or as high as 25 or more. However, just because your machine can handle that much paper doesn’t mean it should. It’s easier on the dies to punch smaller amounts. You’ll find that your machine will last much longer when you process smaller stacks. Also, take special care when punching plastic covers, and don’t do more than one or two covers at a time. Plastic covers can really wreak havoc on the dies if you work with too many of them at a time.
• Use adjustable margin control if your machine has it. Some comb binding machines allow you to adjust the distance of the holes from the edge of the sheet. If the holes are too close, the pages can be easily ripped out. However, if they’re too far away, it will be very difficult to turn the pages. So be sure to adjust your depending on the thickness of your book. Your books will be easier to read, and the paper will be less likely to fall out.
• Place your pages onto your spine in small groups. When it’s time to actually bind your book, you’ll want to place the pages on the comb in small groups rather than just as one big stack. Trying to insert all the pages at once is difficult and can be frustrating if it doesn’t work the first time. If you insert the pages in smaller groups, the process will be much easier.

You should now be ready to comb bind like a pro. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at comb binding supplies to help inspire and excite you for your next project.