Swingline GBC BindMate Manual Comb Binding Machine- 7706170A

Staff Review

The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Dual-Duty GBC BindMate

If you’ve ever wanted a comb binding machine, but didn’t think you could afford one, you should really check out the GBC BindMate. This is an innovative product that’s great for those on a budget, especially since its has all the functionality of a comb binding machine and also does double duty as a three-hole punch. It’s really two machines in one so it’s great for all kinds of projects both at home and in the workplace. However, the BindMate does have a couple of shortcomings that you need to know about. Keep reading to discover the strengths and weaknesses of this dual-duty product.

Strengths:

• This is a combination device that offers the functionality of both a three-hole punch and a comb binding system. It’s compact and would be great for environments in which both devices are needed, but space is limited.
• The BindMate can bind books containing up to 125 pages using spines that are 5/8″ thick. It would be great for school projects, short professional documents, and more.
• You can use oversized covers with this product, so you’ll have some flexibility when it comes to the appearance of your documents.
• This device has a D-shaped punching handle. It’s ergonomically friendly and will be able to be used with ease by everyone.
• It’s ridiculously easy to switch between three-hole punching and comb binding. All you need to do is flip a switch that’s located on the front of the device.
• This is a very lightweight device that only weighs 6 pounds. It has a carrying handle so you’ll be able to take it wherever you need to go.
• The BindMate is very reasonably priced and will cost you less than $100.00. The low price makes this device ideal for anyone who’s on a budget but still needs a punching/binding machine. Plus, this product has a limited one-year warranty.

Weaknesses:

• The BindMate’s main weakness is its punching capacity: it can only punch 8 sheets of paper at once. The punching capacity isn’t really too surprising given the size and price point of this device, but it is still disappointing. It would obviously take a very long time to punch a lot of paper.
• The 125-page binding capacity won’t be large enough for some offices.
• This machine lacks features commonly found in higher-end models, such as disengageable dies and an open throat.

As you can see, the BindMate really lacks a decent punching capacity, although that shouldn’t be much of a problem if the documents you punch and bind are on the shorter side. This product isn’t ideal if you need to produce very thick documents frequently because it was really designed for occasional use. However, if that describes your punching and binding needs, then the BindMate is a terrific choice. It’s great that you can use it as both a comb binding machine and a three-hole punch, and that the handle can be utilized by both right- and left-handed users. And let’s not forget that it’s easy to transport and is priced low enough so that everyone who needs one can afford it. If you need an inexpensive comb binding machine that can double as a three-hole punch, the BindMate is what you’ve been looking for.