What is a Comb Opener?

A comb opener is a manually-operated device that is used to pull the prongs of the plastic binding comb open so that a punched document can be inserted. The comb opener has small teeth that gently pull on each of the prongs and pull them open, exposing the tip of each prong (onto which the document is placed). The vast majority of comb binding machines have built-in comb openers, but they are also sold as stand-alone units for high-volume production environments.

Manual comb openers have two sets of teeth – long teeth and small, angled teeth. The long teeth are what holds the comb in place, and the small, angled teeth are what pull the comb open. Start by placing the comb so that the individual loops fit into the spaces between the long teeth. The solid back of the comb should rest against the back side against the long teeth. Once the comb is in place, pull the handle to engage the small teeth and gently pry the prongs open. Insert your document into the comb by aligning the 19 holes with the 19 prongs, then push the handle back to its original position to close the comb and finish the bind.

What is a Booklet Maker?

A booklet maker is a convenient style of binding machine that both folds and staples your documents to create professional-looking booklets. Because they have the ability to staple and fold without requiring the use of separate machines, booklet makers are a popular choice with churches, schools, and theaters. They are available in manual and electric varieties, to accommodate both moderate and high usage levels.

The specific operation instructions vary based on the model used, but the basic steps are as follows:

  1. Insert your document into the booklet maker, ensuring that it has been properly jogged and collated.
  2. Position the side guides and/or stapler head based on the size of your document. The side guides should be aligned against the edges of the document, and the stapler head should be located over the center of the sheets.
  3. Begin the binding process by either using the handle (manual machines) or the button (electric machines) to engage the stapler head.
  4. After your book is stapled, it will be folded and ejected from the booklet making machine.

How Does an Electric Coil Inserter Work?

Electric coil inserters are an effective way to increase productivity in any binding environment. Instead of having to manually twist coils into place, electric coil inserters allow users to quickly and efficiently spin plastic binding coils into punched documents. The coil inserter consists of a small, motorized roller that has a rubberized coating which grips the coil as it spins and advances it through the holes in the document. Many coil binding machines feature a built-in coil inserter, but they are also sold as stand-alone units for high-production environments.

To use an electric coil inserter, begin by manually inserting a coil through the first 3-4 holes in the document. Depending upon your model, the inserter will either have an on/off switch (and will be continuously on when in the “on” position”) or a foot pedal that will activate the inserter when depressed. Lightly touch the coil to the roller while it is spinning, and it will move the coil through the holes. Once the coil reaches the desired position within the document, simply pull the coil away from the roller and turn it off. Crimp the ends of the coil with a coil crimping tool to complete the bind and finish your document.

What is a Wire Closer?

A wire closer is a specialized device that closes twin-loop wires and Spiral-O wires in order to complete the binding process. Wire closers are available in both manual and electric versions to accommodate production volumes of all levels. Regardless of operation method, wire closers all function by applying uniform pressure to the wire binding spine in order to close the wire and secure the documents in place.

Though most wire binding machines feature built-in wire closers, they are also available as stand-alone units which be used to increase efficiency in a production environment. Since Spiral-O wires utilize the same punch pattern as comb binding, a wire closer is used in conjunction with a comb binding machine in order to finish the bind.

How Does the FlexiPunch-E Modular Binding Punch Work?

The FlexiPunch-E is a modular binding machine that allows you to punch the four most popular binding patterns with a single machine, using easy-to-change punching dies. The video below showcases the benefits of this versatile binding system, and provides a step-by-step overview of the binding process.

What are Twin Loop Wires?

Twin loop wire, also called “duo-wire” or “wire-o,” is a versatile binding spine that pairs security and durability with style and affordability. It has signature hole patterns of two holes per inch (21 holes per letter-sized sheet) or three holes per inch (32 holes per letter-sized sheet), depending on the thickness of the document that is being bound. Documents between 3/16″ and 9/16″ thick (5-120 sheets of standard 20 lb bond paper) utilize the 3:1 pitch pattern (three holes per inch), and documents between 5/8″ and 1-1/4″ thick (110-250 sheets of standard 20 lb bond paper) utilize the 2:1 pitch pattern (two holes per inch).

In order to create the secure, tamper-proof finish that wire binding is known for, a specialized device called a wire closer is used to pinch the open ends of the wire together and complete the bind. The majority of wire binding machines include a built-in wire closer, however they are also available as separate units. Since duo-wire comes in two different pitches, each machine is specifically set up to punch either 2:1 or 3:1 pitch hole patterns. If you are unsure as to what size documents you will be binding or want the ability to punch both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch hole patterns, you may want to consider a combination or modular machine that includes both punches.

Twin loop wire is available in sizes ranging from 3/16″ (5-20 sheets of standard 20 lb bond paper) to 1-1/4″ (240-260 sheets of 20 lb bond paper), and in 11 standard colors. Because of its popularity, duo-wire is sold in pre-cut lengths as well as bulk spools, which makes it the most economical wire binding spine.

How Do I Find the Best Comb Binding Machine for Me?

Comb binding is based on two individual processes – punching the documents that are to be bound and openingthe binding comb so that the punched documents can be inserted. Depending on the machine, punching can either be manual or electric, however the comb opener is always operated manually. Nearly all comb binding machines perform both processes, but it is important to read the description thoroughly because there are a few machines on the market that only offer comb opening (generally used in high-volume production environments to allow punching and inserting to be done simultaneously by two different people).

When researching comb binding machines, there are a number of factors to consider in terms of punching. The primary difference between available models is whether they are manual or electric, which has a major impact on the speed at which the operator is able to complete a job (with electric punches being much faster). Some punches only punch letter-sized paper, while others can accommodate larger sizes. The punch capacity (the number of sheets that can be punched at one time) ranges from 6-55 sheets, and some machines offer the ability to selectively disengage some or all of the punching pins (which allows the user to punch non-standard paper sizes or specialty paper, such as three-hole paper). Many machines include an adjustable depth margin, enabling the operator to move the placement of the holes relative to the edge of the paper. Select machines include other punching patterns in addition to the 19 hole comb pattern, making them a cost-effective option for organizations interested in performing multiple binding styles (such as coil and wire).

All comb openers generally function the same way – when the operator tugs on the handle, small hooks grab onto each of the rings and gently pull them open to allow the pages to be inserted. Depending on the machine, the opener itself is made from either metal or ABS plastic. Each model has its own maximum binding size, so it is important to evaluate your binding needs before making a purchase to help ensure that the machine you buy accommodates the sizes you will be utilizing.

What is a Modular Binding Machine?

A modular binding machine is a specialized type of binding system that allows the user to easily change between different punch patterns within a single machine. Instead of having a built-in punch, modular binding machines have self-contained punching dies that are inserted into the machine. The punching dies are available in a wide array of punch patterns, including common patterns such as 4:1 coil, 19-hole comb, 2:1 wire, 3:1 wire, and 3-hole, as well as specialty patterns like 5mm coil, 6mm coil, 11-hole VeloBind, wire with half-moon notch (for calendar-making), and round-hole wire. Because they are capable of punching all of the most common binding hole patterns, modular binding machines are an excellent choice for quick-print shops and offices that perform a variety of binding styles.

The only limitation of these machines is that they generally only have punching capabilities and do not offer any inserting features. There are many cost-effective add-on modules – such as wire closers, comb openers, and coil inserters – that can be used in conjunction with your modular binding system to provide a complete binding solution. If you have a need to bind in multiple different styles but don’t want to purchase separate machines for each method, then a modular binding machine is definitely worth the investment.

How Does the PaperLock Binding System Work?

The PaperLock binding machine is a unique binding system that works in conjunction with your comb binding machine to create binds that are durable, stackable, and eco-friendly. Just punch your document using the 19-hole punch pattern designed for comb binding, and insert the PaperLock PaperComb (following the manufacturer’s instructions). The video below showcases the benefits of this innovative binding machine, and provides a step-by-step overview of the binding process.