How to Bind Plastic Binders

In an office setting, it is often necessary to compile reports and documents in a bound collection. Instead of stapling or clipping multiple pages together, you can bind them together using plastic covers and coil rings. The final plastic binder is quick to disassemble if needed, and supports a professional appearance for your company. Although binding machines can be a bit expensive, they can actually save you money in the long run.

• 1

  Look at the binding machine and locate the side margin settings. This is a dial or knob that has markings indicating how far from the inside edge the holes will be punched. Typically these run in 1/4-inch increments. Choose a setting that will not run into the words on your page, but is not less than 1/4-inch.

• 2

  Stack the papers that you want to bind as if you were assembling a book. Insert a plastic cover page on the top and on the bottom of the stack.

• 3

  Pick up approximately eight to ten sheets from the top of the stack and tap them on the counter so that they are aligned. Turn the pages so that the left margin faces the binding machine and slide the pages into the machine as far as they will go.

• 4

  Hold the pages in place with one hand and pull down on the side lever with the other hand to punch holes in the pages. Remove the pages and set them face down on the counter.

• 5

  Repeat the process with the remaining pages of the document, making sure to only punch eight to ten pages at one time.

• 6

  Pick up all of the sheets and tap them on the counter again to perfectly align all of the punched holes.

• 7

  Pick up a plastic coil binder and insert one free end through the front side of the bottom hole in the document. Hold the pages steady with one hand and twist the plastic coil clockwise with the other hand to thread the coils through the remaining holes. Continue until there is at least 1/4-inch of plastic coil on the top and bottom of the document.

• 8

  Cut off the excess coil on the top and bottom of the document using coil crimping pliers.