Best 9 Comb Binding Machines And How To Use Them Efficiently

Do you need a flexible, cost-effective way to bind any documents or books?

If you do, then you should read this review on comb binding machines!

To help you with your search for the best machine, we have reviewed the best-rated 9 binding machines that feature different characteristics. Before you buy any of those models, you should concentrate on several factors that you can find in your guide at the end of the article.

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Introducing You To Plastic Comb Binding Machines

This is a type of binding machine that uses a comb to bind papers and covers through rectangular holes. You can choose between electric and manual models on the market to punch holes manually or electrically and insert combs manually or electrically. On an 11-inch document, this type of machine punches 19 rectangular holes. With a comb, you can bind as little as 20 pages together (1/4 -inch thickness), or as much as 450 pages together (2-inch thickness).

Other Names For Plastic Comb Binding

It is also known on the market as Cerlox binding or Surelox binding.

Comb Vs. Coil Vs. Wire Binder

All comb, coil, and wire binders work by binging paper with some sort of spiral fastening through punched holes in the paper. While combs are not the most durable, coils are a bit more durable, and wires are the most durable way of binding. Furthermore, with all three, your pages can lay flat, but combs won’t allow you to fold papers 360-degrees. Moreover, unlike with the other two, you can add more pages to the comb binding or remove them from the binding.

Manual Vs Electric

You can choose between a comb binder that works manually or automatically. With a manual model, you will have to punch the holes with a lever and then open the comb, add paper to it and then close the comb by pulling the handle back. With an electric model, you will be able to punch the holes with a touch of a button or with the electric foot pedal.

How Much Does It Cost?

This machine does not have to be very expensive to work properly and serve its purpose. For example, you might have to spend only around a hundred dollars on a manual model. However, an electric model for heavy use will cost you much more, usually around a thousand dollars.

Benefits Of Binding Books With A Comb

If you decide on a binding machine of a comb-type, you will benefit in the next ways:

• Flexible – by buying a binder that is adjustable, you will be able to bind together books in different thicknesses, sizes, etc
• Cost-effective – a machiner is a budget-friendly way of binding books as combs are not expensive to buy like wires, for example
• Very popular – due to its economic reasons, combs are a popular way of binding books and other projects in many different fields

Four Uses Of A Comb Ring Binder

Here we have listed the four most common uses:

1. For schools – great for school projects and preparing paperwork and guides for students and pupils
2. For offices – create presentations, reports, handbooks, telephone directories, and other business documents by binding them with combs
3. For print departments – comb binding is commonly asked for in print shops so print departments should have a machine available
4. For personal use – be creative at your home and bind your own notebooks, scrapbooks, gifts, etc

Get To Know The Parts Of A Comb Binder

When buying a bookbinding machine of a comb-type, here are the parts you should focus on:

The Punch & Its Capacity

Make sure the punch is sturdy so that it can cut through the papers easily without a lot of trouble. For occasional and personal use, you probably won’t need more than 10 to 15 sheet capacity. For regular use and use in the office, choose one that can punch through at least 20 sheets at once.

The Capacity

The binder should also be made durably for long-lasting use. By pulling the lever, you will open the comb to insert the papers and then pull it again to close the comb. The binding capacity should be around 250 sheets for light-duty use and around 450 sheets or more for heavy-duty use.

Margin Control

With the knob or dial for margin control, you will be able to adjust the size of the margin according to the size of the document, as well as its thickness. For example, some models can come with a 4.5 mm and 6.5 mm margin.

Measuring Tools

Some comb machines feature a measuring tool. This tool will help you decide what the right comb size for your project is. Of course, the answer will also depend on the type of paper and the number of sheets you want to bind.

Tray For Paper Scraps

As the machine first has to punch holes in the paper to be able to bind it together with a comb, the machine should feature a tray for paper scraps. Make sure to empty it frequently so the tray doesn’t get overfilled.

What Size Binding Comb Do I Need?

When choosing a binding comb for your project, its size will depend on the thickness of your project or how many pages you have bound together. For example, a ¾-inch comb is good for binding up to 150 pages. Moreover, ⅞-inch works for 175 pages, 1-inch for 200 pages, 1-⅛-inch for 225, and so on. To choose properly, make sure to check how many pages a binding comb is sized for when buying.

Best 9 Comb Binding Machines

Fellowes Binding Machine

Durable Plastic Build
Fellowes binding machine Star+ si one of the best machines for small office or home office, school or recreational use. It is a light-duty machine that measures  3.1 x 17.7 x 9.8 inches in size. Fellowes is made of sturdy and durable plastic and it’s easy to operate with. Designed for letter-size documents.

3/4 Comb
This comb machine can punch up to 15 documents at an instance and binds up to 150 sheets with a 75-inch comb. Fellowes is combined with a paper measurement device that automatically selects the right size. Also, this paper binding machine features vertical document loading and a small tray that keeps supplies accessible.

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GBC Multibind 230 Binding Machine

Durable Construction
GBC Multibind 230E is a machine of 21.5 x 19.3 x 9.2 inches and weighing 37 pounds. It is a heavy-duty machine made of durable and sturdy materials. This 2-in-1 machine is equipped with a standard plastic comb and 2:1 loop wire. The comb wire binder binds up to 125 sheets of paper.

Comb Selector
If you use a comb then you can bind up to 450 sheets. The electronic punching capacity is 30 sheets per single operation. This wire binding machine works with A4 and A5 documents. There is a paper separator that divides the pages into stacks of 30 sheets. Comb Selector helps you to choose the right comb size.

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Tianse 450-sheet Binding Machine

Easy To Use
Tianse is a compact machine easy to use. First, insert the file, press the handle and place the comb ring. Then open the comb ring, place the perforated paper and pull the handle back. This machine is suitable for offices, schools, libraries, bookstores and home use.

A4 & Larger Documents
You can manually punch up to 15 sheets of paper at a time and binds up to 450 sheets with 2-inch comb spines. It is easy to create professional-looking books. Tianse machine is suitable for all paper sizes, including letter-size/A4 and large paper sizes. Open throat design accepts large papers.

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Fellowes Binding Machine

Steel Construction
Fellowes Quasar E is a compact and practical binding machine. It measures 7.1 x 18.7 x 20.5 inches in size. This is a sturdy and durable machine made of quality steel, so it will last for many years. Easy to operate with – first, punch the holes, align the paper and put the comb.

Internal Storage Tray
This electric comb binder punches up to 20 sheets of paper at the touch of a button. Also, it binds up to 500 sheets with a 2-inch comb. This comb ring binder features vertical paper loading for more accurate alignment. The adjustable edge guide centers documents with ease. Internal storage tray collects paper pieces.

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Akiles DuoMac Comb Machine

Versatile Device
Akiles DuoMac C31 is covered with a 1-year warranty provided by the manufacturer. It features all-metal heavy-duty construction that provides durability and sturdiness. The item dimensions are 21 x 27 x 20 inches. This is a versatile and easy-to-use comb binding machine. Perfect for the office, school and corporations.

Plastic Comb
Bind papers with a plastic comb or 3:1 loop wire. Akiles comb heavy-duty binding machine punches up to 20 sheets at once. Moreover, it binds up to 500 sheets of paper at a time. All dies can be independently disengaged, so the Akiles wire binding machine is suitable for standard and large document sizes.

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GBC CombBind Machine

1-year Warranty
GBC CombBind machine has manual design ideal for everyday use in small offices. Constructed of high-quality materials, this machine will last for many years. A 1-year warranty is provided by the manufacturer. GBC measures 22 x 19.3 x 9.8 inches. It binds up to 330 sheets at once.

Durable Spines
This manual notebook binding machine punches up to 20 sheets. There are durable spines that won’t scratch, peel or discolor over time. It is compatible with the spines of 1.5 inches in diameter and accepts documents of any size. there is a guide on the machine, making the spine size selection easier.

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Fellowes Galaxy Binding Machine

Powerful Machine
Fellowes Galaxy is one of the best binding machines currently available in the market. This comb machine is designed for daily use in medium and large offices. Its size is 19.7 x 8.3 x 23 inches and weighs 32 pounds. Plug it into a standard outlet, it requires 110V. Covered with a 2-year warranty.

25 Sheets At Once
This metal machine punches up to 25 sheets at a time by pressing the button. Moreover, Fellowes and binds up to 500 sheets using a 2-inch comb. Its accuracy edge guide will center and align the document. Additionally, it comes with an inbuilt comb storage tray for measuring documents.

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Fellowes Metallic Binding Machine

Manual Device
Fellowes Quasar is a manual wire binding machine designed for home use or small office use. It measures 15.3 x 18.1 x 5.1 inches, so fits on any office desk. Its user-friendly design enhances using. Fellowes binder punches up to 15 sheets of paper and it binds up to 130 papers with 9/16” wire.

Vertical Loading
With an adjustable edge guide, you can easily center and aligns documents, notebooks or books. The machine features vertical loading which makes the alignment more accurate. There is a small waste tray that collects paper pieces and leaves your desk clean. Comes with a 2-year warranty.

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Offnova Paper Comb Machine

Budget-friendly Device
Offnova is an affordable but quality binding machine that provides the best value for your money. It is lightweight and easy to assemble. Offnova isn’t designed for heavy-duty tasks. Its dimensions are 14.5 x 10.2 x 9.2 inches. Place it on your desk and store it in a drawer or tray, it fits anywhere.

Accurate Punch Alignment
This comb binder comes with a positioning knob that provides accurate punch alignment of the document. Offnova binding machine is suitable for letter-size/A4 and A5 document sizes. There is a 100 x 3/8” comb in the package. The curved handle and cutting blade make the cutting of paper easier. Punches up to 12 sheets.

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How To Use The Machine For Comb Binding?

Now that you know all about the features and specifications of comb ring binders, you can learn how to use this machine to make a perfectly comb-bound book or other projects.

Punch The Hole With A Binder

Before you can bind papers together, you have to punch holes in the paper. And to do so, you will have to use a test sheet to set the margin. Also, do not forget to disengage some of the punch dies not to get half holes punched at the edges of the document. Then, punch the holes in the paper with the lever or by engaging the button or foot pedal. If you are satisfied with it, you can continue with punching holes through the papers and the covers.

Bind The Book With A Comb

Once you have punched the holes in the covers and the papers, you can proceed with binding the book with the comb.

Can I Use Coils & Wires With A Comb Machine?

Usually, you cannot use coils or wires on your binding machine specialized for comb binding only. However, you could invest in a 3-in-1 binder that allows you to coil, comb, and wire bind your documents and papers together.

How Many Pages Can Be Comb Bound?

Usually, you can bind together from 3/16 inches (12 sheets of standard 20-pound paper) up to 2 inches (425 pages of standard 20-pound paper).

How Do You Install It?

Installing a machine should be a breeze. Usually, all you will have to do is add the lever for punching holes and/or for inserting combs. This can be done by unscrewing the knobs in the places where levers go and then screwing the levers on. Also, if electric, you will also have to plug it into the wall socket, and then you are ready to go. If you have any questions, check out the manual to make sure you are installing your binder properly.