Best 6 Paper Binding Machines: Make Your Documents Organized




Are you looking for the best paper binding machine?

If you want to organize your documents or have a professional-looking presentation, there is a post for you. We’ll explain how these machines work, which features are important and describe a few models for everyone’s requirements.

Our Top Picks

Fellowes Binding Machine Star+ picksFellowes Star+ Binding Machine
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★
This light-duty machine is designed for home or small office use. It binds up to 150 sheets with a 3/4 comb.
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TruBind Wire Binding Machine - TB-W20A picksTruBind TB-W20A Binding Machine
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★☆
It is a user-friendly manual operated machine with a punch capacity of 20 sheets and it is able to bind up to 120 pages.
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Swingline GBC Binding Machine picksSwingline GBC VeloBind Machine
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★☆
With a user-friendly design, you can simply bind up to 200 sheets and punch up to 24 sheets.
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What Binding Machine Is Best For Paper?

If you want to create presentations or want your documents to look professional, you might want a binder to keep them together. Binding paper into nice documents is done with a binding machine, used for punching holes and binding the papers with coils, combs, or wires. Some even bind paper with hardcovers.

What Are The Types Of Paper Binding With A Machine?

With the help of a bookbinder machine, you can bind papers together in different ways, depending on the model you go for.

Spiral Binding Of Paper

One type of binding machine for paper is those that use spiral coils to bind documents together. Here you can choose between machines that punch holes and insert spiral coils manually or electrically. First, the holes in the paper have to be made by using a lever with punch pins or using an electric button or electric foot pedal. Then, you will have to insert the spiral coil into the holes manually or with the help of the electric inserter.

Comb Binding Of Paper

Another way to bind paper is to use a comb machine for binding. By binding paper with the help of a comb machine, you will first have to punch rectangular holes in the paper where a plastic comb will be inserted. This allows the pages of the bound document to lay flat. The plastic combs for binding usually consist of 19 or 21 rings.

coil vs comb binding

Wire-O Paper Binding

Wire-O binding machines for paper create bound documents where double-wired coils are inserted through one punch hole. This type of binding can be done with a manual or an electric machine. When binding with a wire, you make sure that paper is bound durably, as the wire is more durable than coil and comb binding. Usually, you can choose between 2:1 and 3:1 pitches in wire binding. That is, you can choose between two holes per inch three holes per inch.

Thermal Binding For Paper

With the help of a thermal binding machine for paper, you will be able to stick the papers together to the spine with some glue. It works by heating the spine of the cover where the adhesive of the cover will become thin enough to wick through the pages so they stick to the spine. Usually, machines can bond more at once and it only takes them around 45 seconds to 2 minutes to bond pages to the cover’s spine thermally.

Where Are Binders For Paper Used?

Binder machines that keep your papers organized and looking nice are used in different environments and for different things. Learn which things you can use the binding machine for:

  1. In schools and classrooms – bind paper together for school projects, keep your paperwork together if you are a teacher or professor, and make books and bundles for pupils and students
  2. In offices – to keep your business paperwork and documents organized, bind them together; great for stacking documents, filing documents, and even mailing them
  3. For crafts – binding machines are a staple tool in craft rooms, great for lovers of DIY, allowing them to be creative and make scrapbooks, notebooks, presentations, gifts

Buyer’s Guide To Picking A Paper Binding Machine

If you are unsure of which binder machine for paper is good for you, this buying guide can help you with the decision.

Thickness Of Your Stacked Paper

Depending on the thickness of your project, you can choose a binder machine that has a lower or higher punching and binding capacity. A smaller machine will be good enough for occasional use, while businesses and offices that bind regularly and in bigger volumes should opt for a heavy-duty binder.

businessman carrying binding machinee

Punching Capacity

The punching capacity tells you how many sheets of paper you can punch through at once. For lighter binding projects, choose a machine that punches through up to 10 sheets at a time. For more heavy-duty use and frequent binding, choose a binder that punches through at least 20 sheets at once if not more.

Binding Capacity

This tells you the maximum amount of sheets of paper your binder can bind together at once. For smaller projects, you won’t need more than a capacity of 250 sheets. For more frequent binding, you can even get a machine that binds over 500 sheets together at once.

Manual Vs. Electric Machine Binder

You can choose between a binding machine that works completely manually or that does some of it with the help of electricity. For example, some have a manual punch, while some have an electric punch with the help of a button or a foot pedal. Some binders also have electric inserters for combs or coils. For occasional use, you won’t need an electric one. For regular use, an electric binder will make your job much easier.

Paper Size For Binding

Binding machines can come in standard sizes or with large binding throats to accept longer paper formats. On the manufacturer’s manual, it should say if the machine is good for oversized documents or other formats. If you are going to handle legal-size documents, make sure they are suitable for your machine as it has an area bigger than the A4 paper format.

paper formats
Photo by: Swift Publisher

Easy To Use Paper Punch

To easily punch through paper, go for a machine that has an easy-to-use punch. This means that you can easily engage the lever on a manual machine. Even better, if you get a machine with an electric punch, it will be very easy to use.

User-Friendly Design

Binding can be a tough process that takes time to perfect. However, you can learn about the machine by reading the manual before buying it to see if it is easy for you to use. For example, electric models are easier to use. User-friendly design also means that you can adjust the margins according to the thickness of your project.

Which Binding Type Is Good For You?

To easily bind paper with a machine, you get to choose between coils, combs, wires, and thermal binding. Choose comb if you want the paper to lay flat and if your paper project needs revision, like adding and removing pages from it. However, it cannot be flipped 360 degrees. Wire binding is a more sophisticated choice than spiral binding, great if you are going to bind training books, guides, manuals, etc. For durability, choose coil binding machines. For a very professional look, thermal binding is a good choice.

Best 6 Paper Binding Machines

Fellowes Star+ Binding Machine

SPECIFICATION:

Paper Size: up to A4
Dimensions: 3.1 x 17.7 x 9.8 in
Punching Capacity: 15 sheets
Binding Capacity: 150 sheets
Type: Comb
Use: Manual

Light-duty Machine
The Fellowes Star+ binding machine is designed for home school or small office use. It measures 3.1 x 17.7 x 9.8 inches and weighs 9 pounds. The machine is made of sturdy and durable plastics. It is very easy to operate and the device doesn’t occupy much space.

Fellowes Binding Machine Star+

3/4-inch Comb
This machine has the ability to punch up to 15 sheets of paper at a time, manually. Also, it binds up to 150 sheets of paper with a 3/4-inch comb. The convenient built-in storage tray keeps your paper stack handy. You can easily add or switch the papers.

Adjustable Guide
The storage tray has a measurement device for your documents. This is a mistake-proof tool which helps you to choose the right size of the comb. Additionally, the edge guide is adjustable, you can center your documents with ease and have a professional finish.

Fellowes Binding Machine Star+ review

Precise Alignment
Fellowes machine offers a vertical document loading that provides accurate document alignment. On the top side of the binder, there is a small window, so you can see how many punches are in the dump bin. Visit the manufacturer’s website if you need a video instruction.

RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★★
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★★
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★★
Funcionality: ★★★★★

PRICE

approx:$75 – $80
determined by online offer (Amazon, Walmart) and seasonal sales

Highlighted Points:

  • simple design and easy-to-operate
  • it features a built-in comb sizing system
  • vertical loading system provides accurate alignment
  • integrated storage try for extra supplies
  • it binds up to 150 sheets of paper
  • the machine punches up to 15 sheets

TruBind TB-W20A Binding Machine

SPECIFICATION:

Paper Size: any size
Dimensions: 17 x 8 x 14 in
Punching Capacity: 20 sheets
Binding Capacity: 120 sheets
Type: Wire-Loop
Use: Electric

Reliable Machine
The TruBind TB-W20A machine is made of heavy-duty plastics and its gears and mechanism is made of metal. This machine is sturdy and reliable. But the machine has 18 pounds, it’s portable. It is suitable for school use and small offices. The price is affordable.

TruBind Wire Binding Machine - TB-W20A

Foot Pedal
The dimensions of this paper cutting and binding machine are 17 x 8 x 14 inches. TruBind is good for bind books and documents. It utilizes 3:1 pitch twin-loop wire and foot pedal for easy use. With the foot pedal, you can easily control the coil inserter. It’s a hands-free device.

Disengaging Pins
This binding machine is suitable for left-handed and right-handed because of the convenient handlebar. You can disengage the pins and control where the holes are punched. That prevents half-punched holes at the edge of the documents.

TruBind Wire Binding Machine - TB-W20A review

Adjustable Margins
With this machine, you can punch 20 sheets of paper at a time. Bind the books of any size or shape because of adjustable margins. It binds up to 120 sheets. The TruBind features open throat design, which means, the document size isn’t important. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and it lasts 2 years.

RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★★
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★☆
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE

approx:$310
determined by online offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and seasonal sales

Highlighted Points:

  • portable wire binding machine
  • the handlebar is suitable for left- and right-handed
  • the punch capacity is 20 sheets of paper
  • it binds up to 120 sheets at the time
  • open throat design for any paper size
  • adjustable margins and disengaging pins

Swingline GBC VeloBind Machine

SPECIFICATION:

Paper Size: standard, oversized
Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8 in
Punching Capacity: 24 sheets
Binding Capacity: 200 sheets
Type: Spiral
Use: Electric, Manual

All-in-One Machine
The Swingline GBC VeloBind V110E machine is an all-in-one machine that is designed for firms, large offices and financial institutions. It is a high-quality product with a 1-year warranty. If you want to use this machine, you need to buy VeloBind spines, which are compatible with this machine.

Push-button Operation
This machine is able to bind up to 200 pages at a time. The electric punch pierces through up to 24 documents at once. It’s ultra-easy to use this device, just push the button. It isn’t suitable for standard size documents only. You can insert oversize documents and bind them.

Swingline GBC Binding Machine review

Jam Release Function
If paper jams occur, use the jam release knob and clear the jams easily. The included editing tool allows you to add or remove sheets, but you don’t have to cancel the whole binding process. That is very useful if you forget to insert page or two into the stack.

Chip Drawer
The chip drawer with a transparent window ensures accurate document alignment. The Swingline is able to make 11 small holes. This item has a 20 x 12 x 8 inches, weighs 8 pounds and its price is affordable. The covers aren’t included in the package.

RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★☆
Power: ★★★★★
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★☆
Funcionality: ★★★★★

PRICE

approx:$180
determined by online offer (Amazon, Walmart) and seasonal sales

Highlighted Points:

  • quality binding machine for heavy-duty tasks
  • jam release knob clear up paper jams
  • use the editing tool to add or remove pages
  • it binds up to 200 papers at a time
  • electric punch pierces 24 sheets

Akiles WireMac-31 Binding Machine

SPECIFICATION:

Paper Size: any size
Dimensions: 19.1 x 15.6 x 9.5 in
Punching Capacity: 20 sheets
Binding Capacity: not defined
Type: Spiral
Use: Electric, Manual

One Of The Best
The Akiles WireMac-31 is one of the best manual binders on the market. It offers a lot of great features. There is a powerful hole punching mechanism that is able to pierce through 20 sheets per single punching. It’s a bit pricey product.

Akiles WireMac-31

Varying-sized Documents
All of 40 dies are disengage, so you can use only the ones you need for your book or documents. The throat opening is 14 inches wide, but you can put even larger documents. This is a great choice for people who work with different sized documents. Use this machine for brochures and bigger books.

3:1 Pinch
The Akiles WireMac measures 19.1 x 15.6 x 9.5 inches and it weighs 35 pounds. This is a bit heavy item because its construction is made of metal. The closing capacity goes from 3/16 inches to 9/16 inches. It features a 3:1 pinch, that feature tells you the number of holes per inch.

Akiles WireMac-31 review

Two Handles
This paper cutting and binding machine is compatible with 3:1 metal wires. The square holes have 0.157 x 0.157 inches. The closing mechanism is vertical for more precise alignment. There are two strong and long handles for heavy-duty tasks.

RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★★
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE

approx:$370
determined by online offer (Amazon) and seasonal sales

Highlighted Points:

  • durable wire binding machine
  • all of 40 dies are disengaged
  • two long handles for demanding tasks
  • wide throat opening – 14 inches
  • punching capacity is 20 sheets at a time
  • the heavy construction is made of metal

Tianse Paper Binding Machine

SPECIFICATION:

Paper Size: letter, A4, A5
Dimensions: 16.9 x 7.9 x 12.2 in
Punching Capacity: 15 sheets
Binding Capacity: 450 sheets
Type: Comb
Use: Manual

Using Method
Tianse machine is a compact comb binding machine. It is easy to use it at your home. First, insert the file, press the handle and place the comb ring. Then open the comb ring, place the perforated documents and pull the handle back. That is it, there are just two simple steps.

Tianse Design
This binding machine has 14.6 inches of length, 10.2 inches of depth and 9.3 inches of height. It weighs 8 pounds only. The range of use is wide, it is good for business, office, school and recreational use. You can punch 15 sheets of 20 lb maximally.

TIANSE machine

21 Holes For A4
With 2-inch comb, this machine is able to bin up to 450 sheets of paper at a time. The Tianse machine is designed for all document sizes, which include letter-sized papers. Also, you can insert A4 and A5 papers. The machine makes 21 holes on A4 paper.

Dual-handle System
Tianse features two functional handles for easily punching and binding. The handles are comfortable for both, left- and right-handed. On the bottom of the machine, there is a convenient drawer that keeps paper scraps. There is no mess on your desk.

RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★☆
Power: ★★★★★
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★☆
Funcionality: ★★★★★

PRICE

approx:$40 – $65
determined by online offer (Amazon, eBay) and seasonal sales

Highlighted Points:

  • user-friendly design with two handles
  • it features open throat design for non-standard sizes
  • punch up to 15 sheets of paper manually
  • it binds up to 450 pages at the time
  • convenient drawer for pieces of paper

Offnova Paper Binding Machine

SPECIFICATION:

Paper Size: letter, A4, A5
Dimensions: 14.6 x 10.2 x 9.6 inches
Punching Capacity: 12 sheets
Binding Capacity: 450 sheets
Type: Comb
Use: Manual

Manual Machine
This is an affordable comb binding machine. If you need to punch and bind the papers occasionally, this product is a good choice. Offnova measures 14.57 x 10.24 x 9.25 inches and weighs 6.4 pounds. You can place it anywhere and store it in a drawer, shelf, it doesn’t take much space.

OFFNOVA machine review

Curved Handle
Don’t use this binding machine for PP and PVC plastic covers, it is intended for paper only. The curved handle requires less force to pierce the papers. You can manually punch up to 12 sheets of paper at once. It is high effective machine, you can simultaneously punch and binding the documents.

All Sizes
Insert letter size, A4 and A5 paper sizes into the machine, it is able to bind and punch all of them. The Offnova utilizes a positioning knob, so you can align the documents accurately. Bind up to 450 pages per single operation. The margins are adjustable, there are three options: 3, 4 or 5mm.

OFFNOVA machine

Square-shaped Holes
The distance between holes is 14.3 mm and there are 21 holes. The holes have a square shape and its size is 3 x 8mm. The Offnova binding machine features separate cutters. It comes with 100 x 3/8 inches comb, so you don’t have to buy it separately.

RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★☆
Power: ★★★★★
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★★
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE

approx:$60
determined by online offer (Amazon) and seasonal sales

Highlighted Points:

  • low-priced and manual
  • punch 12-sheet of paper with a curved handle
  • it binds up to 450 sheets at once
  • 21 square-shaped holes
  • adjustable margins for any paper size
  • the compatible comb is included

How Can You Take Care Of Your Paper Binder Machine?

To maintain your paper binding tool, you will have to turn it off when not in use, avoid punching through more paper sheets than it can take at once (punching capacity), and empty the chip paper tray regularly (to prevent the punch dies from going dull). Moreover, you should always use the supplies suitable for your machine and read the manufacturer’s instructions to use the binder machine properly. Finally, gently rub the punching pins with a cloth dabbed with lightweight machine oil to keep them from going dull.

crowd of papers and notebooks

How Do You Bind Paper Without A Binder?

To bind paper together without the use of a machine, you have several options available. First of all, you can use screw posts, staples, or report covers. Also, you can bind paper together by using pre-punched paper and using looseleaf binding rings on it. Finally, you can even use a coil to bind together pre-punched paper.

Final Verdict

In our opinion, the best option on this list is the Fellowes Star+ machine. It binds up to 150 sheets at a time, punches up to 150 sheets and features an adjustable edge guide for accurate alignment. You can use any of the reviewed models for binding a book or to organize your notes. They are all good options for paper.




Melissa
Melissa is a freelance writer with a Bachelor of Economy. She became one of the OfficeNeedle team members in 2020. Her expertise in business management lies in 6-year experience working in 3 companies which allowed her to improve her business skills. The knowledge she has received through her work, she presents in the educational articles helping many people who start or run a business. Her secret love is design so she writes also about office furniture and equipment.