Three ring binders are normally offered in two sizes; 5 ½ x 8 ½ and the 8 ½ x 11. 8 ½ x 11 binders are the most popular and serve many needs for the standard 8 ½ x 11, three hole punched paper. Most binders are available with ¾” steel that will hold 95 sheets of 8 ½ x 11 paper or 190 pages. 1″ steel will hold 115 sheets of 60# paper or 230 pages. The largest binder offered by most manufacturers is 4 ½ inches. This binder will hold 200 sheets of 60# paper or 400 pages. Binders can be custom made to fit your needs. They can be personalized with full color printing, or laminated. Check with your supplier for availability.
Binders are available in a variety of sizes and styles. If you cannot find a binder that meets your needs, many suppliers can also create custom binders to your specifications. The most common types of binder closures are shown below.
 |  |  |  |
| “O” Ring | “D” Ring | Slanted “D” Ring | Square Ring |
Binder Sizes
The two most common binder sizes are 8-1/2″ x 11″ and 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″. The 8-1/2″ x 11″ binder is the most popular and is the perfect size for punches printer paper or loose-leaf paper. Binders rings range in size from about 1/2″ to 4″. One of the most common sizes, a 1″ ring holds about 115 sheets of paper.
Our Binding Equipment page provides more information about other binding types and the equipment used.
Vinyl Binders – These binders consist of a piece of vinyl wrapped around stiff cardboard. They are durable and long-lasting. Vinyl binders can be custom printed with silk screen or 4-color printing. They can also be foil stamped, embossed, and debossed. Binders are available in a variety of sizes and styles. If you cannot find a binder that meets your needs, many suppliers can also create custom binders to your specifications. The most common types of binder closures are shown below.
Polyethylene Binders – Polyethylene binders are lightweight and extremely durable. It resists dirt and grease and can withstand extreme temperatures. Binders are available in a variety of sizes and styles. If you cannot find a binder that meets your needs, many suppliers can also create custom binders to your specifications. The most common types of binder closures are shown below.
Perfect Binding
Perfect binding uses hot glue or other flexible adhesive to bind the spine of your publication. A cover may also be attached.
Double Loop Wire Binding
A double loop wire binding is similar to a plastic comb binding in that it has teeth that fit into holes in the edge of the paper. However, the wire is made of metal for added strength. Double loop bindings are also stronger than spiral bindings. Double Loop Wire provides a sophisticated look for calendars, recipe books, journals, notebooks and more!
Plastic Comb Bindings
Plastic comb bindings have teeth that fit into holes punched in the edge of the paper. Comb binding machines are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased to do the job yourself. Comb bindings are economical and provide a professional look, as well as allow your book to lay flat when opened.
Ring Binders
3-ring binders are the most common ring binding type. They are great for small jobs because they can be used with a hole punch to create your own bindings. Ring binders are also good if you plan on adding or modifying content in the document. Binders are available in a variety of sizes and styles. If you cannot find a binder that meets your needs, many suppliers can also create custom binders to your specifications. The most common types of binder closures are shown below.
Spiral Binding
Spiral bindings, also called coil bindings, are the type most often seen on blank notebooks. The wire, which resembles a spring, runs through holes along the sides of your pages. Plastic and metal spiral bindings are available.
Staple Binding
Stapling provides an inexpensive way to bind thin publications. Saddle-stitching, or booklet making, consists of stapling the center of the document and is generally used for small booklets. Side-stitching is used for items that are too large to be saddle-stitched. Staples are placed along the edges of the pages.
Thermal Tape Binding
Thermal tape is a cloth tape that is applied to the spine of your book. It offers a neat appearance and provides excellent durability.
Other Binding Types
You have many choices when choosing a binding. The most common types are rings, plastic combs, spiral, double loop, thermal tape, perfect, and stapled. Your choice of bindings should depend on what is most important for your document. Some important factors to consider are price, looks, durability, and the ability to lay flat.
As you can see you have many options when choosing a binding type. Your budget and your needs should help you make a decision. Depending on the volume of your publication, some choices may be more economical than others. Your supplier should be able to give you more information about what binding type is right for you.
1 Comment