12 best book binding systems

Book binding systems are machines and tools used to bind loose sheets of paper or other materials into a finished document or book. These systems are commonly used in offices, print shops, and other settings where the production of professional-looking documents is necessary. Here are some key aspects of book binding systems:

Types of Binding Systems:
- Comb Binding: Comb binding machines use plastic combs with teeth that fit through rectangular holes punched along the edge of the document. The combs are then closed to secure the pages together.
- Wire Binding: Wire binding, also known as twin-loop or double-loop binding, uses metal wires to hold the pages together. It provides a sleek and professional appearance.
- Coil Binding: Coil binding, often referred to as spiral binding, uses a plastic or metal coil that is inserted through holes punched along the document's edge. The coil can be spun through the holes to secure the pages.
- Thermal Binding: Thermal binding machines use heat to melt adhesive strips that bind the pages together. This method results in a clean and flat spine.
- Perfect Binding: Perfect binding is commonly used for softcover books and magazines. It involves gluing the spine of the pages to a cover, creating a square spine.
- Saddle Stitching: Saddle stitching is a method used for binding booklets, brochures, and magazines. It involves folding sheets in half and stapling them along the fold.
Binding Capacity: Binding machines come in various sizes and can handle different sheet capacities. Smaller machines are suitable for occasional use, while larger, more robust machines are designed for high-volume production.
Punching and Binding: Many binding systems include both punching and binding capabilities. Users can punch holes in the pages and then bind them in a single machine, streamlining the process.
Manual vs.Electric: Some binding machines are manual, requiring the user to operate a lever or handle to punch holes and bind the document. Electric binding machines automate these processes, making them faster and easier to use.
Document Size: The size of the documents you need to bind is an important consideration. Some binding machines are designed for letter-sized paper, while others can handle larger formats.
Editing and Rebinding: Some binding systems allow for easy editing and rebinding of documents. This is particularly useful when you need to add or replace pages in an existing document.
Accessories: Binding systems often come with accessories like binding covers, combs, coils, and spines in various colors and styles to enhance the finished look of the document.
Laminating: Some binding machines also offer laminating capabilities, allowing you to protect and enhance the appearance of your documents by applying a protective film.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and blade replacement for punching, is essential to keep binding machines in good working condition.

In summary, book binding systems are versatile tools that provide various options for binding documents and creating professional-looking publications. The choice of binding system depends on the specific needs of the user, including the type of documents to be bound, the volume of binding required, and the desired presentation style.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best book binding systems on the market

Under Cover

Based on 622 reviews Check latest price

American Conspiracies and Cover-Ups: JFK, 9/11, the Fed, Rigged Elections, Suppressed Cancer Cures, and the Greatest Conspiracies of Our Time

Based on 133 reviews Check latest price

The Imitation of Christ

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Extreme Prejudice: The Terrifying Story of the Patriot Act and the Cover Ups of 9/11 and Iraq

Based on 446 reviews Check latest price

GBC(R) CombBind C50 Binding System

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Give your documents the professional look of plastic comb binding. Perfect for todays small/home office. Punches up to six sheets at once and binds documents up to 90 sheets thick (1/2in.diameter comb). Spacesaving, compact design for easy storage and portability. Limited one year warranty.

Sold As: Each
It features Charcoal

User questions & answers

Question:	Can I make 4 x 6 inches booklet with this? Want to use index cards
Answer:	No console included with the AC Performance Plus. There are a few options and none are cheap. I purchased the Schwinn MPower Echelon 2 Power Upgrade for $399.00 I think this is the best option because it measures RPM, Watts (Power), calories , heart rate, and it has a timer function.
Question:	Can I make 5 1/2 by 8 inch booklet with it
Answer:	We’ve never tried to use it on a car, but we don’t see why it wouldn’t work. The resistance wouldn’t be any different than with a bike tire.
Question:	Where do you get the binding from? Is it a certain brand or size
Answer:	no it can not because it doesn't have enough pressure to inflate the car tire.
Question:	What size combs will this use
Answer:	I think so it has nothing to do with the tire width, it attaches to one of the stays for the back wheel Pam

Binding Machine, 21-Holes, 450 Sheets, Comb Binding Machine with Starter Kit 100 PCS 3/8'' Comb Binding Spines, Comb Binding Machine Perfect for Letter Size, A4, A5 or Smaller Sizes Office Documents

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

👍【Great Value for Money】: Our binding machine comes with 100pcs of 3/8'' 21-ring black PVC comb spines starter kit, no need to buy separately, save your money. Manually punches up to 12 sheets of 80g(≈20lb) paper at a time, binds up to 450 sheets (2'' comb plastic bindings).
👍【Humanized Design】:TIANSE comb binding machine is suitable for Letter Size (19 holes), A4 Size (21 holes), A5 Size (15 holes). With adjustable edge guide, this machine also ensures a precise alignment with each document your bind, and you can easily customize the paper margin: 3mm, 4mm, 5mm to create professional-looking works.
👍【Light but Sturdy】: Weighing only 6.3 pounds, this binding machine has a lightweight design for portability within the workspace, making it an excellent addition to any school or small office environment. You only need one hand to move the spiral binding machine, just grap the handle in the middle of the baseboard.
👍【Easy to Use】: Only 2 steps! All-in-one punching and binding in the same machine. Solid metal housing, non-slip feet, high-leverage arm for punching. The whole process requires little force. Simply line up the pages, press the punch lever and then slip in the comb.
👍【Two Year Warranty】: We stand by our high-quality office equipment. Thats why we offer a two-year manufacturer warranty. If you are not completely satisfied with your TIANSE Coil-Binding Machine, just send it back for a complete refund.

User questions & answers

Question:	It says here that you can bind up to 450 pages, I’m creating a planner and mines is 116 pages and 20-30 to still bind , so what am I doing wrong
Answer:	How many pages you combine depend on comb size used. Make sure you have the large size combs to bind larger books. The combs are sold separate from the binding machine. The larger combs are not included in the sample packet sent with binding machine, only small comb samples are sent with it.
Question:	What’s the difference between 21 hole and 19? I am trying to find a good quality binding machine that can bind books that are about 1” thick
Answer:	21 hole is for legal paper. I buy 21 and cut what i do not need
Question:	I’m just making sure this machine does do the metal coil binding. It looks like it does, is that right
Answer:	This machine is for the plastic binding. I think it mentions that in the description/visual (starter kit).
Question:	does anyone have a video of how this works
Answer:	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd8NSEtu19M

HFS (R) 21 Hole Punch Binding Comb Machine - Paper Scrapbook

Based on 152 reviews Check latest price

Product description

[MATERIAL]: The main body of the product is made of steel

[SIZE]: Distance between holes:14.3mm; Machine Dimension:370*260*235mm

[HIGH PERFORMANCE]: Up to 12 sheets can be punched at a time and up to 450 sheets of paper can be combined together

[ADJUSTABLE MARGIN]: The centering guide rail is designed to adjust the edge distance, and the adjustable distance is 3 / 4 / 5mm

[MULTI-PURPOSE]: It can easily create professional appearance report with high quality binding, including cover and back cover; it is widely used in office, school, factory and other occasions

[MATERIAL]: The main body of the product is made of steel
[SIZE]: Distance between holes:14.3mm; Machine Dimension:370*260*235mm
[HIGH PERFORMANCE]: Up to 12 sheets can be punched at a time and up to 450 sheets of paper can be combined together
[ADJUSTABLE MARGIN]: The centering guide rail is designed to adjust the edge distance, and the adjustable distance is 3 / 4 / 5mm
[MULTI-PURPOSE]: It can easily create professional appearance report with high quality binding, including cover and back cover; it is widely used in office, school, factory and other occasions

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this punch through a plastic gift card? Also, is the machine too big for that? Don't want it to get lost in it
Answer:	It is not.
Question:	Will this machine bind 5x7 sized paper/cardstock for scrapbook
Answer:	The twist style resistance knob can be cranked down so that the cranks barely move. The hand positioning should'nt make a difference. A good machine.
Question:	Will this punch though laminated cardstock
Answer:	Hi Kevin, It is a 37 lb perimeter weighted anodized Aluminum disc. That info came from Schwinn. The magnet resistance is very, very smooth. The chain is just a little noisy, but with loud music we do not even notice it any more. The new Blue Carbon uses a Kevlar belt that is very quiet. We have about 60 hours on hours this winter and has performed flawless.
Question:	Will this work for 8.5x11 sheets of paper
Answer:	Yes and you can get it sent to you fully built from the Studio-Cycles store online

BNC Leather Texture Paper Binding Presentation Covers 8.75 Inches by 11.25 Inches, Pack of 100, Black Color

Based on 104 reviews Check latest price

Product description

BNC linen texture letter size paper binding system cover, black, pack of 100. Size: 8.75"X11.25"

Give a professional look and fit to any documents.
Premium, heavy gauge cover with linen texture finish.
Un-punched covers adapt to any binding system ( except thermal).
Square corner
Size: 8.75"X11.25"

User questions & answers

Question:	are these paper or plastic
Answer:	Paper

Rayson SD-1201 Binding Machine Punching and Binding with Combs Set - 21 Hole/ 200 Sheets Paper Comb Binder

Based on 30 reviews Check latest price

Manually punches up to 12 sheets (A4 or letter size) of 80gsm（20lb） paper at a time. And binds up to 200 sheets (A4 or letter size) of 80 gsm (20lb) paper with a 22mm (7/8 inches) comb ring.
Enhanced accuracy edge guide from 3mm to 6mm for pinpoint punching. Adjustments can be made with ease.
Align papers to left of your page using the side margin adjustment. Loads horizontally for accurate & easy punching.
Low force handle simplifies punching. Sturdy metal construction and easy to use. Punching and binding add a professional finish to presentations, handbooks, proposals, or sort out the office document management.
Including 20pcs comb binding rings.

User questions & answers

Question:	Can different size combs be used
Answer:	Thanks for your questions! The diameter is 3.875" at the base and 3.385" at the top. The Egyptian Amber and the Oakmoss & Amber certainly have similarities but are easily distinguishable when compared side by side. They both have a deep, musk, sandalwood base. The Oakmoss & Amber has fresh, herbal top notes where the Egyptian Amber has more of a soft, citrus overtone with balsam/fir base notes. Frankincense & Myrrh is infused with Bergamot, Coriander, Lemon, Orange, and Patchouli essential oils.
Question:	Where is this made
Answer:	I haven’t kept track of the hours but I have owned several Roxanna Candles and they last the longest of any candles I’ve ever used. If I had to guess I would say well over 120 hours, especially if you take care of the wooden wick per included instructions.
Question:	Is there a way to modify the margins if i need more than 6mm
Answer:	Mine do. Some are louder than others but I don’t hear it unless the room is quiet. It’s very soothing.
Question:	can I use metal combs instead of plastic ones
Answer:	Thanks for your question! Our Macintosh Apple scent really does smell like pure apple... and, in our opinion, really delicious! :)

Product features

Rayson SD-1201 Comb Binding Machine

An traditional metal Binding Machine by Rayson for the people who want to sort out the document, presentations, reference documents, training tools, marketing and sales material, client proposals, annual reports and so on. It features an efficient, easy-to-use design and enhanced accuracy edge guide from 3mm to 6mm for pinpoint punching. Adjustments can be made with ease.And the sturdy metal construction for the long-lasting use.

The Rayson SD-1201 Manual Comb Binder is with non-slip feet design on the bottom and waste drawer for keeping paper scraps. It features an efficient, easy-to-use design that allows you to punch and bind paper in a continuous manner.

Metal structure is more durable. Plastic comb binder for frequent use in the office , schools, advertising companies and etc.

Note: Rayson' s binding machine comes with oiled cutting blade for protecting the punch die away from rusting. To avoid staining on the important document, please use oiled removing paper(enclosed ) to punch first in order to clean up the blades.

Loads horizontally for accurate & easy punching

The professional comb binding machine is specially designed for all major sheet sizes; Open-throat design allows you to insert large and non-standard page sizes to meet the specifications of your unique project.

The Carbide Cutting Blades Ensure Accurate Cutting Power

The advanced carbide cutting blades ensure accurate cutting power, allowing you to punch holes without any misaligned holes or loose pages with burrs.the square hole size is 3 x 8 mm

Adjust Side Paper Stopper to meet the punching size needed

The professional comb binding machine is specially designed for all major sheet sizes; Punch selection for A4 or letter sized documents. It can punch up to 12 sheets of 20lb/80g paper at a time with an overall binding capacity of 200 sheets using a maximum comb size of 22mm. Customize the paper margin--3mm . 4mm . 5mm .6mm ,so you can control where the holes are punched on paper of any size.

Binding Machines Combs 21 Hole 450 Sheets Paper Punch Binder Spiral Binding Machine 19 Hole Fit Letter Size with 100 PCS Colorful Comb Binding Coil

BELLISSI

Based on 64 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Bellissi Comb Binding Machine - Time-saving & Labor-saving, The Best Assistant Helping You Punch and Bind Your Reports, Documents, Proposals, Essay Papers Efficiently.

Major Highlights

✔Manual comb binding machine ideal for use in offices, classrooms, homes or churches;

✔Spiral binding machine max punching capacity: 15 sheets of paper (80g);

✔Spiral binding machine max binding capacity: 450 sheets of paper with 2’’ comb spines;

✔Paper margin adjustments: 3mm / 4mm / 5mm;

✔Paper format: A4 (21 holes), A5 (19 holes), Letter Size (19 holes);

✔Advanced sharp cutting blades ensure accurate cutting power;

✔Easy-to-follow illustrations on the baseboard;

✔Lightweight design for portability within the workspace;

✔Non-slip feet design on the bottom to stand firmly;

✔Waste drawer for keeping paper scraps;

✔Includes starter kit 100pcs of 3/8’’ 21-ring plastic comb spines in different colors (40*black, 20*yellow, 20*red, 20*blue).

Friendly Reminders

▶Do not bind or punch any hard material documents, otherwise it will shorten the lifespan of the binding machine.

▶To avoid stains on paper, please use a paper tissue to clean the blades before first use binding machine.

▶Please clean up the paper scraps in the waste drawer on a regular basis.

Satisfaction Guarantee

Every Bellissi comb binding machine has been tested before packing and can be punched about 12000 times. You can purchase our binding machine with full confidence. If you have any question before or after purchase, please feel free to contact us, our friendly and professional customer service team will respond to you within 24 hours for your 100% satisfaction!

User questions & answers

Question:	How to adjust the margin
Answer:	On the binding machine back, there is a slider bar for paper margin adjustment. There are three settings there. You can slide to adjust the slots left and right, then loosen and slide to where it works for you. You can easily customize the paper margin to create professional-looking bound books.
Question:	Does it work for US letter sized papers
Answer:	Yes, it works for 8.5x11’’ US Letter size. Properly place your papers and set the machine properly, you’ll get your document project done nicely!
Question:	Does this comes with 100 spines
Answer:	Yes, it comes with 100 plastic comb spines in four different colors: 40black, 20red, 20blue, 20white. Great starter kit for you to bind different documents for easy classification.
Question:	What is the difference between 19 hole & 21 hole
Answer:	BELLISSI comb binding machine is capable of punching and binding papers of different sizes: 21 hole for A4 sized paper and 19 hole for 8.5x11’’ Letter sized paper.

Swingline GBC Binding System, Manual, Desktop Binding Punch, 6 Sheet Punch Capacity, ProClick P50 (2515650)

GBC

Based on 372 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The ProClick P50 Manual Binding System makes an excellent addition to any stash of office supplies. This slim, sleek binding punch is perfect for small binding tasks and punches up to six sheets. Small binding punch works hard to maintain a low profile, with a slim design that occupies minimal desktop space. It's a great choice for home office use. Lightweight punch is portable and fits neatly inside a desk drawer. Ideal for students who occasionally need to bind assignments or for small business owners with infrequent binding needs. It’s designed to work with ProClick spines. A convenient choice with or without a binding machine, ProClick spines are the most versatile binding spines, allowing for easy editing and rearranging of contents. You can zip the bindings open and closed with a machine, an editing tool, or just your fingers. Binding punch accommodates both standard and oversized documents. GBC stands behind this high-quality punch with a limited one-year warranty.

SIMPLE & STURDY FOR SMALL TASKS: Slim, sleek binding punch is perfect for small binding jobs. Works with ProClick spines. Punches up to 6 sheets. Ideal for personal use
PROFESSIONAL PROCLICK: ProClick bindings offer users maximum versatility and easy editability. Zip the bindings open and closed with a machine, an editing tool, or just use your fingers
SLIM PROFILE FOR DESKTOP USE: Small binding punch maintains a low profile. With a slim design, it occupies minimal desktop space. Lightweight for easy storage
ACCOMMODATES OVERSIZED DOCUMENTS: This binding punch may be small, but it’s also hardworking, accommodating both regular and oversized documents
BUILT TO LAST: GBC stands behind this high quality binding punch with a limited one year warranty

User questions & answers

Question:	Are there spines for this machine that can hold 150+ pages? I need to make a large booklet with this but the largest spine I've seen is 85 pages
Answer:	Google for 3:1 spiral binding - make SURE it's 3:1, that's what size this is. The largest I've found is 60mm / 2 inches, which says it will hold 440 pages. Only warning - spiral binding can take a little bit more time to install, but the flexibility in size and color and price makes it worth it for us.
Question:	Is this fit to punch A4 papers
Answer:	No, it's for US letter size (unless you use it to punch the short end which will give you a landscape format book). For A4 paper you need GBC ClickMan Binder available on Amazon.co.uk http://www.amazon.co.uk/GBC-ClickMan-Personal-Portable-Capacity/dp/B001TPU2OO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406642064&sr=8-1&keywords=click+bind+binder
Question:	does this package come with the editing tool? It appears so from the illustrations, but wanted to check. thanks
Answer:	I don't think so. This is just the hole punch. I did buy two boxes of the spines (in two different sizes) and they both came with the appropriate opening/closing tool for the spines in the box. I'm not sure exactly what "editing" you want to do with this, but this is just the hole punch for binding papers. It's not for actually publishing them.
Question:	Does it punch through lamination easily
Answer:	With the manual Pro-click desktop binding I can punch thru a 11.5 photo paper laminated with a 3 mil hot lamination sheet but one at a time and pushing the machine towards the wall as support. Because it is thick material I have someone holding the laminated photo paper in place and I do a strong chick pass. If you don't hold well the sheet in place it will come off in one corner. for regular 24 lb inkjet paper I only put in 3 sheets at a time, tried 5 sheets and I had trouble. For the covers I use Fellowes Binding Presentation Covers, Letter, Black(it is plastic not paper, much better than paper), https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PMC8DY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Fellowes 5216701 Pulsar Electric Comb Binding System, 300 Sheets, 17 x 15 3/8 x 5 1/8, White,Grey

Fellowes

Based on 69 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Designed for moderate use in small to mid-sized offices, the Fellowes Pulsar E Comb Binding Machine features effortless electric operation. The Pulsar E punches up to 15 sheets at the touch of a button and binds up to 300 sheets with a 1.5 Inches comb in a continuous manner. Vertical document loading ensures accurate punch alignment. Features built-in comb storage tray with document measurement device for added convenience and quick set-up. Adjustable edge guide centers documents with ease. Includes binding starter pack.

Automatically punches up to 15 sheets of paper at a time in the touch of a button
Binds up to 300 sheets with a 1 1/2" comb
Enhanced accuracy edge guide centers documents with ease for pinpoint punching
Built-in comb storage tray with integrated document measurement device for added convenience and quick set-up
Loads vertically for accurate punch alignment

User questions & answers

Question:	Residue from using it causes the holes to be mis-punched. Do you have a tool that can be used to clear the track for the next project
Answer:	I tried both cases. All works well. I tried binding glue strip with own cover which I used own printed photo paper as cover. It looks good with pretty strong binding. I bought some covers. It looks like commercial binding. Overall I am happy with this binder. Even though binder glue is good, I always use staple to make extra binding power. It is not recommend by fellows, but I have used. None of page comes out from my bindings so far.
Question:	Will this machine only allow the maximum thickness it can punch to be inserted at a time, I am tired of counting pages each punch
Answer:	I have used lots of different covers: chipboard, cardstock, report covers, etc. Anything that will not melt at a lower temperature than the hot glue/adhesive.
Question:	does it accept cardstock and other thick paper
Answer:	In theory, yes. The only thing that can be an obstacle is whether the heat from the machine will affect the book spine... e.g. warping, melting, and cracking. We use it to make custom books and the quality of the spine after heating really depends on the cover paper coatings.
Question:	Can anyone tell me what the "starter kit" contains re: comb sizes, etc.? Please and thank you
Answer:	Yes. It works very well. The glue is strong but some times couple of pages come out from the binding books. As long as you use staple with glue. It is perfect. They are not recomand to use staple, but it works better. I made many thick binding books with staple and glue. none of them failed.

Product features

Fellowes Pulsar E 300 Electric Comb Binding Machine w/Starter Kit

Add a sleek, professional finish to presentations, reference documents, proposals, and more with the Fellowes Pulsar E Electric Small Office Comb Binder. Featuring an easy-to-use, streamlined design, the comb binder allows users to punch and bind in a continuous manner, increasing productivity.

Efficient Design and Electric Punching Maximize Productivity

The Fellowes Pulsar E features a compact, efficient design that allows users to punch and bind in a continuous manner for maximum productivity. The model electrically punches up to 15 pages at a time. It can bind up to 300 pages with a 1-1/2-inch comb.

Vertical Document Loading for Easy Alignment

Using vertical document loading, the Pulsar E is designed to accurately align the punches of every document you bind. A rotary edge guide allows documents to be centered with ease and precision.

Comb/Document Measurement Device

A built-in, mistake-proof measuring tool helps you select the right comb size for your document. Additionally, you can keep your supplies neatly stored and organized inside the Pulsar E with the internal storage tray.