One factor to consider is whether or not the document that you need to bind is already GBC punched.  If it is, then just select a comb that is the appropriate length.

If it is not already punched then you must ask yourself - "Self - I have a legal size 14 x 8.5 document and I can obtain legal size covers and GBC combs from Indoff but can I punch this document?".

Many medium duty GBC style punch binding covers have an 11" length capacity (if you are not sure, count the punch pins/teeth). If there are 19, then it is one of these and will work for binding letter size documents on either edge or smaller.  Some machines have a 12" length capacity and will accomodate the A-4 size 11.69" length as well.

Your better quality commercial grade office punch/bind (combo) machines, like the one we distribute, and punch only equipment will usually handle document lengths up to 14", legal size.

If you have a document that you wish to bind over 14" in length, it is best to have the commercial printer that produces the document also prepunch it for binding.  We would provide you or the printer with the binding combs necessary to finish the document.

It is entirely possible (and frequently done) when producing promotional and marketing materials to encounter a document produced in a custom (non-standard) size.

This is done to draw attention to and differentiate the document.  In situations such as this, the binding size and length can be smaller or larger than the sizes we have already discussed.

If you should need to GBC bind one of these sizes, there is good news.  The unfinished GBC combs that we carry are originally manufactured in 4' (48") long strips containing 80 teeth or loops.  We are able to custom cut these for you to any length your finished product would require.

Please contact us for lead time, minimums and pricing.

Did you know that all of our index tabs are manufactured in the USA and feature recycled stock with a minimum of 30% post consumer waste?

Please check back often as we add a new category of products to aid your organization in their "green" efforts.

On occasion, you will come across documents that are not standard 11" x 8.5" that you will need to bind or reproduce and bind.

They may include legal size or A4 (European standard). See my previous blog in January 2007 for a detailed description on these items. 

In order to bind these additional sized documents, you will want to select a binding comb of the corresponding length.  To bind the left margin of a legal size 14" x 8.5" document, choose a legal size binding comb at 14" length.   This size comb will have 24 teeth (loops).  In order to bind the left margin of an A4 size 11.69" x 8.27" document, choose an A4 comb at 11.69" length.  This size comb will have 21 teeth (loops).

 

What I want to share here concerns the length of the comb.  The aforementioned 11" long comb is designed to bind a standard 11" long by 8.5" wide (letter size - US) document at the left hand margin.  This allows the pages to be turned from right to left as is customary with 3 ring binders and preprinted books and magazines.  An 11" comb will have 19 "teeth" or "loops" that correspond to the 19 slotted holes punched in your document.

The most commonly used GBC binding combs, also referred to as spines or elements, are 11" in length and are available in a variety of diameters between 1/4" and 2".  The diamater of the rings determines the capacity or thickness of the document you are able to bind.  Refer to the previous weblog to view a conversion table that will help you determine the ring size you should select for your particular job.

Are you preparing to GBC bind a document and don't know what size binding comb to use?

Here are some general guidelines to help you determine the appropriate size comb for the job you are binding:

                              

25 sheets - 1/4" diameter comb            

40 sheets - 5/16" diameter comb

55 sheets - 3/8" diameter comb

85 sheets - 1/2" diameter comb

125 sheets - 5/8" diameter comb

150 sheets - 3/4" diameter comb

200 sheets - 1" diameter comb

320 Sheets - 1-1/2" diameter comb

425 sheets - 2" diameter comb

You can find all these binding supplies and more in our catalog.

 

Does your jurisdiction require you to file certain documents using bottom tab indexes?  Please check out our offering to help keep you in compliance.

Need something unique you don't see on our site?  Please contact us and we will help research any item you need.

Not all preprinted legal index tabs are created equal.  Some preprinted legal index tabs on the market are only printed on one side of the tab.

The high speed presses used to print tabs will only print the stock one side at a time.  To print the second side requires an extra step, adding effort and cost to the job. 

Our preprinted tabs are always printed on both sides.  Why is this important?  It allows the user to quickly and easily scan the document forward and backward, top or bottom.

Ease of reference is, after all, the point of indexing the document to begin with.

Not all preprinted legal index tabs are created equal!

You should look for an index whose tab is plastic (mylar) coated for reinforcement.  The tab is the portion of the index that will most frequently be handled or tugged on with force.

If the tab is not reinforced front and back, it is certain to fray, dog ear or tear off.  We use "clear" mylar® reinforcement on the tab portion of our indexes, a Dupont developed product, known for it's strength and durability.