How to Bind using 19-Hole Plastic or Wire Combs

These instructions are designed to provide step-by-step instructions for binding one or many books using 19-hole plastic or wire binding combs.  Note: 19-hole combs are for paper and covers punched with 19 holes in 11” length.  Only 19-hole binding machines can be used with 19-hole combs.  

Individual book assembly:

1. Start by gathering your pages and selecting binding covers and dividers (if necessary).  Note: Pre-punched paper is also available to streamline process.  Select the appropriate number of covers (2 per book) and the necessary number of dividers if used.
2. Determine which size 19-hole binding comb is required for the number of pages to be bound for each book.  Make sure to count the covers and any dividers in the total page count.  
3. Select either plastic binding combs or wire binding combs.  
4. Disengage any dies that are not needed (if available).
5. Set the margin stop and diameter stop based on the size of the comb.
6. For plastic combs, insert comb into machine and spread loops.  Wire combs come with the loops already open.
7. Punch covers and place one on the comb.
8. Punch dividers and papers (if not already printed on pre-punched paper) and place on comb in sequential order.
9. Place cover on comb and close to complete book.  For wire combs, a wire closer is needed to close wire loops correctly.
10. Repeat for each subsequent book.
    

1. Start by gathering your pages and selecting binding covers and dividers (if necessary).  Note: Pre-punched paper is also available to streamline process.  Select the appropriate number of covers (2 per book) and the necessary number of dividers if used.
2. Determine which size 19-hole binding comb is required for the number of pages to be bound for each book.  Make sure to count the covers and any dividers in the total page count.  
3. Select either plastic binding combs or wire binding combs.  
4. Disengage any dies that are not needed (if available).
5. Set the margin stop and diameter stop based on the size of the comb.
6. Punch all covers and set aside.
7. Punch all dividers and set aside.
8. Punch all papers (if not already printed on pre-punched paper) and set aside.
9. Layout covers, papers, dividers in order on work surface.
10. Assemble each book until all are collated.
11. For plastic combs, insert comb into machine and spread loops.  Wire combs come with the loops already open.  Place one assembled book on comb.
12. Close comb to complete book.  For wire combs, a wire closer is needed to close wire loops correctly.
13. Repeat for each subsequent book.
    

• Covers come in a variety of sizes. Be sure to align punched holes accordingly for the cover size being used.  If paper guide is not marked for oversize covers, make sure to mark it for the size used to allow for consistent punching.
• When punching plastic covers, use a backer and punch one cover at a time to prevent ripping and twisting of cover.  Continuous punching of plastic covers may require the backer be placed on top of the plastic cover.
• It is recommended to disengage dies on the right side of the binder or one on each side of the binder.
• Smaller books can be accommodated by disengaging the dies in groups of seven (7), a full die set, or by locating the center die and moving from the center to left or right.

Back to Binding Resources