Comb Binding
Comb binding in Tooting for reports, manuals and course notes. Lies flat, can be reopened to add pages, and is quick to do. Clear covers available.
- No design yet? We set up the artwork free of charge when we print the job.
- Tight deadline? Same-day printing is possible on many jobs if your file is ready early. Call to check first.
- Can't get here? Collect from Gatton Road, or have it delivered in the UK for a quoted charge.
Comb binding near you
Comb binding uses a plastic spine with teeth that fit through a row of rectangular holes along the edge of the document. It is a popular, low-cost binding for reports, training manuals, proposals, course notes and draft dissertations. It is quick, it can be used on one document at a time, and you can bring in your own printed pages or have us print them for you.
Why people choose it
- It lies flat, which is helpful for manuals and anything you read at a desk.
- Pages can be added or swapped, because the comb can be reopened.
- It works for short and long documents, by simply changing the width of the comb.
- It is inexpensive, especially compared with hard covers.
- It is quick, so it is often possible while you wait, depending on how busy we are.
Comb or wire?
The two look similar, but they differ in a few ways. Comb binding is plastic and is the more economical option. It does not rotate fully on itself, so the pages turn over less neatly. It can also be reopened for edits. Wire binding looks a little smarter and folds back completely, but pages cannot usually be swapped afterwards. For internal documents and drafts, comb is usually fine. For something going to a customer, wire often makes a better impression.
Covers
A clear acetate front cover shows your title page while protecting it, and a card back gives the document stiffness. Coloured covers and combs are often available too. Tell us if you want to match a house colour.
Setting up your pages
Punching removes a strip along the bound edge, so leave a margin of about 15 to 20 mm on that side. If you print double sided, the pages should be set up so that the margin alternates, which most word processors call "mirror margins". If you are sending the job to us, check that page numbers do not sit in the punched area.
Student and university work
Comb binding is a common choice for drafts and for submissions that do not need a hard cover. Check your department's rules first, as a few insist on a specific format. Our dissertation checklist explains what to look out for. For the print itself, see document printing.
Ordering
Walk in with your printed pages, or send a PDF and tell us the number of copies. Single documents are welcome, and a straightforward job can often be done quickly. Large batches of training manuals take a little longer, so let us know your deadline when you get in touch.
Questions we hear about comb binding
What is comb binding?
A plastic spine with teeth fits through holes punched along the edge of your document. It is cheap, lies flat and can be reopened.
Can you bind pages I have already printed?
Yes. Bring them in, leaving a margin of about 15 to 20 mm on the bound edge if you can.
Can pages be added later?
Yes. The comb can be reopened to add or swap pages, which is one of its main benefits.
How thick a document can you comb bind?
Comb sizes cover most documents up to a few hundred sheets. Tell us your page count and we will confirm.