GBC Binding Comb FAQs

Have questions about plastic comb binding? We've got answers! With over 75 year of experience in the industry as a company, we are the document binding experts. Here we to answer some of the daily questions we receive from customers regarding GBC comb binding. But if you're still left with questions at the end, please call us at (866) 537-2244 to speak with our experts and get your questions answered.

1. What size GBC comb do need?

Determining the comb binding size you need is easier than you may think. All you need to do is take all of the pages you need to bind, including any covers or tab dividers, and lay them in a stack on your table. Now let that stack lay loose (i.e. do not press it down tight) and measure the thickness of the stack. Then just add 1/8" to that measurement. So if, for example, I have a stack of paper and binding covers that are about 1/2" thick, I would add 1/8" to that (1/2" converts to 4/8" for a common denominator, + 1/8") which gives me a 5/8" comb binding spine. If you are between sizes, we recommend you choose the larger size. If your comb is too small it can make it hard to turn the pages and cause ripping; it is always better to have a slightly too-large comb than a too-small comb.

2. What are the best things about comb binding?

I interviewed our staff and collected information from our customers, and the consensus about the best things about comb binding are these features:
a) How easy it is to open the combs and edit the pages, as many times as you may need.
b) The customization opportunities to print on the spine and label your documents.

3. Why would I buy GBC comb binding instead of spiral coil binding?

You would choose plastic comb over plastic coil if you need the ability to edit your book, and want the potential to print on the spine.

4. What kinds of customers use plastic comb binding?

Some of the most common customers that use plastic GBC comb bindings are small associations, schools, engineering firms for proposals, and print, mail, and copy shops.

5. How do I know if comb binding is right for me?

You will know if comb binding is right for you if you (a) need to bind extra thick books up to 2", (b) need to keep the cost of your book low, (c) need the ability to potentially edit your book, (d) need the ability to have the spine custom printed and labeled, and (e) you primarily work with an 11" binding edges (letter size 8.5"x 11" paper) and smaller.

6. What are the worst things about comb binding?

Some users feel that a plastic comb looks outdated and cheap. And it is true, they are very inexpensive, so it not surprised that it shows. But even the color selection can elevate your document; for example, a black, white, or clear comb typically looks more expensive than a bright red or green comb. Plus, pair it with a professional-looking front binding cover to elevate a comb bound book further. The pages of a comb book also cannot turn all the way around to lay back to back. Instead, your book would simply lay flat on a table and remain open.

7. Do you sell an assorted box?

At this time we are only offering full boxes, which include either 100 or 50 pieces (depending on the size) of one size and one color.

8. Can I comb bind without a machine?

Yes and no. We offer a variety of pre-punched paper and binding covers that eliminate the need for you to punch pages, but you will still need a comb opener (comb spreader) to open up the comb prongs so you can insert your pages.

About the Author • Mallory Morsa is the product expert and content specialist at Binding101, and has been a valued team member since 2008. She started her career here in customer service, moved onto sales supervisor, product management, and then onto content. She takes a hands-on approach to products, and truly gets to know how every item works before she writes about them, with a goal to give you all of the honest information you need to make a confident buying decision. She has a bachelor's degree with a focus on management and marketing, and has been a writer, photographer, and videographer for many years. In her free time, she loves to read by the pool, volunteer at the local animal shelter in the kitten nursery, and snuggle her three furbabies while she binge watches Netflix.