Best Binding Machine – Reviews of the Top 10 Affordable Binding Equipment Sold Online

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A binding machine is one of the first pieces of office equipment that people purchase when opening a new office. It’s essential for anyone that wants to achieve a seamless workflow and not have to worry about losing documents.

Affordable binding equipment allows you to combine multiple pieces of paper that you wouldn’t usually be able to combine with a stapler, for example. It’s perfect for when you want to keep a lot of documents safe. Whether you’re a lawyer, a doctor or a business owner, a time will come when you will thank yourself for investing in a good binding machine.

Binding machines come in different types and brands and it’s possible to get self-binding machines that you can pair with your photocopier so you can setup a comprehensive system. Binding machines are available as manual and electric models and each has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on what you’ll be using it for.

Electric binding machines are mostly used for large-scale projects while manual binding machines are great for small scale tasks. Either way, a binding machine will come in handy whether you’re a student, a corporate professional, a business owner or consultant. It’ll definitely minimize your chances of getting headaches due to a frustrating pile of papers. It’ll keep things neat and well-organized.

Now, we know that finding a decent binding machine is not child’s play, because there are a lot of options to choose from. That’s why we’ve put together a helpful guide that’ll make it easier for you to find the best binding machine for your needs.

We R Memory Keepers The Cinch Book Binding Machine

The Cinch Book Binding Machine is versatile

Ideal for managing professional projects

Great for punching the perfect paper holes

Akiles WireMac-31 Model AWM31 Wire Punch & Binding Equipment

Made from heavy duty metal

Wide closing capacity of 3/16 inches to 9/16 inches

Can punch through 20 sheets of paper at once

TruBind TB-S20A Coil-Binding Machine

Easy and simple to use

Continuous presser bar

Can punch up to 20 sheets of paper at a time

Designed for commercial use

Fellowes Binding Machine Star Plus Comb Binding

Comes with a vertical loading system

Great for domestic use

Built-in comb sizing system

Straightforward design

TruBind TB-S12 Coil-Binding Machine

2 year warranty

Can punch up to 12 sheets of paper in one go

Comes with an adjustable side guide and depth margin

Things to Look for When Shopping for the Best Binding Machine

The first thing to consider when looking for a binding machine is what you’ll be using it for and whether or not you’ll be using it regularly. This will help you figure out the types of features you need and the machine’s overall capacity.

Below we have a list of the most important features to look out for and how they contribute to the machine’s performance.

Punching Capacity

Punching capacity refers to the machine’s punching distance or the amount of paper it can handle in one go. Most entry-level to intermediate models can handle eight to ten sheets of paper in one punch while commercial quality binding machines have a punching capacity of up to twenty sheets of paper per press.

The punching capacity of your binding machine will depend on what you plan on using it for. For instance, if you’re looking to bind together a few notes or some booklets that you’re working on, then an entry-level model should work just fine. They might work slower and have a lower punching capacity, but mid-tier machines are cost effective, portable and they get the job done just fine.

However, you may want to consider a commercial level binding machine in order to bind large quantities of paper together. These models rely on electricity as their main source of power which means they’re not as portable as their entry-level counterparts. But, they’re perfect for anyone that’s running a commercial facility that involves the use of documents. They’ll keep you super productive and organized.

Your binding machine should ideally cut through hard materials like laminated plastic or card plastic as well, so you don’t have to purchase a separate machine for that.

Binding Capacity

Aside from the machine’s cutting ability, it’s equally important to look at its binding capacity as well.

For the most part, entry-level binding machines have a binding capacity of 250 pages and they can cut up to 10 pages at a time. They’re perfect for anyone that’s looking to create feature magazines, printed catalogs and booklets.

However, if you’re a working professional that deals with mountains of paperwork on a daily basis, then you’ll need a higher capacity binding machine. A 250 paper limit simply won’t cut it. The good news is that most commercial quality binders have a maximum capacity of 450 papers and more. They’re built to handle constant work, and they run on electrical power for quick and efficient performance.

Manual Guide

A manual guide is super important regardless of the type of binding machine you buy. Think about it; if you’re trying to bind a 300 page book in a 200 capacity machine, what are you going to do? You’ll need a manual guide to help you fix certain issues that you might face while trying to use the machine and it’ll help you get the most out of it.

Plus, having a manual guide will save you a ton of time. Instead of spending hours trying to work out why your machine isn’t performing certain functions properly, you can just consult the manual guide to find a quick solution.

Make sure you purchase a binding machine that comes with a detailed and clearly illustrated manual guide.

Ease of Use

The best binding machines are usually super easy to use because they feature clearly labeled controls. Most people overlook the importance of this feature because they don’t think it’ll contribute to the machine’s performance but the truth is that some machines are difficult to operate and you could easily find yourself struggling to perform the simplest tasks.

Manual models are particularly difficult to operate when compared to electrical binding machines. Then you have to look at the instruction guide, which should be clear and easy to use.

That’s why we highly recommend getting a binding machine that’s easy to install and operate afterward. Of course, you could always look up Google and YouTube tutorials but there’s no guarantee you’ll find what you’re looking for.

You could easily be the person who accidentally ruins your documents due to punching the wrong button. So, don’t take the chance. Get a binding machine that’s easy to use and easy to understand. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to fix your documents once you’ve damaged them so rather be safe than sorry.

The good news is that we’ve done reviews for left and right-handed binding machines to make for easy operation.

Flexibility

Another very important feature to look out for is flexibility. Keep in mind that you’ll most likely use different papers for your document. There are plenty of models that only cater to A4 size papers, but there are also models that are versatile enough for you to use with multiple types of paper. Look for a machine that can bind and cut different sizes and dimensions so you have a lot of variety to choose from.

Some of the best binding machines are usually flexible and easy to use, and can handle a maximum limit easily.

Longevity

Last but not least, longevity is another important aspect of picking a binding machine. As with anything, you want to find a well-made binding machine that’s built to last. The last thing you need is a machine that’ll last for a week because that means you’ll just keep buying the same machine over and over again.

Of course, this means you might need to pay a little more but think about it as a long-term investment in a machine that’ll make things so much easier for you.

Keep in mind that there are a lot of low-tier binding machines that are advertised as “long-lasting” when they’re really not that durable. They’re typically made for people who only need to bind documents every now and then which means they might fall apart or break down when used frequently.

Most high-end binding machines are designed for use in commercial settings like office spaces, schools and institutions etc. These environments require high-capacity machines that can handle thousands of paper sheets. If this applies to you, then you should look for a professional or commercial grade binding machine.

Versatility

In most cases, you can only expect versatility as a feature in professional grade binding machines. That’s because they’re designed to cater for different paper sizes and types. They feature a large throat system that’s wide enough to fit non-conventional sized paper. Look for a versatile machine if you’re planning to use it in binding a wide range of papers such as legal documents, notebooks, brochures etc.

Another important part of versatility is the machine’s ability to accept different types of paper. You may need to use a different type of paper for the inner part of your magazine as opposed to the cover and the same goes for books and booklets. A binding machine that can punch through thick mounds of paper will work really well in busy office environments and for students and entrepreneurs alike.

Types of Binding Machine

Generally, binding machines come in three different types, namely spiral binding, wire binding and comb binding. Read on for a more in-depth description of all three options.

Comb Binding

Comb binding machines are a cost-effective option for the everyday user. They’re perfect for including additional binding or changing it in existing documents. The only downside to this type of binding machine is that it makes it easy for anyone to tamper with the documents because they’re largely visible.

A lot of sports teams, play-groups and home schooling groups use this type of binding machine to secure their documents. It’s ideal for putting together brochures and small booklets. Plus, it allows you to change certain details within your documents if you need to.

Wire Binding

Wire binding is aesthetically pleasing and ideal for office use where you need to bind lots of confidential documents. That’s because it’s sturdy and will keep your documents nice and secure.

Once you bind your documents, you can rest assured that no one can tamper with them or move them around. They’re pricier than wire binding machines but then they offer more value for the money.

Spiral Binding

Lastly, you have spiral binding machines which are quite popular among students and small business owners. Most people use this type of binding machine to manage projects and secure thesis papers and work documents.

You may have heard people referring to this machine as a coil binder and it’s designed specifically for use in professional environments. As such, it’s much pricier than the models mentioned above, and it’s made from durable materials.

The type of binding machine you choose will depend on your needs and what you intend to use it for.

Best Brands of Binding Machines on the Market

As with any type of office machinery, there’s a growing number of competing manufacturers who make binding machines. We did some digging so we could bring you the best brands to look out for when shopping for a binding machine.

TruBind

TruBind specializes in making the best wire binding machines on the market and their equipment is very versatile and flexible. You can use TruBind machines to bind paper of different sizes and dimensions and the brand’s specialty in wire binders has allowed them to fine-tune their manufacturing abilities over the years. The best part about TruBind is that they offer both right and left-sided machines to suit the needs of different users.

Fellows

Fellows is one of the most well-known manufacturers of office machinery and for good reason. They offer a wide range of quality office equipment including factory-grade models. Their products are mostly popular for being well-built, durable and high quality.

Akiles

Akiles is a great option for anyone that’s looking for a high-quality and high-performance binding machine. They make high-end, commercial grade machines that are electrically powered for efficient performance.

Kenley

Kenley is popular among casual users and they offer a lot of budget-friendly options. It’s great for use at home or for an at-home office. The only issue we have with this company is that they have very poor customer service, which means you may have some trouble reaching them if you come across any problem.

YaeKoo

YaeKoo makes high-quality cob binders for the average consumer. Their products are backed by exceptional customer service and their prices aren’t bad either.

Flexzion

Flexzion is mostly known for making manual binding machines that are affordable and easy to use. Their products are also backed by strong customer support, with responsive customer service that’ll help you solve any problem you come across.

Safety Tips

It’s important to exercise caution when setting up and using your binding machine to avoid unnecessary damage.

Please make sure to exercise the following safety tips:

✔ – Use scrap paper to test the machine first
✔ – Avoid placing your hand in the way of the punch
✔ – Consult with a technician if you ever encounter a problem with the machine
✔ – Don’t try to fix your binding machine by yourself
✔ – Keep your binding machine away from children

Best Binding Machines Sold on Amazon

At this point, we’ve gone through all the different features you need to look out for when searching for the best binding machine, as well as the best brands and manufacturers in the market. Now, we’re going to review some of our favorite models and let you know why you should consider them. Of course, we’ve included the pros and cons of each option for your consideration.

1 – We R Memory Keepers The Cinch Book Binding Machine

This binding machine is perfect for office work and for managing any type of office related project. It’ll help you save energy while biding together mountains of paper. It’s definitely a great way to manage paperwork if safety and confidentiality is a priority to you.

You’ll notice it has an intuitive design with attractive features that’ll fit in well with your office’s modern aesthetic. But, don’t let the pretty looks fool you because this is a very capable piece of machinery. It’s capable of binding journals, scrap books, mini books and pretty much anything you could think of.

The only downside with this machine is that it’s not particularly suited for spiral binding projects and it doesn’t work with 12 inch paper. Otherwise, it’ll work just fine for any other type of wire that you use for binding documents.

Pros:

Versatile
Ideal for managing professional projects
Great for punching the perfect paper holes

Cons:

This machine isn’t very long lasting

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

2 – Akiles WireMac-31 Model AWM31 Wire Punch & Binding Equipment

This is one of the best binding machines on the market thanks to its wide variety of great features. Although it’s manually operated, this machine is quite powerful and can even make square holes. It’s very well-made and can punch through 20 sheets of paper at once.

The heavy-duty long handle makes it incredibly easy to operate this machine, even when punching through 9/16 inch books. The metal construction and stylish design of this machine means that it can blend in easily with the decor of your office.

With regards to ease of use, this machine allows you to disengage the dies so you can punch papers of all types without causing side end perforation. Although sleek, the sturdy metal construction of this binding machine makes it quite heavy to carry but it’s also very durable and long lasting.

Pros:

Made from heavy duty metal for optimal durability
Has a wide closing capacity of 3/16 inches to 9/16 inches
Contains independently detachable dies
Can punch through 20 sheets of paper at once

Cons:

We have nothing bad to say about this binding machine

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

3 – TruBind TB-S20A Coil-Binding Machine – (Best Books and Documents Binding Equipment for Office or Home Use)

According to coil binding machine reviews, this is the best binding machine on the market, and it comes as no surprise considering that TruBind is one of the leading manufacturers in this industry.

This high-performance model is versatile and easy to use. It’s designed for use mainly in office environments and it has the capacity to put out a high volume of work.

It can handle 20 sheets of paper per punch, and you can easily run it for hours on end without running into any issues like overheating. This is a very customizable machine that enables you to place and position holes properly and with little effort.

This machine is compatible with all types of paper, including non-conventional legal paper, portrait paper and art paper.

Pros:

Easy and simple to use
Continuous presser bar
Can punch up to 20 sheets of paper at a time
Offers automatic paper binding
Designed for commercial use

Cons:

The rubber wheels can sometimes act up

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

4 – Fellowes Binding Machine Star Plus Comb Binding

When it comes to making affordable binding equipment, Fellowes is a name you can trust. This machine is particularly useful in domestic environments because it’s simple to use and lightweight. It’s small so you can rest assured that it won’t take up too much space, and you can easily carry it from one place to another.

Although it comes with different punches and levers that might be confusing to some users, it’s incredibly easy to operate. But, this is not a perfect binding machine because it has its own shortcomings.

For instance, it lacks some of the more desirable and cutting-edge features that you may need for more complex applications. But, it comes with all the basic features you need for basic use like an accessible built-in comb sizing system.

Pros:

Comes with a vertical loading system
Great for domestic use
Built-in comb sizing system
Straightforward design

Cons:

A little bit fragile

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

5 – TruBind TB-S12 Coil-Binding Machine

This is arguably the best coil binding machine on the market, as it comes with features like built-in electric coil. It has the capacity to punch up to 12 sheets of paper in one go and can handle documents that are two inches thick. You can always use the manual inserter to accommodate thicker sheets of paper.

You can count on this model to provide you with consistent, professional-quality results, thanks to its three-position adjustable side guide. You’ll be glad to know that this machine is fully compatible with plastic binding coils that are 4:1 thick and this goes for Fellowes coils and GBC Color Coils too.

Pros:

Backed by a 2 year warranty
Can punch up to 12 sheets of paper in one go
Comes with an adjustable side guide and depth margin
Features an electric coil and manual punch operation

Cons:

Not the easiest to use

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

6 – Fellowes 5006801-99 Binding Machine

This is yet another great binding machine from the Fellowes brand. This time we have a compact mode that’ll fit right into any modern office environment. It has the capacity to punch up to 18 sheets of paper at once and its binding capacity is at 300 sheets in one go, with a continuous 1 to 1-1/2 punch bind.

This design comes with a built-in comb storage tray and a document measurement feature which makes it that much easier to set it up.

The machine comes with a two-year warranty for peace of mind, as well as a 10 piece binder starter kit to make things easier for beginners. There’s also a vertical loader and rotary edge guide which you can use to make sure your documents are well-proportioned.

Pros:

Comes with in-built comb storage tray
Offers vertical loading
Can align documents accurately
Has the capacity to bind up to 300 sheets of paper and punch 20 sheets of paper in one go
1-1/2 inch comb capacity

Cons:

Not suitable for A4 papers

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

7 – Tamerica 210PB Manual Comb Binding Machine

The Tamerica brand brings us a viable comb binding machine with a capacity for 20 sheets of paper at once, which is the equivalent of 20 pounds of paper in one go. It comes with an adjustable side guide for easy and accurate alignment. It’s made from pure metal and features a handy emptying waste drawer which makes it so much easier to keep the office mess-free.

You can punch up to 500 sheets using this machine and it comes with 21 detachable die pins to make sure you don’t get any partial holes in the process. This is in addition to the 4-position punching depth which is also adjustable, and a plastic binding spine comb spreader control. The best part is that the handle is super easy to use as well.

Pros:

Comes with a front facing waste drawer
Can bind a wide range of sizes
Comes with 21 detachable die pins
Offers vertical paper insertion technique
Accurate alignment

Cons:

Not the cheapest of the bunch!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

8 – American Crafts Heidi Swapp Cinch Book Binding Machine

This is a great binding machine from a relative newcomer in the industry. It features flexible hole-punch knobs and alignment pegs so you can get perfect alignment without measuring. This versatile machine can handle up to 20 sheets of paper at once and it can punch through thick, heavy duty materials like plastic and cardstock.

Pros:

Great for domestic use
Can handle up to 20 sheets of paper at once
Fast and efficient
Easy to use straight out the box

Cons:

The instructions could be more helpful

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

9 – Tianse Comb Binding Machine

This binding machine from Tianse is compact and lightweight but very capable. It’s at the mid-tier level so it’s not exactly commercial quality. But it does offer some great features. For instance, it comes with simple controls and good quality construction.

It’s really easy to use and all you have to do is align the paper yourself and it’ll do the rest. The settings might be a bit confusing at first, so it might not be ready to start using straight out the box. But, once it starts going you’ll notice that it offers consistent quality and performance over time.

This machine can only handle about 10 sheets of paper in one go, which makes it more suitable for lightweight and small scale projects. It definitely won’t work for administration-heavy projects.

Pros:

Durable and well-made
Easy to use and simple controls
Portable and lightweight
Compact and doesn’t take up too much space
Ideal for domestic use and small-scale projects

Cons:

Poorly written instructions manual

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

10 – Akiles Coilmac-ER 41 Plus Manual Coil Punch

If you’re looking for the best binding machine which offers all the features you need to handle large-scale projects, this is the one. This machine is very well-made and thanks to its unique design it can cut out oval-shaped holes.

It’s super easy to insert coils in this machine compared to competitor models in the same category, and it comes with detachable pins as well. The only complaint we have about this binding machine is that it’s not portable and can be inconvenient to carry around.

But, it’s built to last and provides high-quality performance. All told, this is a robust machine that’s easy to operate and provides you with all the features and functions you’ll need for a high-performance professional work environment.

Pros:

Made with high quality, heavy-duty materials
Can handle a high volume of paper sheets
Has an extended punching length of up to 13 inches
Comes with fully detachable pins

Cons:

Pricey

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

Conclusion

PLAN - PRICE

Description

Fellowes 5006801-99 Binding Machine

Comes with in-built comb storage tray

Capacity to bind up to 300 sheets of paper & punch 20 sheets of paper in one go

Tamerica 210PB Manual Comb Binding Machine

Comes with a front facing waste drawer

Can bind a wide range of sizes

Comes with 21 detachable die pins

American Crafts Heidi Swapp Cinch Book Binding Machine

Can handle up to 20 sheets of paper at once

Fast and efficient

Easy to use straight out the box

Tianse Comb Binding Machine

Compact and doesn't take up too much space 

Ideal for domestic use and small-scale projects

Akiles Coilmac-ER 41 Plus Manual Coil Punch

Made with high quality, heavy-duty materials

Can handle a high volume of paper sheets

Well, there you have it! At this point, you should have a clear idea of which binding machine you’re going to purchase, regardless of whether you’re looking for the best thermal binding machine or the best spiral binding machine. We’ve provided you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

If you still feel confused or undecided, then we’ll gladly recommend the Akiles WireMac-31 Model AWM31 Wire Punch & Binding machine. What makes this the best binding machine? Well, it has the capacity to bind up to 20 sheets of paper at once and can handle books, stacks of documents and booklets.

This powerful machine can even punch square holes and all of this is made easy by the long, heavy-duty handle. Of course, its metal construction not only adds to the durability factor but makes this a very chic and stylish option as well.

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