Using a comb binding machine really isn't that difficult. Simply, punch your document, open the comb, place the document onto the fingers and close the binding. It is simple. However, whether you have just recently purchased your first binding machine or have been using comb binding for years, there are several simple tricks that can make plastic comb-binding even easier. Here are a few things to remember:

1. Be careful not too punch too many sheets at a time. Although your binding machine may be capable of punching more sheets, you can improve productivity and preserve your machine by punching smaller amounts of paper. If you cannot easily pull the handle on your machine you are probably punching too many sheets. If you have an electric comb binding machine and it makes loud noises when it punches you are also probably punching too much. Finally, it is important that you don't punch more than 2 clear covers at one time on any binding machine. Clear covers are very hard on binding machines and if you punch too many sheets at one time you can break your machine.

2. Separate your book into sections when inserting it onto your combs. For larger books it is far easier to insert smaller sections onto your plastic combs rather than trying to put the whole document on at once.

3. Remember to use your margin control. Most comb binding machines have a margin control on the side of them. Use this margin control to set how far from the edge of the page the holes will be. For very small plastic combs (3/16" or 1/4") you might want to adjust the margin so the holes are closer to the edge of the paper. This will help to ensure that your pages turn freely. For large sized plastic combs you might want to adjust the margin so that the holes are further from the edge of the paper to prevent pages from easily ripping out of your documents.

4. Be careful not to open your comb binding too far with your comb opener. If you really open your plastic comb binding too far you will send it flying across the room. However, many people open their combs just a little bit too far making it more difficult than necessary to insert their documents.

5. Regularly empty your chip tray. If you let the chip tray back up on your comb binding machine, punching may become difficult and eventually you can actually break the dies or the pressure bar on your comb binding machine