Lever Arch Files FAQ

Our lever arch files FAQ is here to help answer some of the most common questions asked by customers across the industry. As a specialist manufacturer of custom lever arch binders we are always happy to help if you have any questions or queries. Why not drop us an email and let our 60+ years of expertise provide a solution for you.

Contents

• Which lever arch is best?
• How do I choose a lever arch file size?
• How many sheets of paper do lever arch files hold?
• What are lever arch files used for?
• Are lever arch files good?
• How does a lever arch folder work?
• What is an arch lever?
• How do I get rid of a lever arch?

Which lever arch is best?

The best type of lever arch is a paper over board lever arch binder, although each type of ring binder has an ideal use. Below are the most common types of lever arch ring binders showing which is best.

The best lever arch file for print and branding

Branding and promotion with flexible sizes. Paper-over-board lever arch binders have a unique wrap-around print design which uses a printed laminated sheet wrapped around cardboard. This type of ring binder is perfect for promotional & marketing purposes. They look fantastic especially for designs that include photos or vibrant colours. They can be finished in gloss, matt, soft-touch or anti-scuff laminate.

The best lever arch file for everyday use

Lever arch files made from vinyl are some of the longest lasting and hardest wearing available. Vinyl lever arch binders offer the widest range of colours and design options for pockets. Spine pockets for labels, business card pockets, front cover pockets for easy insertion of your own printed sheet. These ring binders are ideal for filing, document archives, and training manuals.

The best lever arch file for easy clean

Polypropylene lever arch binders are manufactured from a single piece of material. This style minimises the areas where dirt could gather. This makes them a popular choice for hospitals, GPs, and care providers. Polypropylene lever arch ring binders are available in different colours and tend to be printed with simple one colour designs.

The best ring binder for eco-friendly

Natural board ring binders are 100% recyclable. Using the natural board as a print canvas minimises the carbon footprint during manufacture. Our Kraft board range is a fantastic choice when you need an eco-friendly option that looks great and is printable. Helping your business achieve its sustainability goals and go green.

What is the difference between a ring binder and a lever arch file?

The only difference between a lever arch file and ring binder is the mechanism has a lever. The lever makes it quicker and easier to open and close, which is useful for quickly organising contents. Also lever arch files tend to have a larger capacity, ideal for archiving and filing.

How do I choose a lever arch file size?

The two most important sizes are product size and capacity when choosing a ring binder.

Product size is the easiest and is usually A4 or letter size. There are many other sizes available, however A4 lever arch  binders or sometimes called are the most common.

Capacity and is dependant on the style of ring mechanism. The most common ring binder mechanism we supply is the d-ring mechanism and lever arch mechanism. Capacity is measured in mm or number of pages it can hold. Measuring the stack height of your contents or knowing how many pages you want to hold is enough information for your supplier to recommend a capacity size.

How many sheets of paper do lever arch files hold?

The ring binder mechanism can vary in capacity. Including:

• Small 40mm capacity, holding 300 sheets of paper
• Medium 50mm capacity, holding 400 sheets of paper
• Large 65mm capacity, holding 500 sheets of paper
• Super capacity mechanisms holding 500+ sheets

What are lever arch files used for?

Lever arch files are used for everyday filing and long-term archiving of documents, paperwork. and letters. Lever arch ring binders are commonly used by accounting departments, law firms, and solicitors. The lever action allows quicker transfer of documents and typically come in larger capacities than a regular ring binder mechanism.

Are lever arch files good?

Lever arch files are great for everyday filing and long-term archiving of documents, paperwork, and letters. They tend to come in larger capacities, with the lever arch mechanism making it easier to transfer and organise contents. For smaller capacities, we recommend using a 4-ring D-shaped mechanism, which keeps your contents stacked neatly and reduces page tearing.

How does a lever arch folder work?

Lever arch folders work by using the lever to open and close the lever arch mechanism. Lever arch folders are great for everyday use, easy to use, and make transferring and organising contents quicker.

What is an arch lever?

An arch lever is a type of ring mechanism typically fitted into a ring binder or document box. It is named arch due to its shape and lever action. The lever allows you to open and close the mechanism with ease. Lever arch ring mechanism are commonly used by accounting departments, law firms, and solicitors.

The lever action allows quicker transfer of documents and typically come in larger capacities than a regular ring binder mechanism. With the larger capacity and because they are used with for filing, it is common for arch lever mechanism to be supplied with a compressor bar. A compressor bar allows the files to be secured in place when the full capacity isn’t utilised.

How do I get rid of a lever arch?

Depending on the type of lever arch binder and material, many can be recycled.

Plastic binders & vinyl binders

• Separate the ring mechanism from the binder using a flat head screwdriver, by gently levering the mechanism away between the base plate and cardboard.
• With scissors or retractable knife cut a slot along the bottom edge of the front, back and spine panel to remove the cardboard
• Put the cardboard in your recycling bin and put the vinyl in your general rubbish
• The metal ring mechanism can be recycled at your local recycling centre

For bulk recycling, PVC vinyl can be recycled, it’s worthwhile checking if it is recycled in your area.

Cardboard & natural board lever arch binders

• Separate the ring mechanism from the binder using a flat head screwdriver, by gently levering the mechanism away between the base plate and cardboard.
• Put the cardboard in your recycling bin
• The metal ring mechanism can be recycled at your local reuse and recycling centre

Always take care when using tools and equipment. The above is provided as an example only and should only be undertaken if you are able to use the tools in a safe and appropriate manner.