Ring Binder FAQ

Our ring binder FAQ is here to help answer some of the most common questions asked by customers across the industry. As a specialist manufacturer of custom ring 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 ring binder is best?
• How do I choose a ring binder size?
• How many sheets of paper do ring binders hold?
• Why are rings called O-ring, D-ring, Q-ring & Lever Arch?
• Are D-ring or O-ring binders better?
• What are the rings in a binder called?
• What are 3 ring binders used for?
• What is the biggest binder size?
• What can I do with old ring binders?

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Which ring binder is best?

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

The best ring binder for print and branding

Branding and promotion with flexible sizes. Paper-over-board ring 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 ring binder for everyday use

Vinyl (PVC) ring binders are some of the longest lasting and hardest wearing available. We even have a ring binder that is over 30 years old in our office. PVC Vinyl ring 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 ring binder for easy clean

Polypropylene ring 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 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.

 

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How do I choose a ring binder 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 ring binders or sometimes called oversized A4 ring binders 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. Measure 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.

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How many sheets of paper do ring binders hold?

The ring binder mechanism can vary in capacity. Including:

• Small compact size 15mm capacity, holding 100 sheets of paper
• Standard office size 25mm & 40mm capacity, holding 200 – 300 sheets of paper
• Archiving & filing 50mm & 65mm capacity, holding 400 – 500 sheets of paper
• Super capacity mechanism up to and beyond 100mm capacity, holding 500+ sheets

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Why are rings called O-ring, D-ring, Q-ring & Lever Arch?

The letter reference for the ring mechanism is related to the shape.

• O-ring has round circle shape like the letter O
• D-ring is the same as a capital letter D
• Q-ring is rectangle shaped with rounded corners
• Arch ring or lever arch mechanisms are shaped like an upside-down letter U

The most common mechanisms we use for our ring binders are the D ring and lever arch.

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Are D-ring or O-ring binders better?

O-ring binders are the most common and generally fitted into the spine of the ring binder. D-ring binders have the mechanism fitted into the back cover. This allows the front cover to be opened and closed without moving your contents. This reduces stress on individual pages as well as keeping your documents in a neat flush stack.

Another bonus for ring binders with a D-ring mechanism is the rivets appear on the back cover, keeping the spine clear for artwork, pockets and labels. Suitable for archiving, presentation display books, training manuals, office, student notes and more.

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What are the rings in a binder called?

The rings inside a ring binder are called ring binder mechanisms. A mechanism is made up from a base plate and the rings. The mechanism base plate is used to rivet or attach it to the ring binder. The mechanism rings are used to hold your contents such as documents, purchase orders, bills, invoices, paper work, letters, training resources and marketing materials.

Ring binder mechanisms come in a variety of different styles including 2-ring, 3-ring letter, 4-ring document, and 6-ring memo. The most commonly used for our UK based business is the 4-ring d-shaped binder mechanism as this helps minimise movement, keeping your documents secure when in use.

Ring binder mechanisms are used for fabric swatch holders, journals, notebooks, easel binders, flip charts and of course ring binders.

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What colour ring binders do you make?

For paper over board presentation ring binders there are no limits on colour. Using a printed outer sheet the only limit is the design and your imagination. For our everyday and easy clean ring binders both styles are available in a range of colours. From blue binders to pink binders there is a great choice of coloured material for you to choose from.

 

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Do you make ring binder accessories?

We offer a full range of ring binder accessories, including binder pockets, folder dividers and printed contents. Tab dividers or subject dividers can be custom printed on the tab to separate the contents into categories of your choosing. The number of tabs and spacing can all be customised to suit, including extra wide dividers to use with clear plastic pockets.

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Which ring binders are eco-friendly?

Kraft board is recyclable and used across our eco friendly range. The simple manufacturing process reduces the carbon footprint. Kraft Board is our number one choice of material, strong and sturdy with a high tear resistance. Its a fantastic choice when you need an eco-friendly option that looks great and is printable.

We also offer white binders and black binders in our everyday range. The vinyl material is up to 60% recycled content and is price comparable with our other ranges of vinyl. Toile Ocean is a bookcloth material used for paper over board products. Using mainly recycled ocean plastic waste, it is available in six colours.

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What are 3 ring binders used for?

Common in the US for letter filing. Originally invented by the German entrepreneur Friedrich Soennecken (according to Google). The ring binder offers a reusable open and closable mechanism to allow you to collect loose leaf pages together, similar to a book that would otherwise have to be bound together.

The advantage with the ring binder method is pages can easily be added or removed. Binder mechanisms come in many shapes, capacities, and styles.

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What is the biggest binder size?

The largest ring binder manufactured was by a US company which measured 155cm x 113cm when closed. The ring binder wasn’t just a gimmick but created to hold oversized technical drawings.

Our largest ring binders we manufacture are oversized A3 landscape ring binders, which are slightly larger than a standard A3 ring binder.

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What size binders do you make?

The most popular size is the A4 ring binder. We also make mini A6 binders and small A5 binders and large A3 ring binders. With the largest range of custom ring binders available, whether its a presentation binder or heavy duty binder, we can manufacture to an exact size to match your specifications.

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What can I do with old ring binders?

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

Plastic binders & PVC 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 ring 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 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.