When you think of binding, what comes to mind? Perhaps you re thinking about plastic comb binding machines or a gadget such as the Powis Parker Fastback, which can produce bookstore quality documents. However, three ring binders are also a viable binding option and they re one of the easiest and cheapest binding methods around. All you need to get started are some three ring binders, your document, and a hole punch. You probably already have your binders picked out, but what about your three hole punch? This article will fill you in on what need to consider when buying a three hole punch for your office.
There are two types of hole punches: manual and electric. You ve probably used a manual punch at some point because they re in just about every high school classroom in America. They re definitely the most common type of hole punch and they also tend to be made with high quality parts and be reasonably priced, so they re definitely a good option. Electric hole punches can be easy to use and they can punch a lot of holes quickly, but they re more expensive than their manual counterparts. So you ll have to weigh your desire for speed with the limits of your budget. You want to make sure to get the most durable punch you can, so look for a punch that s made of metal, not plastic. It s especially important to get a punch that has steel dies, so you can get a clean punch every time.
Aside from price, punching capacity is the most important thing to consider when shopping for a three hole punch. Punching capacities can be anywhere from just a few sheets to 30 sheets or more. If you buy a punch that can only punch a few sheets at a time and you wind up needing to bind longer documents, you re going to get frustrated with your punch s capacity, so get a punch with the highest punching capacity possible.
Another factor to consider is if you want a punch that has adjustable punching heads. Punches with this feature allow you to punch both two hole and three hole patterns, which can be a nice option to have especially if you ll be working with non standard binders or need to punch documents for use with file folders. Also, if you re going to be doing a lot of punching, look for a punch that will let you replace the punching dies because they ll grow dull and won t be capable of punching anymore. If your punch doesn t let you replace the dies, you ll have to go out and buy a brand new punch so it makes financial sense to invest in a punch with replaceable dies in the first place.
There are other things you might want to think about when buying your punch, such as brand name, color, and size. However, the factors listed in this article are the most important things you need to consider when buying a three hole punch. Now that you know what to look for when buying a three hole punch, get one today and punching today!
Author Resource:
Jeff McRitchie is the designer and Director of Marketing for http://www.mybinding.com .He has written over 500 articles on binding machines,binding covers,binders,laminators,binding supplies,laminating supplies,paper handling equipments,index tabs, and shredders.