Binder Edge

I've switched to using the Staples Better Binder. I may do a "mini-review" of the binder at some point. There are things to like and not like. One of the things I like about it, is how you can label the spine.

Here's a picture of my Ukraine spine:

I'd like to see or hear a little more about the Staples binder, i.e. cost, three hole loose leaf, potential capacity, slip cases available?

Thanks.

Don

Definitely no slip case available. I'll try and write something up today.

I once had about 30 of them for my collection. I switched to Vario G binders because the Staples binders are too flexible (both the covers themselves and the way the covers join the spine) and thus when full, the weight of the pages causes them to lean to one side. This is partly also the result of placing the ring-spine on one of the side covers rather than on the spine. Since my Vario G binders are all slipcased, the slipcase helps keep them upright even though they too have the ring-spine apparatus on one of the side covers. But even without dustcases, the Vario G binders have much more rigid covers and joints.

Also, the Staples binders are made with a rubberized finish that keeps them from sliding easily in and out--they "catch" on the neighboring binder. Staples and similar binders might work better if you use the thinner sizes--1 inch or 1 1/2 perhaps.

I also think dustcases are important and most of the standard office binders do not have slip-/dust-cases. I suppose if you housed non-dust-cased binders in something like closed barrister cases the lack of dust-cases would not be a problem.

The binders are flexible, far more flexible than an Avery binder. But they're not vinyl covered cardboard.

Almost all binders these days use D-Rings mounted to the back of the binder instead of the spine. It prevents the sheets from moving when you close the binder.

Staples makes a Better Binder now with removable file rings. In theory, you could have sets of rings with sheets hanging in a closed file cabinet and snap in the rings you need into a binder when you want to mount/look at stamps. Don't know how practical it would be in the long run. Here's a video they made about it:

Yes, of course D-Rings are now standard, spine-rings rare. Vario G binders have the rings (U-Rings rather than D Rings, but not round rings) on the right cover (as seen when opened), like the Staples Better Binders and most other binders.

My point was not that D-Rings on the cover rather than spine are not good. It was that when attached to the cover, the weight of the paper bends the (too-flexible covered) binder to one side on the shelf even more so than with rings on the spine.

All binders of 2 or 3 inch width or larger will lean to one side because of the weight of the paper. But those with really stiff covers like the Vario G, do so less. THe dust-covers then add to the stability.

As I mentioned, if one uses narrow Staples Better Binders, the leaning is probably minimal. I was using almost entirely larger Staples Better Binders. But while using narrow binders may solve most of the leaning problem, one needs that many more binders to hold the same number of pages.

And the rubberized covers catching on neighboring binders is not characteristic of most smooth vinyl-covered office binders (Avery?) and remains an issue with the Staples binders, in my humble opinion.

But of course, to each his own. Just wanted to offer my two-cents from experience.

That's not your humble opinion. That's pretty much fact.

Staples has a "Back To School" edition of the Better Binder that has a pull hole on the front that might make it easier to slide the binders on and off the shelf. Here's a pic a I grabbed off of YouTube:



Each binder has it's pluses and minuses. Everyone needs to decide for themselves what works best.

I ordered some NakedBinders a few years ago, but had 2 major issues with them:

1. I hate the rings. They the old style zig-zag close, instead of the new style ball and socket.
2. The binder costs $7.00. The shipping to me is $9.00