Jeff McRitchie

Choosing A Three Ring Binder

Three ring binders are used in a wide variety of applications. You find them used in offices for presentations, archive storage, record keeping and more. Binders are even used at home to create custom cookbooks, store sheet music, and organize multiple schedules. Such a versatile item should be carefully chosen for the purpose at hand. Here are some tips to selecting the correct one for you.

Three ring binders are used in a wide variety of applications. You find them used in offices for presentations, archive storage, record keeping and more. Students use them to organize their papers and homework, present reports, and to keep class information in one place. Binders are even used at home to create custom cookbooks, store sheet music, and organize multiple schedules. Such a versatile item should be carefully chosen for the purpose at hand. Here are some tips to selecting the correct one for you.

1. Purpose. Binders are generally used for presentation, archival, or active reference purposes. Presentation binders are often only used once and therefore can be very basic economy models. Binders used for archiving will need to be sturdier in order to handle multiple uses over a long period of time. And active reference models are generally used regularly, often daily. This type of use will require a heavy duty binder.

2. Size. Most binders are designed for standard letter size documents. A few are extra wide to accommodate divider labels or oversize folders. Some are shaped for containing legal, half-letter, or 11" by 17" documents. Specialty sizes can be harder to find but are available. Make sure you get the right size for your purpose.

3. Color. Binders come in all sorts of colors, with the basics being black and white. Often this is simply a matter of preference. Presentation models can have a clear view front to give the audience a preview of the material inside. Clear view binders have a clear protective sheet cover that allows you to insert a custom page. Businesses often use these for presentations or promotional materials while students enjoy filling them with favorite pictures or artwork.

4. Width. School projects or quarterly reports don't usually require much space so it wouldn't make sense to use a two inch thick binder for these. At the same time, underestimating your needs can result in a overfull, hard to use binder. Knowing how many sheets you'll need to put in will help you choose the correct size.

5. Ring type. Rings can be either round or D shaped. Round rings aren't found in binders wider than three inches and work better with smaller quantities. D rings accommodate larger amounts of paper. Some binders are equipped with one touch closure, allowing you to secure your papers by simply pressing one ring instead of multiples.

6. Special features. Binders today go beyond the basic three rings. Often they have built in pockets in the front and back. Some have a built-in storage pocket for added convenience. There are models designed for multiple users that boast of protection against odor and stain-causing bacteria. Hanging storage binders fit neatly into a filing system. Avery even makes a double binder that can hold two separate projects together without mixing them. The possibilities are endless; if you have a special need, there is a binder for you.

7. Environmental concerns. With the green movement on the rise, more people are concerned with being environmentally friendly. If this is important to you, you'll be happy to know many binders are made with post-consumer content. Some come with removable rings and chipboard bases that come apart to be 100% recyclable.

These are just a few of the items that may affect your binder choice. Knowing what you need out of each of these points can help you narrow down the right product for you.

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