Best Binding Machine for Homeschool in 2025

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Homeschooling can be a bit more complicated than some might think, especially with all the materials you have to print and handle. The good thing is that there are tools that can make your life a lot easier, like a binding machine.

The best binding machine for homeschool applications can help you create workbooks quickly. In fact, you won’t even have to leave the house to get it done.

You’ll find plenty of brands and models to choose from, so picking just one can be a bit overwhelming. To help you make the right decision, here’s a rundown of today’s top binding machines for home use:

Comparison Chart

41HXsqMsu9L. SL500
TIANSE Binding Machine, 21-Holes, 450 Sheets, Comb Binding Machines with Starter Kit 100 PCS 3/8” Comb Bind Spines, Comb Binder Machine Book Maker Perfect for Letter Size, A4, A5 or Smaller Sizes
41+p16bFQOL. SL500
TruBind Coil Binding Machine – Manual Round Hole Punch – Adjustable Side Margin – 4 to 1 Pitch – 20 Sheet Punch Capacity
41PwILfu yL. SL500
Fellowes Thermal Binding Machine, Helios 60, Platinum/Graphite (5219501)
41OH3TDOB2L. SL500
PrintFinish Coilbind S-15 with Electric Coil Inserter Manual Coil Punch & Binding Machine Pitch 4:1 – Professionally Bind Presentations and Documents – Printfinish – Strong and durable machine
31ZRPOQVAoS. SL500
GBC Binding Machine, Manual 200 Sheet Binding Capacity, Electric Punches 24 Sheets, VeloBind V110E (7704260)
41wiz7zHL2L. SL500
MAKEASY Comb Binding Machine, 21-Hole, 450 Sheet, Paper Punch Binder with Starter Kit 100 PCS 3/8” PVC Comb Bindings, Comb Binding Machine for Letter Size / A4 / A5
4188F+qKq0L. SL500
OFFNOVA Binding Machine, 21-Hole 450 Sheets Paper Comb Punch Binder Machine for Letter Size / A4 / A5, Easy to Punch Handle, Adjustable Margin

Best Binding Machine for Homeschool Reviews

1. TIANSE BM-1245, 21 Holes, 450 Sheets

41HXsqMsu9L. SL500

Guangzhou Sanheng Information Technology Co., Ltd. is an international company that manufactures printer consumables and office equipment. TIANSE is one of its main brands, and it specializes in office supplies.

Launched in 2014, TIANSE has a wide range of 3D printer filaments, office stationery, office equipment, and other products. The 21-hole BM-1245 is its entry-level offering for the binding machine category, designed for maximum portability within a workspace.

Product Highlights

The BM-1245 is a popular choice among home-based employees, homeschoolers, and even crafters, and it is easy to see why. It is a lightweight piece of equipment that is very easy to handle, even if you don’t have much experience with using binding equipment.

This comb-type machine is far from being flimsy. It has a solid metal housing, a high-leverage punching arm, and non-slip feet. With all its features, you can easily create professional-looking workbooks from the comfort of your own home.

You can use this machine to punch up to 12 pages and bind up to 450 sheets in a few easy steps. Just align the pages until the edges are straight, press the punch lever all the way down, and then slip the comb in.

The BM-1245 is suitable for letter size, A4 size, and A5 size paper. You could also set its margin to 3mm, 4mm, or 5mm. On top of all these, it comes with an adjustable edge guide to help ensure all the pages are lined up perfectly.

Another thing we like about this machine is that it comes with a reasonable price tag. All in all, buying a BM-1245 is one of the best decisions you can make when it comes to your homeschooling efforts.

The Good

There are many things to like about the BM-1245 Binding Machine. However, what stands out the most is that it offers a lot of value for your money.

The Bad

One thing you need to consider before buying this machine is that it does not come with instructions. As such, you might have to look the process up on YouTube or try to figure it out on your own.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and easy to move
  • Easy to operate
  • Very affordable
  • Has a sturdy construction

Cons:

  • Does not come with instructions
  • Does not hold trash

2. TruBind TB-S20 Coil Binding Machine

41+p16bFQOL. SL500

As its name implies, TruBind specializes in products that have to do with binding. It manufactures binding machines, spines, covers, and everything in between.

The TB-S20 is a mid-tier offering and one of the most popular models from its line of spiral coil binding machines. If you are looking for a piece of heavy-duty equipment to meet your homeschooling needs, this machine is for you.

Product Highlights

The TB-S20 is one of the more expensive models of binding machines, but many people still buy it. That is because with its heftier price tag comes a high-quality performance that is hard to match.

This coil-type binding machine can help you create professional-looking workbooks that your kids would find interesting. It will also come in handy if you work from home and need to prepare stack after stack of documents.

Each product package even comes with a crimping tool, which is very helpful in securing the spine of your workbook. Plus, the full handlebar is designed to be operated by either hand, making it easier to apply steady pressure as you punch holes into 20 sheets of paper at a time.

The TB-S20 uses plastic binding coils with a 4:1 pitch. You can insert it quickly by twisting the coil into the pages by hand. You could also set the margin to 2.5mm, 4.5mm, or 6.5mm, depending on where you want to punch the holes.

Another thing you should know about this unit is that it features an open-throat design. This means you can insert even large and non-standard-sized pages, which comes in handy when doing unique projects.

The Good

The best thing about the TB-S20 is that it allows you to make workbooks that look like they were bound by professionals. It comes with a crimping tool and can handle pages of large sizes.

The Bad

The TB-S20 is quite expensive, especially if you compare it to the likes of the TIANSE BM-1245. Nevertheless, it is a great option if you are looking for a heavy-duty binding machine.

Pros:

  • Punches holes in 20 sheets at a time
  • Can be operated with either hand
  • Accommodates large-sized pages

Con:

  • More expensive than some brands

3. Fellowes Helios 60 Thermal Binding Machine

41PwILfu yL. SL500

Fellowes Brands is a family-owned business that has been around since 1917. Today, it has a lot of subsidiaries that offer different kinds of workplace solutions, including Fellowes.

Fellowes focuses on business machines that can make both work and school easier. Its product portfolio includes air purifiers, shredders, workstations, and of course, binding and stapling solutions.

The Helios 60 is one of its entry-level binding machines. It is portable enough for homeschooling applications but can also hold its own in a large office.

Product Highlights

The Helios 60 is a thermal binding machine that can stand up to frequent and heavy use. If your homeschooling curriculum requires you to create lots of workbooks and other materials, you should seriously consider this machine.

You can use the Helios 60 to bind up to 600 pages in a single step and in no time at all. Just give it four minutes to heat up and another one to three minutes for the thermal binding cycle, and you’re done.

Another helpful feature that makes the Helios 60 a joy to operate is the auto document thickness detector. Basically, it tells you what thermal binding setting to use based on what material you are handling.

This function takes the guesswork out of the whole process, allowing you to achieve the best results with each and every workbook.

When it comes to safety, the Helios 60’s HeatShield technology has got you covered. It is a barrier that prevents contact with the heating plate, which is great if you are homeschooling young kids.

On top of this, the unit has an auto-shutoff feature that will prevent overheating. So, once you are done using it, you can just fold it flat and store it somewhere safe.

The Good

The Helios 60 is a premium binding machine that can make quick work of heavy binding tasks. You can use it to attach 600 pages together within a few minutes and with little effort.

The Bad

All of the advanced features of the Helios 60 come at a price, although it is far from being one of the most expensive models in the market today.

Pros:

  • Capable of heavy-duty performance
  • Binds entire workbooks within minutes
  • Safe to operate
  • Easy to use

Con:

  • More expensive than some brands

4. PrintFinish Coilbind S-15 With Electric Coil Inserter

41OH3TDOB2L. SL500

PrintFinish is under the Printer’s Parts and Equipment company, known worldwide for its high-quality graphics art equipment.

It has been producing some of the most popular wide-format printers, cutting machines, lithographic presses, and other similar products for almost 50 years.

The Coilbind S-15 is a mid-tier offering and part of its impressive selection of binding machines. If you are looking to strike a healthy balance between cost and performance, this is the binding machine to get.

Product Highlights

If your child’s homeschooling curriculum is not too demanding printing-wise, then the Coilbind S-15 might just be what you’re looking for.

It is powerful enough to punch holes through 12 sheets of paper or bind 500 pages in one go, which is quite decent for a binding machine. Moreover, it has a lightweight design and won’t look out of place in a homeschooling or home-based work environment.

The unit comes with a full handlebar, making it easy to operate whether you’re left- or right-handed. It also includes a free crimper to prevent the coil spines from slipping off of your workbook.

The Coilbind S-15 uses a 4:1 pitch, which means it makes four holes for every inch of spine length. It makes round holes, and you can insert plastic binding coils through them by hand or using an electric coil roller. You will find this spinning roller at the top of the machine.

There are three different margin settings for you to choose from: 2.5mm, 4.5mm, and 6.5mm. You can adjust this using a knob on the left side of the unit. Finally, you’ll have a maximum binding width of 11.8 inches, more than enough to work with for homeschooling workbooks.

The Good

The great thing about the Coilbind S-15 is that it is just the right size for most homeschooling applications. It will help you organize your educational materials without taking up too much space.

The Bad

Like some of today’s binding machines, this product does not come with instructions. You have to do a bit of research or do some practice binds to get it right.

Pros:

  • Has a high capacity for its size
  • Can be operated with either hand
  • Great value for money
  • Can bind almost any size of document

Con:

  • No instructions for operation

5. GBC V110E, Manual 200 Sheet Binding

31ZRPOQVAoS. SL500

General Binding Corporation, or GBC, was founded way back in 1947. It was the first to introduce the electric desktop mechanical binding punch in 1961 and the tabletop laminator in 1966.

With such an impressive track record, it is no wonder that GBC is one of the most trusted names today when it comes to branded office products. The V110E is one of its entry-level binding machines, suitable for both home and professional applications.

Product Highlights

The V110E is designed to meet the most challenging binding needs, whether for homeschooling or business. What makes it unique from all the other models so far is that it provides a secure, flat binding for your workbooks.

One key advantage that this binding method has over the others is that it allows you to stack your workbooks neatly. Yet, you could still lay them completely flat when you open them.

If you find yourself always pressed for time juggling different tasks at home, the V110E would be a great option for you. It can cut through 24 pages neatly with a push of a button and has no problems binding up to 200 sheets of paper.

Another thing to like about the V110E is that it is user-friendly. The controls are highly intuitive, and since it punches holes electronically, it requires very little effort from the user.

Each unit comes with a release knob that clears jams and an alignment guide to guarantee perfect punching with every workbook. It even allows you to add or remove pages without disrupting the entire binding process.

Finally, there is an extra opening where you can bind oversized documents.

The Good

One thing you will appreciate about the V110E is that it can make quick work of any binding task. As a result, you’ll have more time to do other things at home.

The Bad

Note that only the punching action is electronic, and you have to perform the binding process manually.

Pros:

  • Flat binding is good for stacking workbooks
  • Has a powerful electric punch
  • Easy to operate
  • Accommodates oversized documents

Con:

  • Manual binding process

6. MAKEASY Comb Binding Machine, 21 Holes, 450 Sheets

41wiz7zHL2L. SL500

MAKEASY is a relatively new company based in Manchester, but it is quickly making a name for itself. It currently has two binding machine models in the market, and the Single-Handle Comb Binding Machine is its entry-level product.

This machine is simple but effective, and it comes with a budget-friendly price tag. It is a great option if you are looking for a cost-effective binding solution for homeschooling.

Product Highlights

The MAKEASY Comb Binding Machine is lightweight and easy to handle, so it would make a great addition to your homeschooling tools. That said, it is tough enough to stand up to heavy use.

The machine features sturdy metal construction and an oiled cutting blade that helps preserve the punch die. However, you would have to use oil-removing paper for the first punch to prevent staining your workbooks.

This might be a bit inconvenient, but you’ll find that it is worth the effort once you see how it keeps the unit in great working condition. What’s more, the oil-removing paper is included in each product package.

Other than this, the MAKEASY binding machine is quite easy to use. The handle requires minimal force, and you can punch through 10 to 12 pages at a time. The feet are slip-resistant, maximizing the unit’s efficiency and safety.

You could also adjust the margin within a range of 3mm to 5mm and bind letter size, A4, and A5 paper. With this much flexibility, you can take on different types of projects for homeschooling. Lastly, an edge guide is built into the unit to ensure the accuracy of the punch function.

The Good

The best thing about the MAKEASY binding machine is its price. It is one of the more affordable units today but is also among the most reliable.

The Bad

This binding machine does not have a built-in mechanism for clearing jams. If it gets stuck, you will have to disassemble the unit to clear it. 

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • Simple but effective design
  • Has a sturdy construction
  • Can accommodate common page sizes

Con:

  • No mechanism for clearing jams

7. OFFNOVA Comb Binding Machine, 21 Holes, 450 Sheets

4188F+qKq0L. SL500

Established in 2020, OFFNOVA is another relatively young company that quickly carved a space for itself in the office supplies and printing industry. Its signature products are heat transfer machines for packaging, but it also offers a couple of binding machine models.

The other one uses the spiral coil technique, while this one uses comb binding. It is one of the most affordable binding machines you will find today.

Product Highlights

The OFFNOVA Comb Binding Machine has a lot going for it, starting with its price. It boasts a very reasonable price tag and is slightly cheaper than the MAKEASY binding machine or the TIANSE BM-1245.

That said, it is no slouch when it comes to serving your binding needs for homeschooling. It has a cutting blade that is made using advanced technology, and its handle is curved so you can make the most out of the force you apply.

You could also use it to punch through 12 sheets of paper in one go. Plus, aligning the pages you want to punch or bind is a breeze, thanks to the positioning knob built into the unit. You can use it to line up a stack of A4, A5, or letter size paper.

Weighing only 6.4 pounds, the OFFNOVA binding machine is one of the lighter models you’ll come across. As such, you won’t have any problems taking it to any part of the house that is convenient for you.

The Good

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly binding machine that won’t let you down in terms of performance, this model is for you. It is cheaper than the TIANSE BM-1245 or the MAKEASY binding machine but can hold its own in a homeschooling setting.

The Bad

This product is a manual binding machine, so you would need to use some elbow grease to operate it.

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • Simple but effective
  • Lightweight and easy to handle

Con:

  • Requires some elbow grease

Buyer’s Guide

If you’re new to homeschooling, here is what you need to consider to find the best binding machine for homeschooling purposes:

1. Types of Binding Machines

The first decision you need to make is to choose what type of binding machine to get. Coil binding machines are very common, and they usually come with a pair of pliers to secure the end of the coil.

Instead of coil, wire binding machines use wires and can bind thicker workbooks, but you won’t be able to lay these documents flat. On the other hand, comb binding machines use a plastic comb to bind the pages together.

Thermal binding machines use heat to secure the workbook’s spine and are commonly used in busy offices. Finally, electric binding machines also use coils to bind the pages, but they are driven by electricity.

2. Thickness

Aside from the type of machine, you also need to consider the maximum thickness the machine can bind. This would depend on your homeschooling needs.

3. Use and Application

Depending on your project, you might need to bind standard-sized or bigger pages. You should also decide if you want to be able to lay the workbook flat or not. Once you determine your binding needs, you will have a better idea of what machine to get.

4. Easy To Use

If you are going to bind several stacks of workbooks, you should look for units that are easy to operate and work fast. There are machines that just punch holes and form spines, but more advanced units can do everything for you.

5. Durability

Whether you get an affordable or high-end binding machine, you would want to get your money’s worth. The only way for this to happen is if the unit lasts to serve you for a long time.

FAQs

1. Is spiral or comb binding better?

Each type of binding comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For instance, with comb binding, you could add or remove pages without damaging the workbook, which is something you cannot do with spiral binding.

Also, comb binding is generally more affordable, but coil binding is much more durable. 

2. Is thermal binding good?

Yes, thermal binding machines create the most professional-looking workbooks and offer a much faster binding process.

3. Is a binding machine needed for homeschooling?

It depends on the volume of the paper you print. Some prefer a soft copy of the curriculum, while others would rather have something they can hold and write notes on.

4. What is the safest binding method?

All binding types are pretty safe to use. Just make sure you follow the instructions when operating the machine.

Which Binding Machine Should You Choose?

Any of these models will meet your homeschooling needs, but we highly recommend the TIANSE BM-1245. It is affordable but performs and delivers as well as its more expensive counterparts.

Also, you could easily carry it from one part of the house to another, and you won’t have any problems finding a spot for it.

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