A4 file too small for docs in polypockets

[shivvy]

Not sure if this is the best place for this question but couldn't think where else to put it.

I am trying to make a file of information in an ordinary A4 file but want all the pages to be in polypockets. However I have found that when I put them in the pockets, it pushes them out past the edge of the file when I close it. I presume that the problem wouldn't arise if I used a lever arch file but I don't have to insert many pages so didn't want to use something so big.
Is there an obvious solution to this problem?
Thanks

[saxy_jag]

Common problem, I'm afraid, because of course, the plastic strip with the holes adds extra width to the pages. You could possibly get around it with a lever arch binder, although as you say, even the thinner ones are quite thick.

Have you thought instead of using a display book? You can get them in various thicknesses and they're a little neater as well.

[mollykins]

some of the clear pockets you get are a4 size and some fit a4 paper inside, unfortunately.

[shivvy]

saxy - I thought lever arch were all the same size. Do you know what is the thinnest you can get? I considered a display book but I will need to insert pages in between others at regular intervals so all the reshuffling would be a nightmare!

mollykins - so if I got the A4 size polypockets I presume I would need to trim the pages to fit the smaller pocket size? If so the this should work shouldn't it?

[marwel7]

You need an A4 presentation binder.You can get them from Rymans and Staples.The one I have with me is a 4 ring,is labelled 25mm capacity (spine depth) and the front and back covers are 27cm X 32cm.I tested it with an A4 polypocket and it fits with no overhang.I think the secret is that it has D rings mounted in the back cover rather than round mounted on the spine.I think they do them in three different spine depths.

[saxy_jag]

I'm not sure where you'd get them from, shivvy. You'd need to look around. I only know I've got a couple that are about an inch or so thick, but I've had them for a few years and I can't remember where I got them from.

I have found these: http://www.glsed.co.u...6+FILES&catRef=314554 . You may want to search for something similar, although this one isn't cheap. I have seen others around at less than that, just can't remember where. I think they're fairly common, though.

I don't think you can get A4 sized plastic wallets that integrate the hole strip into the A4 dimensions. That would somewhat defeat the object, because you can't readily get the paper that would fit them, unless you used foolscap, which is narrower, but also longer.

I'm still wondering whether a display book/presentation binder wouldn't be your best option.

[shivvy]

That is useful info marwel7 - thanks.

saxy - are the pages not fixed in a display/presentation file? I will need to insert pages in between others so it would be awkward if I had to move all the rest of the pages to make room for a new one.

[boxtops]

I have this problem especially since I sometimes need to put tabbed dividers in between the polypockets - I've not yet found a divider which is bigger than A4 with a tab so that the tabs stick out beyond the polypockers. Like shivvy I don't want fixed pockets as I regularly have new information to place in between the pockets.

[boxtops]

...or even polypockets ... actually I quite like the sound of polypockers but that could be something else entirely!

[shivvy]

Yes boxtop that is my problem.
I wanted to use dividers too so I have had to put them in polypockets too so that they dont get lost in between the other pages. I had to cut a little hole in the side of the polypocket so that the tab could stick out!!

[sophie_1003]

Can you get a file to fit foolscap paper, that might work?

[Vagrant]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think the binders mentioned above by saxy_jag are extra wide across the spine - i.e. they hold a lot of A4 sheets, they don't hold paper bigger than A4.

It's fairly easy to make a binder - here's the general idea:
http://www.instructables.com/id/PCB-Binder/

[saxy_jag]

The ones I mentioned state that they are wide enough to fit punched pockets. They are only thin, plastic folders - not ring binders. As I said, I've seen extra wide ring binders in the past, so I know they're available, but can't remember where.

At work, we have foolscap sized lever arch binders and they take polypockets comfortably. Lever arches seem to be the only type of file that comes in a foolscap size, however.

[saxy_jag]

What about something like this:
http://www.internet-s...ptype=3&searchstring=
It's maybe a little thicker than you want at 40mm, but it is extra wide to accommodate polypockets.

[shivvy]

OK, problem solved -ish!
I ended up buying a lever arch file with extra wide dividers. Works ok.
I can't believe that there aren't thousands of kids up and down the country who don't have the same problem? Maybe there are? Gap in the market for all you entrepreneurial types!