Ring Binder and Lever Arch Mechanism Guide
What Binder Sizes Are Available?
The largest mechanism, on the far left hand side of the picture, has a 10cm capacity, the smallest on the right has a 2.5cm capacity. To put this in more meaningful context, the lever arch mechanism in the middle (which is a standard lever arch mechanism) has a 4.5mm capacity.
What Do You Mean By Capacity?
How much the binder can take measured in centimetres. The size of the binder (e.g. 4cm) doesn't refer to the physical height of the mechanism but the height of the vertical length of the binder before it starts to curve round at the top.
We refer to each mechanism by size and type, for example a '4cm D Ring Binder'. This gives you an idea, when ordering, which size binder mechanism you need depending upon the volume being put in the binder.
How Do I Know What Size Binder I Will Need?
The size of binder that you require depends on the height of the stack of pages that you are going to put into it. If you are using page protectors, you also need to take account of the number of pages in each one and the weight of paper you are using.
As an approximation the 6.5cm mechanism will hold comfortably around 100 page protectors if using standard 80gsm paper.
If you can stack the pages and measure them, this is the best way to decide on the binder that you need.
What Binder Mechanisms Are Available?
'D' Ring Binder
Ideal for back cover mounted portfolios as well as box binders. 2 ring, 3 ring and 4 ring available.
Capacity sizes :
2 cm - ex stock (chrome)
4 cm - ex stock (chrome)
5 cm - ex stock (black & chrome)
6.5 cm - ex stock (black & chrome)


'Q' Ring Binder
Available in 2 ring and 4 ring only. Ideal for larger capacity ring binders.
Capacity sizes :
2 cm - to order (chrome)
4 cm - to order (chrome)
5 cm - to order (chrome)
6 cm - ex stock (chrome)
8 cm - ex stock (chrome)
10 cm - ex stock (chrome)


'O' Ring Binder
Available in chrome only, but in 2 ring, 3 ring and 4 ring mechanisms. Thsi style of mechanism is fixed to the spine so the rivets will show on the spine as opposed to the D ring, where the rivets are on the back,
Capacity sizes :
2 cm - ex stock
Most interval sizes from 1.5 cm up to 6 cm. Tell us what you require and we will try to accommodate it.


Lever Arch Binder
Traditional lever arch binder mechanisms available in chrome only and comes with a tensioner bar :
3.5 cm - to order
5.5 cm - ex stock
6.5 cm - ex stock
The capacity sizes are measured up to the bend underneath the opening.

Black Binder Mechanisms
Binder Mechanisms can be powder coated in a matt black to order. There will be a surcharge of £10 for this.
What Style of Portfolio Can Have a Ring Binder or Lever Arch Mechanism?
Custom Ring Binder Portfolios, the full leather portfolio and the clam shell boxes, can have any binder mechanism placed in them.
How Strong Are They?
As a manufacturer of premium bespoke portfolios and binders we have endeavoured to source what we believe are the finest mechanisms on the market. The brand is Benson which have now been amalgamated into Ring Alliance.
Ring Alliance's website can be found here. If there is a particular size you would like, please have a look at their website and ask us to quote based on their reference.
Can You Make Custom U.S. 3 Ring Binders?
In a single word, yes. As you can see from the photo at the top of the page, our stock of 3 ring mechanisms is limited to the size we get asked for the most, but our supplier has a large range of 3 ring mechanisms, so ask and we will aim to get it for you. Their American 3 ring pages can be found here for D ring.
Ordering a custom made ring binder can be done here on our ring binders collection page