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Filofax-type ring mechanisms need tabs pressing to open, or they get damaged
ReplyDeleteCheap ring binders don't, and can be pulled open without damaging them
Does anyone know why the difference?
One possibility is that the two halves of the Filofax rings are built to press more tightly together, and the risk of damage from that level of resistance to opening necessitates the centralised (tab) mechanism?
ReplyDelete(I have found two-ring A4 binders to sometimes open accidentally from the weight of the pages. Never known that to happen with a Filofax, but of course the pages carried are often smaller and lighter.)
Interesting points gmax. Did wonder if the non tab mechanisms were brought out later than filofax ones, taking advantage of some kind of improvement in spring steel. Don't know the timeline for binder mechs though.
ReplyDeleteLooking at the 1937 catalogue, the Lefax binders, Filofax Pocket Books and Filofax Loose Leaf Ring Books look to have tabs, while the cheaper Students Ring Books don’t.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me think that tabbed rings are technically better at their job, but the extra complexity also carries a cost.
I've wondered about that as well! I think another difference is that normal ring binders are usually one step above disposable in the stationery world, like wallet folders made from cardstock, and it's not a tragedy if one breaks because they're not in the same higher price range either (that said, I never remember having one break on me, but I did accidentally damage my first Filofax by not using the tabs). Lever Arch files which have their own opening mechanism were, as I recall, preferred for long-term important storage back when most businesses kept paper files which needed to be kept in good order for several years. Maybe the larger rings confer some mechanical advantage?
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