DIY Pocket Protector

Maybe I've spent too much time at Instructables World Headquarters, but I woke up this morning with a sudden urge to make myself a pocket protector.

Upon seeing how cool my pocket protector was, everyone else at Instructables requested that I make some for them.

In short, making your own pocket protector will turn you into a very popular person.

Disclaimer: Melting vinyl or plastic may be toxic and should be done in a well-ventilated area. Do this at your own risk.

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Step 1: Go get stuff

You will need...

Materials:
- a 3-ring binder with a vinyl cover (as pictured)
- or a vinyl term paper cover

Tools:
- a plastic bag sealer
- or a soldering iron and some wax paper

Optional:
- a laser cutter
- or ink jet printer

Jessie Marie says: Jan 2, 2013. 10:35 PM

This is awesome.

BobsDogHouse says: Jun 6, 2007. 11:04 AM

Aww... you didn't make it out of duct tape?

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randofo (author) in reply to BobsDogHouseJun 6, 2007. 12:47 PM

Duct tape is soooo over. Besides, gaffers tape is better for making stuff out of.

ElvenChild in reply to randofoDec 28, 2010. 11:38 AM

huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh? How dare you say that about duct tape oh wait that means more for me. My precious

bruce.cao says: Jan 12, 2009. 10:06 PM

hahaha I love this, thanks randofo!! I got me thinkin of making just a faux pocket protector and wear it as an ID Badge holder (around the neck style like my company likes) I'm sure I can find a way to get a clear side in the front somehow (clear vinyl binder + iron to melt it all into 1 piece?? idk) we'll have to see but thanks for the great idea!!

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randofo (author) in reply to bruce.caoJan 13, 2009. 11:40 AM

Just be careful when ironing it, heating vinyl can produce chlorine gas which can be lethal.

zieak says: Dec 12, 2008. 7:29 PM

Oh how i wish i had seen this before the "nerd rodeo" party i went to a few months back. Sigh. I had all the accessories except a pocket protector. If you think about it a nerd rodeo is about the best themed party that anyone ever thought of. I knew you'd agree.

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randofo (author) in reply to zieakDec 13, 2008. 4:11 PM

Nerd rodeo. That sounds pretty awesome. I wish I got invited to nerd rodeos. Was there a mechanical bull?

zieak in reply to randofoDec 13, 2008. 8:40 PM

Sadly, no. But they had a corn-on-the-cob eating contest.

Supercoke says: Dec 10, 2008. 5:56 PM

how do you use it in the printer?

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randofo (author) in reply to SupercokeDec 10, 2008. 6:40 PM

I would guess to print on it, you can cut it to an 8.5" x 11" sheet (the size of normal paper) and then play with your printer material settings and just try to send it through and see what happens.

ninja slacker says: Jul 9, 2007. 11:39 AM

pocket protectors are super hypo nerd.why would you not want one

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randofo (author) in reply to ninja slackerJul 9, 2007. 12:05 PM

because they're awesome.

shammallamaman in reply to randofoJul 5, 2008. 1:42 PM

he said why would you NOT want one, so he was complimenting it, not insulting the project

johnpojman says: Nov 9, 2007. 4:26 AM

Great to see someone who values pocket protectors -- "the fasion accessory of the new millenium".
Check out the world's largest webseum of pocket protectors
http://pocketprotectors.info/