Indestructible Binder

All of my binders end up getting trashed sooner or later. Carrying around 2+ text books and 2+ binders every hour of the day is a great way to wear out book bags and school supplies.  Usually, my binders start tearing along the seams and I have to duct tape them back together.
I got a really nice 1.5" binder with locking rings that are very durable.  The problem was that the front and back were tearing off and the duct tape was peeling as well.

I decided to step up DIY and use metal to fix my beloved supply binder. Here is the design I came up with, I hope you enjoy!
Please rate, comment, subscribe, and vote for me in the Back to School Contest!

EDIT: Thanks, Instructables, for featuring my creation and giving me a 3 month pro membership. You guys rock!

Step 1 Materials/Supplies

One reason why I wanted to make a metal binder is because I have too much sheet aluminum.
My teacher found out that I like to make stuff and she obtained a bunch of sheet aluminum for free.

Anyways, here is what I used. It helps to have a workplace:

Materials:
~Sheet Aluminum
~Fake Leather
~Rivets
~Bolts and Nuts
~an old binder with good, sturdy rings

Tools:
~Rivet Gun
~Tin Snips
~Drill and bits
~Permanent Marker
~Rubber mallet and center punch
~Ruler
~Dremel with metal cutting disk

Comments

[urtlesquirt]

Nothing is indestructable! (If you have access to c4)

[cowscankill]

At its time, the Guren MK V was, and so was the Avalon.

[urtlesquirt]

Noooo ,not unless you use alchemy on them... ;)

[lkuziez9680]

it looks great but what will you do if it rusts

[cowscankill]

Can't rust, it's aluminum.

[lkuziez9680]

i must have misread it and mistaken it for something else

[15zhangfra]

how heavy is this binder? i'd like to have one of these as my binders don't last very long as well, but i don't want to add anymore weight to my backpack, which is already wayyyy too heavy (i'm pretty small, which doesn't help the load).

[cowscankill]

About normal, since it is aluminum. I still have it, works fine.

[David-Yezbak]

awesome i need one of these my math binder always gets trashed but curiously only my math binder oh i know boring math + doodles+no paper=broken binder thanx

[Hibatchi cow]

thanks... im gonna make this. Four binders is just too much to pay for....

[cowscankill]

Suggestion though would be to use metal hinges instead. Even though the cloth on my binder is still holding, it doesn't keep the metal panels from warping slightly.

[mich153]

we made this in school in year eight... but with proper hinge things...

[hawkeye.tech]

If you could get leather and brass materials it would look very 'Steampunk'. Another idea I had while looking was wrapping a strip of leather all around the outside edges. This would make it more hand-friendly.
It looks cool though, will probably last long past the time when you decide to make a new version.

[stuntkid223]

Great instructable. I think this is a really good idea. I too am tired of buying new binders and trying to duct tape my old binders. I might make one of these but with 1/8'' birch finishing plywood and piano hinges .

[Kai SaerPren]

i was actually surprised that you didn't use piano hinges for the ,well, hinges
K
if your leatherette hinges wear out try piano hinges, comes in lengths 3' long and more, cut to length with hack saw, pop rivet on.

[cowscankill]

Hmm, never heard of them. Thanks for the tip, I'll look them up sometime.

[(YOUR N]

Pkgkj

[(YOUR N]

I like dis so much I started thowing bits of sharp metal at my self and poking myself with a knife ouch

[airsoftsniper12]

Congrats!! When I saw yours i knew that it would win. Its a very cool idea that i may try if i can find the materials

[cowscankill]

Thanks :D

[cowscankill]

Voting has started everyone, I appreciate the help!

[soundmotor]

Nicely done! I like the leather hinges, very clever, silent, & durable. It also looks like you rounded all the corners of the aluminum so they don't snag or cut through a backpack. Great extra step.

[cowscankill]

Thanks for the support! I appreciate you vote :D

[dianaw]

You know, I haven't had my coffee yet and so I must be blinded but I can't figure out how to vote- HELP!

[cowscankill]

Don't worry! Voting starts tomorrow (Monday) and usually there is a large "vote" button at the top of the webpage. Thanks for the support :D

[smash10101]

nice i'ble but I got an other question, how thick of aluminum did you use? Also, where can you buy it

[dianaw]

Hi Smash10101
you can gewt aluminum sheeting in places like Lowes and home depot-
I've seen it in some craft places like Michaels and AC Moore-
Online- under different categories- jewelry making for one along with "aluminum flashing" might help "Metalipherous (sp) Is a great source for all kinds of sheet metal. You can probably even get it in the size you want so won't have to cut.

Also ebay and sometimes craigslist under "materials."
Hope this helps.

[cowscankill]

I didn't buy the aluminum, it was trash, so I have no idea.

[smash10101]

could you estimate of measure it maybe, like was it as think as the ave. clipboard? or a cheap plastic binder?

[cowscankill]

Hmmm... maybe half the thickness.

[thepiercedweirdo]

I dig it.

[cowscankill]

Thanks!

[smash10101]

how did you make the fake leather?

[sleeepy2]

Plastic cows.

[smash10101]

NVM found a vid, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLRSy2-gfhg

[cowscankill]

Actually, that is my video... haha...

[smash10101]

yea, I noticed, nice job on it btw.

[djunk1541]

Do you think it is sturdy enough to shatter a zombie's skull? I mean in an emergency between reloads, not for constant use.

[prankster43709]

Hahahaha thats great

[AbstractDragon]

WIN.