There are a number of repairs you can do to help lengthen the life of your favourite books, and like any trade, there are a myriad of terms and tools that you don’t come across every day.
To help you through this maze, I have listed here (with links) all the information on this site that I have categorised as Book Repair Basics. It covers everything from how to decide if you should repair your book, what tools you might need to step by step instructions for simple repair tasks.
Hinging In Detached Pages
Hinging-in is generally used when the text block is sewn and the pages open flat, or when reattaching a plate that ...
Hinging In Multiple Pages
The exact number of pages that can be successfully hinged-in will vary from book to book. Remember, when pages are hinged-in, ...
Hinging In Plates or Illustration Pages
Plates (illustration pages) can be attached to a text block in several ways. Some plates are printed on folded sheets ...
How to Make a Four Flap Wrapper
Wrappers and boxes are other ways to protect books on the shelf. In a general library collection, they might be used ...
How to Make a Punch Hole Jig
Punching sewing holes in folded signatures can be tricky. Using a punching jig and a signature punching cradle (instructions in ...
How to Make Clam Shell Book Boxes
A simple corrugated clam shell box can be constructed from a sheet of single wall acid-free corrugated board. These boxes are faster to ...
How To Measure a Book
Measuring books accurately can be a challenge since books are not always square or flat. It’s standard practice in book ...
How to Remove Paperclips
Staples and paper clips need to be removed when they are rusty, when pages are photocopied or sewn into a pamphlet ...
How to Remove Staples
Staples and paper clips need to be removed when they are rusty, when pages are photocopied or sewn into a pamphlet ...
How to Test for Grain in Paper or Book Cloth
All paper and book cloth has a dominate grain. It's important to know the grain direction before you start your ...
Is My Book Worth Repairing?
To Repair or Not? Before you rush in and prepare to work on repairing your book, ask yourself a few ...
Japanese Repair Tissue
Japanese repair tissue is sometimes called “rice” paper, but this thin paper is made from the fibers of the mulberry ...
Planning and Preparation
Which repair method should I use?
Designing specific book repair work
How to test for grain in paper or book cloth
Book repair thread | Linen thread
Preparing thread for book repairs
Techniques and Methods
Clear plastic tape (sticky tape)
Replacing missing book corners
How to make clam shell book boxes
How to make a four flap wrapper
Binding pamphlets and booklets
Reinforcing spiral bound books
If the specific technique or problem you want is not listed here, please check both the Hardcover and Paperback Book Repair pages for more techniques that are designed for these types of books.
