Anyone here know how to repair a book?

Post by **MsMary** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 10:41 pm

I have an almost brand new hardcover textbook whose binding has opened up. The flyleaf/endsheet is in one piece, but it has separated from the book cover, so that the back cover of the book flaps free. I can see the binding tape and where it would attach to the cover, so I suspect that I could repair it myself, but I am not sure how to do it, what type of glue I would need, or whether I would need additional materials.

I suspect it would be more money than it's worth to take it to a professional bookbinder.

Anyone know anything about fixing books?

Post by **The Laughing Man** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 10:52 pm

send it back? do books have warranties?

Post by **Chrysalis** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:04 pm

If you can, take it back to where you got it for a replacement (depending just how new it is).

Otherwise you may find some help here:

www.tcpl.lib.in.us/tech/bookcare.htm

or

www.nla.gov.au/pres/conver/290596.html

Post by **MsMary** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:11 pm

I've only been using the book a few months, but I purchased it last August, so I don't think I would get anywhere with sending it back. I've thought about complaining to the publisher, but I doubt it would get me anywhere. I have two previous editions of this book, published by the same publisher and subject to the same handling, and this has never happened to me.

Post by **MsMary** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:16 pm

Chrysalis wrote:If you can, take it back to where you got it for a replacement (depending just how new it is).

Otherwise you may find some help here:

www.tcpl.lib.in.us/tech/bookcare.htm

or

www.nla.gov.au/pres/conver/290596.html

Thanks for the links, but they don't seem to have the type of info I need.

Post by **Chrysalis** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:44 pm

Sorry they didn't help much. I checked a few of them myself after I posted and realised they were aimed at restoration of old bindings etc.

I hate to say it but they don't make books like they used to. Many of the new books we receive at work don't last more than 3 reads before pages come loose etc.

I hope you manage to salvage it!

Post by **MsMary** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:47 pm

I tried writing to the publisher to complain. I have bought a lot of their books in the past, as they publish many books in my field. I put all my credential initials after my name.

Let's see if it works.

Otherwise, I will have to get the right type of tape and glue or whatever to fix it. So if anyone has the info, please let me know.

Post by **thefirst** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:56 pm

Good luck MsMary!

Post by **Infelice** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 12:51 am

Does this help? www.wikihow.com/Repair-a-Book's-Binding

Copy the link and paste it in your browser... the link doesnt work right as it is.

Post by **MsMary** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 4:40 am

Infelice wrote:Does this help? www.wikihow.com/Repair-a-Book's-Binding

Copy the link and paste it in your browser... the link doesnt work right as it is.

Yup, that link might be helpful. I am also consulting with a family member who seems to know something about it. I thought she might, but I didn't know for certain till I asked.

Post by **MsMary** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 4:41 am

sgt spam wrote:

Flocons Nacrés ou Boucles de Fruit ?

Sarge? That you?

Post by **sgt.null** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 5:37 am

no.

julie is getting someone to repair a collection of Lindsey Vachel poems for me. good luck ms.mary.

Post by **MsMary** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 6:40 am

Thanks.

Post by **Blackhawk** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:03 am

If the book is a collectable item my suggestion may ruin its value, if its a hard cover binding you can try using a hot glue gun to re connect it to the spine of the book..it may not be able to open and lay flat though depending what type of binding it was in the first place. but other than that i believe they use a similar compound.. or used to ..they may use some sort of double sided tape now.
just a suggestion.

good luck

Post by **balon!** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:06 am

I would suggest laying a thick layer of book glue (from any crafts shop), gluing the cover and the binding back together, and then using thick packing tape as a final seal.

Post by **MsMary** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:16 am

Yeah, seems like book glue is the way to go, Balon.

No, it's not a collectible, Blackhawk. Just a textbook. Probably will be updated in another year or several (this is the 3rd edition). But I need it to study and use it for reference in my work, so it would be easier to use if it's not falling apart.

Post by **balon!** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:18 am

MsMary wrote:Yeah, seems like book glue is the way to go, Balon.

Thats the thing I do to repair mine. I read HARD on my books. I've had to repair most of them at least once, if not more.

Post by **Avatar** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 9:10 am

I just use an ordinary domestic wood glue to stick the pages back to the binding, especially if the pages themselves are still joined together at the spine, and it's just the cover that's loose.

Coat the whole inside of the spine in a thin layer, seat the wad of pages against it with the cover closed, put a weight or clamp to hold the spine against the pages, and leave it for a day or two.

--A

Post by **Wyldewode** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 9:16 am

Balon wrote:
MsMary wrote:Yeah, seems like book glue is the way to go, Balon.
Thats the thing I do to repair mine. I read HARD on my books. I've had to repair most of them at least once, if not more.

Remind me not to lend you any of my books, friend!

Post by **balon!** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 9:19 am

Wyldewode wrote:
Balon wrote:
MsMary wrote:Yeah, seems like book glue is the way to go, Balon.
Thats the thing I do to repair mine. I read HARD on my books. I've had to repair most of them at least once, if not more.
Remind me not to lend you any of my books, friend!

Haha. My more favorite books I own, I have the original copy and a reading copy.

Kevin's Watch

Kevin's Watch

Anyone here know how to repair a book?

Anyone here know how to repair a book?