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Anyone here know how to repair a book?
Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 10:41 pm
by MsMary
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?
Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 10:52 pm
by The Laughing Man
send it back? do books have warranties?
Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:04 pm
by Chrysalis
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
Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:11 pm
by MsMary
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.
Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:16 pm
by MsMary
Thanks for the links, but they don't seem to have the type of info I need.
Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:44 pm
by Chrysalis
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!
Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:47 pm
by MsMary
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.
Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:56 pm
by thefirst
Good luck MsMary!
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 12:51 am
by Infelice
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.
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 4:40 am
by MsMary
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.
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 4:41 am
by MsMary
sgt spam wrote:
Flocons Nacrés ou Boucles de Fruit ?
Sarge? That you?
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 5:37 am
by sgt.null
no.
julie is getting someone to repair a collection of Lindsey Vachel poems for me. good luck ms.mary.
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 6:40 am
by MsMary
Thanks.
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:03 am
by Blackhawk
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
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:06 am
by balon!
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.
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:16 am
by MsMary
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.
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:18 am
by balon!
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.
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 9:10 am
by Avatar
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
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 9:16 am
by Wyldewode
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!
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 9:19 am
by balon!
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.
