Repairing Guides

how to repair the spine of a hardcover book

by Prof. Devante Leannon Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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To Repair a Broken Cover

  • Brace the book with weights so that the spine is horizontal to the table. (You want to be able to work on the length of the spine.)
  • Cut a piece of tape the length of the book.
  • Center your tape on the spine if your book and gently wrap it over the spine.
  • For additional support, follow the above instructions for repairing a sagging book block above.

Full Answer

How do you read a book without bending the spine?

with one hand use just your thumb and forefinger to pinch the middle of the binding closed so it can’t get damaged. with the other hand part the pages no more than 2–3 inches, and as you read rotate the book as needed to peer into its depths without opening it fully.

How to break a book spine?

Things You'll Need

  • Utility knife or razor blade
  • Tweezers
  • Needle nose pliers

What is the best glue for a book repair?

Top 7 Best Glue for Book Binding 2021

  1. Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy. You can’t tell me that you haven’t heard of this brand name before. ...
  2. Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive. Lineco is surely a brand that most people do not hear much about. ...
  3. Gane Yes Paste All-Purpose Stik Flat Glue. ...
  4. Books by Hand pH Neutral PVA Adhesive. ...
  5. Mont Marte PVA Glue Craft Glue. ...
  6. Mash Bookbinding Tape. ...
  7. Patco Archival Book Repair Tape. ...

Where can I get a book Rebound?

These include:

  • Family bibles
  • Antiquarian leather / cloth books
  • Heirloom books
  • Masonic Lodge Bible Specialists
  • Family trees
  • Pilot Log Books
  • Journals
  • Cemetery books
  • Old Children’s Books
  • Registers

More items...

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How do I fix my hardcover spine?

Use fine sandpaper to even pages after repairing spines. If you have a book that will not be kept forever and the spine breaks, I find that a hot glue gun can fix it in a hurry and get it back into circulation. If you want to keep the book, then use liquid plastic to hold it together.

How do you repair a damaged book spine?

Now you're ready to get started.Gather Supplies. ... Cut Your Binder Tape. ... Brush One Side of the Tape with Adhesive and Attach the Tape to the Text Block. ... Give the Adhesive Plenty of Time to Dry. ... Place Your Waxed Paper. ... Attach the Final Tab to the Cover. ... Keep the Book Tight with Rubber Bands and Let it Dry Overnight.

Can you fix a cracked spine on a book?

In general, book spine repair tape can seal any cracks that might have appeared on the spine. If the pages of a hardcover book have separated from the spine, first use glue to reattach them. Let the glue dry for about a day, and then seal the repair with an outer layer of tape.

How do you put a spine back in a book?

24:1330:01Book Repair on a Budget: Spine Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I have these little tabs. So the way that we're going to deal with those I'm gonna fold thisMoreAnd I have these little tabs. So the way that we're going to deal with those I'm gonna fold this over so I don't get glue where I don't want it I'm going to hold on to the text block. And let the

How do you reinforce a book spine?

2:199:18How To Reinforce A Book Spine To Make Junk Journals - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat I do is. I have my piece and I put glue on the inside of the spine. Only on the book and then IMoreWhat I do is. I have my piece and I put glue on the inside of the spine. Only on the book and then I Center my piece. And I glue it in just on the spine.

What glue is best for repairing books?

Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) Glue For bookbinding or repairing books, the best glue for bookbinding is good PVA glue, not only is it very effective, but it can also be found in any craft or art supply store.

How do you Uncrack a book spine?

0:111:44How to Avoid Cracking the Spine of a Book. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then you take the outer bits. Yep I work in publishing. So the front of the back of the book andMoreAnd then you take the outer bits. Yep I work in publishing. So the front of the back of the book and you slowly bend. It down you take two or two pages.

How do I get my book restored?

5:347:42How 100-Year-Old Books Are Professionally Restored | RefurbishedYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to be gluing all of those materials you're going to glue that mull and that littleMoreYou're going to be gluing all of those materials you're going to glue that mull and that little hinge and you're gluing that decorative end sheet back and then you're going to close the cover.

How do you fix a peeling book cover?

0:332:22How to Fix Paperback Covers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace wax paper inside the front and back covers. Then use the paste brush to apply adhesive to theMorePlace wax paper inside the front and back covers. Then use the paste brush to apply adhesive to the spine of the book and replace the signatures. Wrap the book with an age band.

How do you straighten the spine of a book?

2:054:40Straightening Skewed Book Spines | Book Care 101 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd sort of straight note I will then open the book a little bit and just listen for any faintMoreAnd sort of straight note I will then open the book a little bit and just listen for any faint crackling noises. And that cracking should just be the old glue of the binding. Sort of loosening.

How do you fix the spine of a paperback book?

How to Repair Paperback BooksRepair paper tears with clear document-repair tape. ... Reattach pages that have separated from the inner spine. ... Mend tears in the book cover with linen book-binding tape. ... Reattach the cover if it has separated from the spine.

How do you fix a book that has pages falling out?

3:595:17Book Repair on a Budget: Tipping in Loose Pages - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDon't know if you can see in the video the shiny edge where I've got just a thin band of glue there.MoreDon't know if you can see in the video the shiny edge where I've got just a thin band of glue there. The trick though for this is you want to make sure that you're lining up your page. And I'm going

How do I get my book restored?

5:347:42How 100-Year-Old Books Are Professionally Restored | RefurbishedYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to be gluing all of those materials you're going to glue that mull and that littleMoreYou're going to be gluing all of those materials you're going to glue that mull and that little hinge and you're gluing that decorative end sheet back and then you're going to close the cover.

How to repair a book spine?

After a book has already been damaged, do a little research about how to repair a book spine with the particular type of damage yours is facing, like peeling or detaching. Proper repair methods can help prevent further wear. In general, book repair tape can seal any cracks that might have appeared on the spine. If the pages of a hardcover book have separated from the spine, first use glue to reattach them. Let the glue dry for about a day, and then seal the repair with an outer layer of tape.

How does hinge tape work?

Using hinge tape extends the life of the spine by providing extra support each time the book is opened or closed. You can even apply book repair tape to the inside corners where the cover meets the first pages for added security.

How to repair a book that has separated from the spine?

If the pages of a hardcover book have separated from the spine, first use glue to reattach them. Let the glue dry for about a day, and then seal the repair with an outer layer of tape.

How many words are in a book if it's ripped?

Most novels today run between 280-320 pages. That usually means about 75,000 to 110,000 words, depending on font, page spacing, and the page size.

Can a cracked book spine be salvageable?

Eventually, a cracked book spine will begin to lose pages. If the issue isn't handled quickly and carefully, the book may not be salvageable. Whether you're a librarian, a teacher, or just a bibliophile, keep your books in good condition by following proper spine care.

Take Preventative Measures

Before we get into the different tips and tools for repairing book spines, you should make sure you take some preventative measures, so you never let a book get too deep in a hole with damage.

Try To Catch Damage Early

Another tip to maintain a collection of books is to try and detect damage as early as possible, so the book repair process is easier to handle. The best way to catch book damage is for there to be regular inspection and communication with the patrons who are using the books, so you can take the necessary steps and do so correctly.

Gather the Necessary Materials

When you do spot any damage to a book and repair is required, the first thing you should do is gather all the materials you will need. Especially for book spine repair, you will need to take care of the book’s hinge with the following supplies:

Book Spine Repair Steps

Now that you have all the supplies to repair a book’s spine, you can move onto the actual repair process. Follow these steps for book hinge repair:

Update from April 2021

This book repair tape can also protect new books that you know will be getting used every day, such as school books or books in your office. We have several articles and videos on the the best book repair process, but if you have specific questions give us a call at (800) 256-0435 and we will help you pick the best product for you!

How to close a gap in a book?

First, stand the book up and use your finger to open the gap between the spine and pages. Spread book adhesive around inside of the gap using a knitting needle, then lay the book flat and square the block of pages.

How to make a book with acid?

1. Purchase an acid-free book or binding glue. Most craft or hobby stores carry book or binding glue. It usually comes in a tall, thin tube. Make sure you purchase an acid-free glue: if you use a glue with acid in it, it can cause the pages of your book to disintegrate or eat away at the spine of the book. 2.

How to fix a book binding?

The best way to repair a book’s binding depends on what’s wrong with it. If pages have fallen out of your book, you can use an acid-free book or binding glue to reattach them. Remove the loose pages and spread a thin layer of glue over the spine using a popsicle stick.

How to fix a book that has come loose?

It easier than you think to repair your book! Using a book or binding glue can help you reattach pages that have come loose from the book. You can also use that glue to tighten up any space that has appeared between the text block – the chunk of pages that make up your book – and the spine of the book.

How to fix a hinge that is still clinging to the book?

Cut away any threads or loose paper so that the text block is even and clean. 2. Cut a piece of single-stitched binder tape.

What do you need to make a spine?

1. Gather your equipment. You’ll need book adhesive, knitting needles or plastic rods (for applying the adhesive), wax paper, and a piece of flat plastic. It’s best if your adhesive is in a tall bottle, since this will allow you to cover the needles or plastic rods for application to the spine. 2.

How many bricks are needed for a book press?

A board (larger than the book) and two to four bricks for weight makes a very good book press and is much better at keeping everything straight than wrapping with rubber bands.

How to make a book cover with wax paper?

Take your waxed paper and place it on top of the text block while also in the spine. It should be on top of the binder tape you’ve glued into the book and under the binder tape that has not yet been glued. Then apply adhesive to the two tabs, gently bring up the cover so the edge of it fits along the seam of the tape, and press the spine against one tab. You can tell you have done this correctly if you pull the cover up and the spine lays flat against the tab.

How to attach a tape to a text block?

Brush One Side of the Tape with Adhesive and Attach the Tape to the Text Block. Carefully and evenly apply adhesive to one side of the tape and then attach it to the text block and spine. Make sure you’re holding the tape by its dry tabs and lining up the stitching with the edge of the text block.

How to keep a book tight?

Keep the Book Tight with Rubber Bands and Let it Dry Overnight. Grab your larger rubber bands, use them to secure the book, and let the whole thing dry overnight. The bands can help ensure that the adhesive is drying evenly and that the tabs are laying flat against both the text block and the spine.

How to tell if adhesive is dry?

This can take a few hours or it can take all night. You will be able to tell the adhesive is dry by running your finger over the top. Does it feel wet at any point? Then it is not dry enough to move on to the next step.

How to repair a hinge on a book?

Then grab your scissors and trim away any loose paper or threads. Now you’re ready to get started. 1.

How to make a book with loose pages?

You will need to remove the loose pages carefully. Then set them aside in a safe space where they will not come into contact with the glue. Keep them in the correct order so that you do not glue them back in out of order. 3. Apply Your Glue. Now, apply the glue.

Can you use acid free glue to repair a book?

Acid-free glue is a must because any acid in the glue will eventually eat away at the spine of your book. You can find acid-free options (including those made specifically for books or binding) at your local craft store, book binding store, or the world wide web.

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