Do Binders Damage Cards: [O-ring, Bending, D-ring]

Many collectors use binders to organize their Magic the Gathering, Pokemon, and other cards. Binders seem like the obvious solution because they provide protection from dirt, debris, scratches, and more. However, there are a few issues associated with using a card binder, especially if you don’t have the proper sleeves.

As a general rule, binders do not damage cards. Certain binders styles such as O-ring binders or binders with loose sleeves and open ends have been known to cause card damage. When using a binder to store your card collection, a D-ring fixed-page binder is the best solution to avoid card damage.

In this article, we’ll cover which types of binders are bad for card collections, how to store your cards in a binder properly, and define a ‘binder ding.’ We’ll also discuss whether or not you should get sleeves for your cards and why they’re effective.

Are Binders Bad for Cards?

Whether you recently started collecting cards or you’ve owned them for a long time, preserving their appearance is essential. Using a binder often seems like a logical solution, but choosing the wrong style can ruin your card collection forever. Below, we’ll discuss a handful of reasons binders can be bad for cards.

• Some binders don’t hold cards tightly enough. If the sleeves are loose or the binder is too fragile, the cards will bounce around and bend. This process can take several months, but it’ll show noticeable signs that take a while to remove. Fortunately, this isn’t an issue if the sleeves and rings fit snugly.
• An open-end binder sleeve can drop the cards when you’re carrying them. These sleeves are practical because they’re easy to insert and remove cards, but they’ll fall out if you carry the binder upside-down. Unless you’re okay with always holding it upright, an open-end binder sleeve will quickly become a nuisance.
• O-ring binders are prone to bending cards. The two primary types of binders in the card collecting world are D-ring and O-ring binders. O-ring binders often have more room for cards, but they can bend the cards closest to the front and back. Furthermore, they can cause the binder sleeves to crease.
• Choosing the wrong binder size can cause all sorts of problems. Whether you’re referring to the sleeve size, ring, or cover, every aspect of a binder impacts your cards’ condition. Getting the right binder makes a world of difference when it comes to peace of mind and protecting your cards.

Do binders bend cards? As a general rule, binders do not bend cards. When stored correctly, binders can help to prevent cards from curling and stop cards from being bent during transportation. However, avoid O-ring binders as they can apply unwanted pressure on the edges of your cards which may lead to damage.

A binder can be the worst decision you made for your card collection. However, the correct binder style will be the best choice for you. In the next section, we’ll explain how you should store your cards in a binder for serious collectors.

How Do You Store Cards In a Binder?

To store your cards in a binder, you’ll need to choose a D-ring binder with a fixed-page setup to prevent the cards from slipping out when you’re carrying them. Keep an eye on the sleeves to ensure they’re not bent or warped because they’ll directly affect the cards.

Here are four tips for storing your card in a binder properly:

1. Choose a fixed-page binder to keep them stored snugly. According to Ludkins Collectibles, fixed-page binders often have slots for you to insert cards through the side instead of having to worry about them falling out of the top. There’s no way the cards will fall out, regardless of how you store or carry the binder.
2. Consider getting a D-ring binder over anything else. D-ring binders stop the sleeves from rolling too quickly when cycling through the pages. They also prevent dings and warped cards, which is quite possibly the primary reason to choose this style. Furthermore, many D-ring binders have more storage space.
3. Change the sleeves if they’re bending or too loose for the binder. You can cycle through different sleeves until you find the best size. You shouldn’t have to push or bend cards to fit them in their sleeves, but the cards shouldn’t wobble, either. Measure your cards to ensure they’ll fit in the sleeves without experiencing these issues.
4. Don’t stack your card collection binders. Most binders are designed to be store vertically. The cards shouldn’t be pressed against one another, so horizontal storage can be a severe problem. This simple tip can preserve your card collection for many years to come.

As you can see, proper card storage is easier than it might’ve seemed. Choosing the right type of binder and storing them in the proper position makes the biggest difference. The last thing you want is for your cards to get dinged. If you’re curious about various issues that you might encounter with the wrong binder, read on. 

What Is a Binder Ding?

A binder ding is damage done to a card caused by the binder it is being stored in. Binder dings are a common term in the card collecting industry. Proper storage techniques can prevent dings and other types of damage to cards that can often be seen on the edge of collatable cards.

Many beginners find themselves wondering why their cards are always out of shape.

These three binder-related problems can ruin your card collection:

O-Ring Binders Cause Card Dings

Cards sitting closest to the binder’s ring are prone to bending every time you turn the page. It might not seem like much, but this issue will eventually lead to deep creases in these cards. If you only have access to an O-ring binder, it’d be best to leave the inner sleeves empty to prevent the cards from being warped.

Sleeveless Binders Can Stick to Cards

Your cards typically need sleeves to stay in good condition. If they press against a binder without any protection, they’ll stick to the edges. Unfortunately, your cards can rip, bend, or lose their colors. This is a common issue for beginners who neglect to use sleeves in their binders. Grab a set of sleeves to keep them looking and feeling as they should.

Acidic Materials Can Leach Colors

Binders are often dyed with various chemicals to prevent them from deteriorating. While these dyes are excellent for the binder, they’re not the best choice for your card collection. Check the material to ensure it’s not bleached or dyed with anything acidic.

Tolarian Community College talks about this issue in this YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5IauASYWjk&t=0s

Binder dings are the beginning of a card’s end. When a card is bent, it’s very difficult to fix it. Card dings are often noticed as small indents before they turn into a severe, irreversible issue. If you notice your cards look discolored, indented, bent, or otherwise abnormal, remove them from the binder and look for a new storage solution.

Should You Sleeve Cards In a Binder?

Storing your card collection in a binder without sleeves is a quick way to ruin them. Whether they’re left without their dye or stick to the back of the inner lining, your cards will end up ruined. You should always sleeve cards when they’re in a binder. Not only does it protect them from harm, but it also keeps them from getting dirty.

Your cards can collect all sorts of debris, including dust, dirt, oil from fingerprints, and more. When this debris rests on the cards for too long, it can corrode the surface. Most collectible cards are made to handle a bit of wear, but why risk losing them if you don’t have to? Binder sleeves are an inexpensive solution to this common issue.

Once you get your cards sleeved in a binder, follow these tips:

• Boombox Storage recommends keeping your binders in storage boxes. You can sleeve the cards and put them in the boxes, but binders offer more protection. Combining the safety of a binder and the storage capacity of a box will give you the best of both worlds.
• Make sure the cards are faced outward. This placement prevents the card’s face from rubbing against the sleeve or other cards, which could slowly break them apart. It also looks much more cosmetically pleasing, and it’s easier to access your cards when you see all of their faces.
• Keep your card binders in a temperature-controlled environment. High or low temperatures can warp cards, so consider getting a thermometer to ensure they don’t fluctuate too much. Placing the binder in a closet or cabinet will prevent them from getting too hot or cold.
• Humidity can ruin your cards, so keep them a bit dry. Drink spills, moisture in the air, and other humidity-related sources can warp the cards or cause them to grow mildew and mold. It can also make them much more fragile by stripping away the outer coating and colors. Airtight boxes can limit moisture from becoming too much of an issue.

Conclusion

Now that you know the pros and cons of using a binder to store your Magic the Gathering cards (and other collectibles, it’s time to decide if they’re right for you. Old or improper binders can leave scuff marks and bend your cards, but high-quality ones can protect them from anything that comes your way.