I had previously purchased a personal comb-binding machine made by GBC, which was complete garbage, so I was a little less than keen on forking out $70-some for another binder, but this one was worth every penny. The vertical load makes it very difficult to screw up the punch alignment, and I have yet to punch papers that it won't take. I have loaded to its 'max' of 10 standard weight sheets and not had any trouble at all. The lever that opens the plastic combs is a snap to work, and the whole thing closes nicely for storage when not in use. If you're hesitating on buying this because of the price- don't- it's NOT worth it to buy a GBC one for less that doesn't do what its says it will! This binder makes the binding process enjoyable- after wrangling with that stupid GBC machine, I almost feel victorious every time I make a book with my new Fellowes binder! I've been able to bind all of my students' loose music, my own loose music scores from college and all the loose choir pamphlets that are always such a big mess on my music shelf. No more messes and the books stay open while we play, too. What a life saver!