File tab punches for making tabbed card dividers
So many software posts and so few gadgets...
I'd recently posted about a punch for making file tabs of 2 1/4" x 3/4". So many people thought it was cool and were surprised that such a thing existed, I thought I'd mention it here as well for those who have a physical index card practice.
I had been considering getting a custom punch made several times, but never looked to see if one already existed commercially. While doing a 5 minute peruse of a local thrift store, there was the thing I'd been wanting for years. When you use as many tabbed index card dividers as I do, this can be incredibly useful (and practical given the exorbitant price of tabbed dividers). It’s just the right size for doing 1/3 cut tabs on 4″ x 6″ index cards.
To my knowledge McGill no longer manufactures these, but they can still be found on the secondary market. We R Memory Keepers does make a similar "Tab Punch Board" in plastic and metal which uses a two punch process that also allows one to vary the size of the tab which may be useful for cutting various sized tabs on card dividers. (It also allows for rounding the corners on your dividers and cards if that suits your aesthetic.) These can be found in stationery and craft stores as well as online for about US$25.
Happy indexing!
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No piece of information is superior to any other. Power lies in having them all on file and then finding the connections. There are always connections; you have only to want to find them. —Umberto Eco
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I'll admit it - I'm almost as nerdy for stationery as I am for note taking software.
Your post prompted a little searching and it appears there are a number of options for DIY file tabs. Search Amazon for "tab paper punch" to see different types.
None the Amazon offerings look as robust as yours. They are all pretty flimsy looking.
Here's my most unique office gizmo. From the 1940's and still working fine, my Pilot stapler.
I've got that same style stapler, but a Swingline version. Nothing like a customized lever to drive No. 13 1/2" heavy duty staples into 90+ sheets of paper!
Sans the typewriter collection, here's a sampling of some of my other analog office equipment: https://boffosocko.com/tag/analog-office-equipment/
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Samizdat! I hate to say it. That was a new word to me. It fits my rebel soul.
Nice collection.