Book binding, regluing?

Question

I swear publishers are trying to make the worst binding possible in books these days.

I just bought a new book, and I took it out today to look at the index, and the glue that glues the pages to the book cover came unglued from the cover side.

How do I reglue this? I read that you can use gorilla glue, but gorilla glue expands and I'm wondering how it would work. I don't want to go buy any pva glue or something special to fix this book.

I was also thinking that heaing up the glue with a hair dryer might work, then pressing it tightly...?

Answer 1

Rubber cement actually works the best because it remains flexible. Remove all loose pages, clip them together and lightly coat the edge, coat the inside of the spine where they came out. Let it dry. Recoat both surfaces and when they are a little tacky replace the pages.Set the book aside for a few days to allow the glue to cure. It isn't perfect but it works pretty well for me.

Answer 2

I use the stuff that smells good.  I go into an unventilated room, and repair my book bindings in marathon sessions.  It's awesome.

Answer 3

If you just bought the book and have the receipt, take it back to the shop and they should give you another copy without any argument. If you don't want to take it back, the advice above works fine. Your idea of using a hair dryer is worth a go, but there may not be enough glue on the book to make it work.

Answer 4

Use plain ol' white glue.  Carefully apply glue to the spine, wiping up any excess that spills over.  Put the cover over the glue.  Use several rubber bands around the book to hold the cover to the spine.  Let it dry throughly for a couple of days, then try opening it.

And you're right-- bookbinding by many big name publishers is highway robbery.  Shoddy doesn't begin to cover it-- pun intended.