How To Make A Paper Holder For Typing
In this post I will show you a simple life hack that you can use to make a free paper holder for typing.
While this hack will save you $8, I must warn you that since I’ve implemented it into my daily routine my coworkers have called me everything from a “cheapskate” to “Nick you are ghetto”.
Stop now if you find those words hurtful, because your office mates will likely ruthlessly ridicule you just like my work friends.
You’ve been warned.
How To Make a Paper Holder For Typing
Making your own ghetto paper holder is incredibly easy! So easy you will only need 3 things:
- 1 Large Binder Clip
- A Non-Rounded Computer Monitor
- Paper Documents To Type
Here’s more information about each of the above.
1. A Large Binder Clip
Step one, you have to find a large binder clip.
The binder clip is important, because it is the tool that holds your documents in place as you type.
Search the bowels of your desk. Ask a neighbor. Raid your supply cabinet. Do whatever you have to do, but you must first find a large binder clip. Emphasis on LARGE binder clip, because size actually matters Bucko.
A small binder clip won’t work, because it won’t fit around the computer monitor. The ideal size for this project is a 32 mm binder clip.
2. A Non-Rounded Computer Monitor
Next you’ve got to have the right kind of computer monitor, because this life hack only works with a “non-rounded monitor”.
My work computer is an HP with a 23.8 inch monitor, which is the perfect size and shape for my free paper holder for typing. Notice how my monitor is flat on both sides. This provides the binder clip with the ideal surface to fasten to.
My work computer is an HP with a 23.8 inch monitor, the perfect size and shape for a free paper holder for typing. Notice how the monitor is flat on both sides. This provides the binder clip with the ideal surface to fasten to.
Note: Do not fasten the binder clip to the actual screen. Doing so could crack your monitor.
Now, compare the HP monitor’s shape with that of an iMac.
The Mac’s monitor may be pleasing to the eye, but those curves provide a horrible surface to try and clip your paper holder for typing.
This rounded monitor WILL NOT WORK.
I didn’t even try to fasten the paper holder, but trust me when I tell you, it won’t work with this type of monitor. If you want this to work, you’ve got to have a non-rounded monitor with two flat surfaces to fasten the binder clipper.
3. Paper Documents To Type
Last but not least you need some actual documents to type.
If you work in case management this should be the easiest step of all, however if you are having trouble finding documents to type let me know in the comments and we can coordinate a meet up if you’d like to help me with some of my data entry.
Below is what your free paper holder for typing should look like in action.
Conclusion
So that’s it. There are literally no skills needed to make your own free paper holder for typing. Simply find a large binder clip and you’re in the game!
Nick Bryant is the author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half The Battle and a Senior Counselor with 13+ years of experience working in community health and mental health. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching WWE on Friday nights, and working toward a Google Data Analytics certification. If you have additional questions about community resources or government assistance programs, simply leave a comment below and he will follow up as soon as possible.
Thank you! I work at a city government office as a clerk. Resources are tight and it seems that there aren’t any document holders laying around from previous employees. So I just wanted a DIY hack to rig up a way to raise my document so I can type it.
This is exactly what I needed!
I pride myself on being able to think outside the box, and since I didn’t have a giant binder clip at my desk, it didn’t occur to me on my own. I went looking for a giant binder clip and voila! I’ve got my own document holder! love the simplicity of this office hack.
Thank you very much for sharing it.
Shame on the office staff who ribbed you about this being a low class solution. This is an elevated intelligent and clever hack!
Clever and intelligent because it’s SMART to not spend money on something that can be solved with a paper clip.
awesome!
Gina thank you for the kind words and I’m glad it helped you! Government work can be a breeding ground for ideas like this because there are times that the repetitive tasks can become a bore so you start experimenting with things like this!
Like your idea, tried to improve it so it didn’t block 1/2 my screen. My design takes 3 binder clips (1 large, 2 medium, and a ruler, but it works pretty well.
Clip the ruler to the back of the screen with the large one, with the ruler sticking out halfway. Clip 1 medium onto the end of the ruler from the top, and use that to hold the other medium up against the ruler. This last one will hold your papers. If that all makes sense. Thanks for the idea. Ghetto? Maybe, but it works!
Thanks for reaching out and yes Nella you described it well! I like the touch with the ruler! If you want send a picture of your paper holder and I’ll add your idea for others to see.