Taking a finished book apart

There may come a time when you've finished a book only to find out you need to make a change. For example, when a customer asks if they can make a change, or you've forgotten to add a custom page, etc.  Rather than print and make a whole new book, you can save money by following the tips below.  

• Removing sticky sheets from the cover: You can use a hair dryer to heat up the sticky sheets that hold the book into the cover. The cover will peel right off when hot enough.
   
• If you still have "glue" on visible parts of cover after removing sticky sheets (above): Just use a little Goof Off or Goo Gone to remove any remaining glue from the sticky sheet. You only need to remove it from the parts of the cover that would be visible after new sticky sheet is applied. Do this before you put the new sticky on, and make sure you wipe off all of the Goof Off / Goo Gone. You want your new sticky to stick well. 
   
• Opening the channel bind strips: 
  
  a) We use a heavy duty paint scraper..its tricky but works..inch it in and twist carefully but be careful not to bend the pages. It just takes a little practice (Tip from Sue Nightingale).
  
  b) I usually get a metal straight-edge (like the metal thing for cutting wallpaper) and tap it down into the middle of the book, pull it out then use pliers to pull the strip off. If you're careful you should be able to recycle everything. (tip from Danese Bouche)
   
• If the book was stapled, just remove the staples.