Abstract: A loose-leaf binder mechanism comprises top and bottom covers. A backbone connects the top and bottom covers. A binding mechanism includes a detachable longitudinal bar. The detachable longitudinal bar has a projection with a groove thereon extending therefrom. A channel guide is affixed to one of the covers. A flat latching bar is reciprocally received within the channel guide for cooperating with the projection to join the binding mechanism to one of the covers. An indented structure on the channel guide substantially restricts the movement of the latching bar to reciprocal movement.