Hyphens can be used to combine two words when they mean one thing, together, as an adjective (describing a noun). For instance, a sign-in sheet. If you have a big red apple, that is two adjectives. It is a big apple. It is also a red apple. The sign-in sheet, however, is only one kind of sheet. It is not a "sign sheet", or an "in sheet". It is just a sign-in sheet. The words are combined because it is just one concept.
The problem people encounter is that they misunderstand the rule. Someone reads the phrase "sign-in sheet" and thinks that "sign in" always needs a hyphen. It does not. Only use the hyphen if the two words together make one adjective.
"Please sign-in at the front" - WRONG
"Please sign in on the sign-in sheet" - RIGHT
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