| Coil binding - also known as spiral binding - is a very | | | | absolutely need to have if you're going to be binding |
| popular method of binding, but it can be difficult to | | | | with coils. It trims the excess coil off your document |
| understand how it's done. Here's an FAQ about the | | | | after it's been bound. You also use the crimper to |
| wonders of coil binding, including some insight on | | | | bend over the ends of the coil, which helps ensure |
| what to look for when buying a spiral binding machine. | | | | your booklet won't fall apart. Most coil binding |
| | | | machines come with a set of crimpers or crimping |
| 1. What is coil binding? Is it different than spiral | | | | pliers, but if yours doesn't, they're available for about |
| binding? Coil and spiral binding are the same type of | | | | $25.00 or less. |
| binding and the terms are used interchangeably. With | | | | 5. What are some major manufacturers of coil binding |
| this type of binding, plastic coils (spirals) are threaded | | | | machines? Some of the same manufacturers that |
| through the holes at the edge of your document. | | | | make plastic comb binding machines are also in on the |
| You've probably seen this style of binding before | | | | spiral binding market. These companies include Akiles |
| because it's sometimes used on commercial goods, | | | | and Tamerica, DFG as well as Rhin-O-Tuff and Marlon. |
| such as calendars. | | | | 6. What are some important factors to consider |
| 2. What's so great about spiral binding? First of all, | | | | when buying a spiral binding machine? There are a lot |
| spiral binding gives your bound documents a unique, | | | | of things to think about when buying a coil binding |
| kind of funky look, so it tends to be popular with | | | | machine. Obviously, price will be a factor and you |
| artists and other creative types. Coils are inexpensive | | | | may or may not want a machine that's aesthetically |
| and are available in lots of different colors and | | | | pleasing. If you're going to bind a lot of odd-sized |
| thicknesses. (In fact, spiral binding is sometimes | | | | documents, getting a machine with disengageable pins |
| referred to as "color coil binding" because of all the | | | | (punching teeth) is necessary. You'll also need to |
| colors available.) Spiral coils also durable, so this is a | | | | decide if you want a machine with an electric coil |
| good binding method to choose if your documents | | | | inserter, which inserts the binding coil into your |
| will be handled regularly. Finally, you can bind | | | | document. Machines with this feature are often more |
| documents manually using spiral coils, if you want, | | | | expensive than machines without it, so if price is an |
| which can help save you money. | | | | issue, get a machine without an electric coil inserter. |
| 3. What's this I hear about "pitch"? When you hear | | | | This means you'll have to insert the coils manually, |
| the word "pitch" in conjunction with talk about spiral | | | | but you'll save yourself some money. |
| binding, it has nothing to do with baseball or music. | | | | 7. Can I use my coil binding machine with other types |
| Instead, "pitch" simply refers to how many holes | | | | of binding supplies, such as plastic combs or wire-o |
| there are per inch of paper. For example, a 4:1 pitch | | | | binding supplies? Unfortunately not. That's why it's |
| means there's four holes per inch, whereas a 5:1 pitch | | | | important to be sure that coil binding is going to be |
| indicates five holes, and so on. It's essential to know | | | | the right choice for your binding needs. Hopefully this |
| what pitch your machine uses so you can choose the | | | | article has helped you determine whether spiral |
| right binding supplies. The most commonly used pitch | | | | binding is the right choice for your and your |
| for coil binding is 4:1 (four holes per inch). | | | | documents. |
| 4. What's a coil crimper? A crimper is something you'll | | | | |