Can I use Coil with my ProClick Machine?

Enthralled by the ability to easily edit documents and the low cost of the Proclick book binding machines many users have jumped at the new GBC book binding style. However, these same users often discover that the convenience of the Proclick book binding system also comes with a price.

Unfortunately, Proclick binding spines are only available in four colors (black, white, navy and frost) and three sizes (5/16″, 1/2″ and 5/8″). This presents a unique challenge when companies want to bind reports or documents with a unique color or in a specific size that doesn’t fit well with the offerings of the Proclick book binding systems.

Fortunately, there is a simple solution for companies who wish to use their existing GBC ProClick (or twin loop wire binding) equipment to bind documents using color coil binding spines in many sizes. With a small investment of approximately $30 in a pair of coil crimping pliers and a box of 3:1 pitch color coil, you can now use spiral binding supplies with your Proclick or Wire Binding machine.

You simply punch your document using your ProClick punch and then manually spin the coil binding through the holes onto the book. Use the coil crimpers to crimp the ends of the coil binding and your presentation or proposal is done. Suddenly, you have over 60 colors and 25 sizes of color coil binding that are available to use with your Proclick Binding Machine.

This also provides a new option for individuals looking for a cheap spiral binding machine. At less than $70, the Proclick P50 book binding system is over $100 cheaper than the least expensive coil binding system on the market. Now using 3:1 pitch coil a new low cost coil binding option is available to individuals who want to do coil binding.

Just remember, that you can’t use standard 4:1 pitch color coil binding with the Proclick binding systems. Standard 4:1 pitch coil is designed for use with documents that have 43 or 44 holes and the Proclick binding machines punch 32 holes. Simply order 3:1 pitch coil binding and you are ready to go.

It is important to note that the holes used by the Proclick P50 book binding machine are slightly larger than the holes used by standard coil binding machines. This is not a big deal. However, when crimping 3:1 coil it is important to ensure that as much of the coil is crimped or bent over as possible so that the coil does not spin back off the book. To accomplish this it can sometimes be helpful to give the spiral coil hand pliers an extra squeeze and a twist with your wrist during the crimping process.