Wire-O Binding FAQs

What is Wire-O?

Wire binding is the most popular binding solution for businesses who need to create professional-quality books. The Wire-O spines offer a clean and high-class appeal that is unmatched by any other traditional punch-and-binding method. Books bound with Wire-O double-o wires lay flat and the sheets can flip a full 360°. They offer a semi-secure binding method that can only be un-bound if cut off. Available in both 3:1 pitch and 2:1 pitch options for your Wire-O binding machines, these twin loop wire spines come in a large selection of colors including black, white, silver, pewter, blue, green, and several more. 3:1 pitch wire-o comes in sizes from 1/4" up to 9/16", which means it can be used for books from 2 to 120 sheets. 2:1 pitch wire-o is typically available in the larger sizes from 5/8" up to 1 ¼", perfect for books from 135 to 280 sheets, but we also offer unique special smaller 2:1 wires in the full range of sizes, offering more versatility.

What are the Benefits and Negatives of Wire-O Binding?

What Kind of Books are Wire-O Bindings Typically Used to Bind?

1. Financial and business reports
2. Professional presentations
3. Notebooks and journals
4. Marketing materials
5. Wall and Desk Calendars
6. Notepads, and more!

What do I need to Bind with Wire-O?

1. Wire Binding machine (in matching pitch to the wires; either 3:1 or 2:1)
2. Wire closer (sometimes included on the binding machine)
3. Wire-O binding spines
4. Presentation covers (optional)

What is wire bind pitch?

The pitch refers to the ratio of holes per inch; so a 2:1 has two holes per inch, and a 3:1 has three. You will need to be sure your wire binding machine has the same hole pattern as the wire spines you get, because a 2:1 punch machine will only work with a 2:1 binding wire.

How many loops do 3:1 and 2:1 pitch wires have?

2:1 wires feature 21 loops and 3:1 wires feature 32 loops.

How long are binding wires?

Binding wires are either pre-cut to 11" lengths for standard letter size paper, or continuous and wrapped around a spool.

Can custom lengths be ordered?

Yes! Binding101 offers custom-cut wires to order, just call (866)537-2244 for a quote. You can also cut them down yourself using standard wire cutters.

Are binding wires prop 65 compliant (2018)

Yes! All of our wires are compliant with the new Proposition 65 standards for 2018.

For more information or a quote, call us at (800) 944-4573

About the Author • Mallory Morsa has been the product expert at Binding101 since 2008, and has grown up in the industry. Every day she pushes herself to learn new information, incorporating real-life experiences to create solutions to the most common problems in the industry, and then present those solutions in a way that is easy to understand for everyone, from novices to experts.