What's the difference between 3:1 and 2:1 pitch wire?

Pitch is the number of holes per inch. 3:1 pitch has three holes per inch and is used for thinner documents, while 2:1 pitch has two holes per inch and is used for larger wire diameters and thicker documents. The wire has to match the pitch your machine punches.

Do I need a separate wire closer?

Many wire binding machines have a built-in closer, so you may not need one. A standalone wire closer helps with higher volumes or larger wire sizes, and it closes the wire more evenly than doing it by hand.

How do I choose the right wire size?

Wire size is the diameter of the spine, and it depends on how thick your document is, including covers. Each wire listing shows its sheet capacity, so choose the size that fits your page count.

Can I use wire binding for calendars?

Yes, wire binding is the standard for wall and desk calendars. Add calendar hangers to your wire and use a machine or punch that can cut the hanger notch, often called a half-moon or thumb cut.

Wire Binding

Wire binding, often called Wire-O or twin loop binding, uses a double-loop wire spine that gives reports, proposals and calendars a crisp, professional finish. Documents lie flat and turn a full 360 degrees, and the metal spine holds up well to frequent use. Start with a wire binding machine, then choose wire in the pitch, diameter and color that fit your machine and page count. Thinner documents usually use 3:1 pitch wire and thicker documents use 2:1 pitch. A wire closer presses the wire shut evenly, and we also carry calendar hangers, wire binding accessories, 3:1 and 2:1 pre-punched paper, and combination machines.