MyBinding Knowledge Base
Spiral Coil Binding Basics
Not every coil binding machine is the same, but this should help you with the basic steps and go over some common features found in coil binding machines. Spiral Coil Binding Machines are availble with and without an electric inserter. Having an inserter speeds up the binding process by quite a bit, though coil is great because it can be bound by hand as well.
1.Determine what size coil binding you will need using our sizing guide. All of the sizing guides are based off of 20# paper , for heavier weight stock you will want to go by the physical thickness of the completed document. General rule of thumb is to add 4mm (1/8") to the thickness of your completed book ( including covers) to determine the size of spine that you will need.
2. Start with a scratch paper(the same size as your project). Adjust the edge guide for the size paper you have, then insert the page and make a punch. Now fold the page in half to see if your holes line up. If the holes are evenly aligned while folded, then you can move on. If not, then make more adjustments until they are. This will give you the most presentable project.
If your machine has disengageable die pins and the machine is punching through the edge of your project, then find the correct pins and pull them out. By doing this, that hole will not be punched. Having disengageable die pins allows you to do any custom sized project. If you don't have them, your machine is probably set up for one standard size.
Your machine may also have a depth of margin control. The depth of margin controls the distance from the edge of the page to the punched holes. You will want a smaller depth for thinner books, this way the pages turn well. Use a thicker depth for thicker books where there is more room within the coil binding. This will help provide a stronger hold for those larger books.
3. To begin your project, first properly align your front and back cover and punch them one at a time. Set them aside.
4. Continue to punch your entire project in order. Punch an amount that is comfortable for you and does not exceed the machine's limit. Do this until all pages are punched.
5. Order your project with the front and back cover in place. If you only have a machine with a punch and no inserter, then twist the coil into the holes of the pages all the way. Make sure the coil extends past both ends of the project.
If you have an inserter on your machine, first twist the coil into 4-5 holes. Then, with the inserter on, place the coil against the roller. This will spin the coil through all the holes much quicker than doing it by hand. Again, make sure the coil extends past both ends of the project.
6. Now take coil cutting crimpers and trim the edges. We recommend watching the video on how it is done: How to Use Coil Cutting Crimpers. In summary, the dot should be facing up when you make the cut, and you should trim above the last hole on the right. Flip the project around and trim the other side(which will now be on the right since you flipped it). At this point you will have a finish project!
- If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Customer Service Department at 1-800-944-4573, we are here to help.
Transcript of video:
Welcome to MyBinding's How To video. Today's question is how to spiral bind papers. Spiral binding, as it's commonly known, is actually referred to as coil binding in the binding industry. And that is simply taking papers and a cover, a spiral shaped bind, or a coil bind, and putting them all together for a great looking presentation. As you would imagine, there are many coil binding machines and systems on the market today. We'll use the iCoil 41 by Akiles to do a demonstration step-by-step of how to bind a book with a spiral, or a coil, bind. We picked this small scale machine to use because it contains all the steps of the process of coil binding, including an electronic coil inserter. The first step is to take the covers of your project, put the side that's to be punched into the punching throat of the machine on the back side. Here's where you adjust the side margin control to set the machine so that all punches are consistent throughout your entire project. And you make your punch by pulling the lever down. Some punching machines are electronic in this feature. Next, you punch through all the sheets of your project. You'll do this in smaller batches and according to the punch capacity of the machine you're working with. Once you've punched through all your sheets, assemble your book in order. Now it's time to bind. This is where you need to choose the right size coil or spiral bind for your project. Many of the coil binding machines on the market have very useful measuring tools built into the machine so that you can decide what is the right size coil for your size project. The binding process is generally begun by hand by threading or twisting the spiral bind through the first few holes of your book. And you'll continue to thread the bind of your book with the coil either by hand, or by an electronic coil inserter. As you could imagine, this feature is pretty handy and makes things much faster. The finishing touch with coil binding is used with coil crimping pliers. With a simple squeeze, the end of the coil is snipped off and the end is twisted in for a great looking finish. And there it is, the how to of how to spiral bind papers. For more articles, how to's, demos, and reviews on all things binding, check out MyBinding.com.
< Over the years, a number of customers have asked me whether they can use twin loop wire with their plastic comb binding machine. These customers often don’t want to have to buy a brand new machine but like the look and feel of twin loop wire binding. However, the answer to their question isn’t as simple as it seems. You see, they actually do make twin loop wire that is designed to work with the plastic comb binding hole pattern. With that said, if you want to use these wires you are going to need a way to close the wires. What is Spiral-O Wire? Let me explain a little bit more…There is a product that we carry called Spiral-O Wire. This wire has 19 loops and is designed to work with the hole pattern from a plastic comb binding machine. Spiral-O Wire is sometimes called Wire Combs or Ibico Wire and was originally designed for use with some of the older Ibico binding machines. A number of the older Ibico plastic comb binding machines also included a twin loop wire closer on the front of them to allow users to use both plastic combs and wire. This 19 loop wire was designed for this purpose. What Equipment is Needed? As the Ibico brand has been phased out by GBC and all of the older Ibico plastic binding machines have been replaced with new models, they no longer have the twin loop wire closer on the front of them. This presents a problem in trying to use these spiral-o wires since you can’t use the wires without a way to close them. One of the only options left is to purchase a Twin Loop wire closer. However, since twin loop wire closers are not incredibly cheap this option usually only appeals to users who have larger electric plastic comb binding machines. Otherwise, it is often advisable to simply buy a low end 3:1 pitch twin loop wire binding machine (the supplies are cheaper). This being said, if you have one of the older Ibico binding machines that has a wire closer included you are in luck. The Spiral-O binding supplies that we carry will work perfectly with your machine and you will be able to use both plastic combs and wire depending on your needs. These Spiral-O binding supplies are available in Black, Silver, White, Blue and Red and in sizes up to 1″ in diameter. If you aren’t sure what type of wire binding supplies that you need to work with your machine simply give us a call. Our trained sales representatives will be glad to help you find the correct supplies for use with your machine.(Read More)
