For those seeking extra security and durability in their bound documents, wire binding can is an excellent solution. The wire design also allows booklets to lay flat when opened, which makes it a great choice for applications that encourage note-taking, such as reports or presentations. With two distinct wire binding styles available, selecting the proper method can seem confusing, especially to those who are new to binding in general. In this post, we’ll discuss the similarities and differences of twin loop wire and Spiral-O wire.
Twin Loop Wire: The Basics
Twin loop wire, also called “duo-wire” or “wire-o,” is a versatile binding spine that pairs security and durability with style and affordability. It has signature hole patterns of two holes per inch (21 holes per letter-sized sheet) or three holes per inch (32 holes per letter-sized sheet), depending on the thickness of the document that is being bound. Documents between 3/16" and 9/16" thick (5-120 sheets of standard 20 lb bond paper) utilize the 3:1 pitch pattern (three holes per inch), and documents between 5/8" and 1-1/4" thick (110-250 sheets of standard 20 lb bond paper) utilize the 2:1 pitch pattern (two holes per inch).
In order to create the secure, tamper-proof finish that wire binding is known for, a specialized device called a wire closer is used to pinch the open ends of the wire together and complete the bind. The majority of wire binding machines include a built-in wire closer, however they are also available as separate units. Since duo-wire comes in two different pitches, each machine is specifically set up to punch either 2:1 or 3:1 pitch hole patterns. If you are unsure as to what size documents you will be binding or want the ability to punch both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch hole patterns, you may want to consider a combination or modular machine that includes both punches.
Twin loop wire is available in sizes ranging from 3/16" (5-20 sheets of standard 20 lb bond paper) to 1-1/4" (240-260 sheets of 20 lb bond paper), and in 11 standard colors. Because of its popularity, duo-wire is sold in pre-cut lengths as well as bulk spools, which makes it the most economical wire binding spine.
Spiral-O: The Basics
Spiral-O wires look similar to twin loop wires, but they are specially designed to fit the same 19-hole punch pattern as comb binding. Spiral-O wires have 19 loops (similar to binding combs).
Like duo-wire, Spiral-O wire offers tamper-proof binding that is durable and lays flat when opened. The biggest advantage of binding with Spiral-O wire is that it uses the same pattern as comb binding, which means that users who already own comb binding punches do not need to purchase an additional punch, however it does require the use of a wire closer to secure the bind.
Spiral-O wire is available in sizes ranging from 1/4" (20-30 sheets of standard 20 lb bond paper) to 1" (190-220 sheets of 20 lb bond paper), and in seven standard colors. The per-wire cost for Spiral-O is significantly higher than that of twin loop wire, so if you plan on binding frequently, you may want to consider twin loop binding instead.
In Review
For those who already own a comb binding machine and are looking to add wire binding as an option, Spiral-O wire is a great solution. Using the punch that you already use for comb binding in conjunction with a wire closer, you can create secure wire binds without having to purchase a separate wire binding machine.
If you are new to the world of binding and are most interested in performing wire binding, then twin loop wire is your best choice. Most wire binding machines include both a punch and a wire closer, so you can purchase a single machine that will enable you bind from start to finish. Just be sure to purchase the right punch pattern for the size of documents you plan on binding (or order a combination or modular binding machine that includes both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch punching).
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