Best 8 Coil Binding Machines: How To Use Them For Various Projects?

Are you need to prepare and organize your stack of paper into book or document sets?

Then you should read this review on coil binding machines!

First, you should check out the list of the best machines we found on the market and read about their features and characteristics. Then you can check our buying guide where we covered all relevant inro important to know before purchase.

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The Basics Of Spiral Binding Machines

These machines use a coil to bind papers and covers into a single book or a project. The market offers different solutions to this binding method, such as machines for manual punching and insertion, those with electric punches and an electric roller, and more. With them, you will be able to create holes by punching along the spinal edge of the paper and then inserting and twisting the coil through the small holes to bound the paper and the covers together.

What Is The Difference Between Spiral And Coil Binding?

There is no difference between these two terms. Their meaning is the same.

What Is A Coil-Bound Book?

This is the type of bound book whose papers and covers are fastened by a coil. This coil resembles a long spring. Moreover, it can be made from plastic and metal materials.

What Is Plastic Coil Binding?

Plastic coil binding is a traditional type of bookbinding, along with wires and combs. It uses a coil made of durable and flexible plastic material. The binding is done by twisting this plastic coil through the closely punched round or oval holes in the margin of the paper edge. Moreover, metal coils are less common but also a durable way to create a coil binding.

Is Wire Or Coil Binding Better?

First of all, wire is a slightly better option than coil for durability. Also, wire binding is a more professional-looking, but also a more costly way to bind papers into a book. Both allow the pages to lay flat when open and to open 360 degrees. If you want to save money, the coil is a better option for you. If you want to have durable binding, then choose wire.

Is Better Spiral Or Comb Binding?

While both can be made of plastic, the spiral is usually a bit more durable. Why? It is made of thicker and stronger material, especially if you choose metal coils. Moreover, it is more durable as the holes through which it is inserted are closer together. On the other hand, comb binding is inserted through more separate rectangular holes.

Who Invented Coil Binding?

History records show that a notebook with coil binding made its debut in 1924. An English inventor named Edward Podosek is recorded as the inventor of it.

Types Of Coil Binders

You can choose between more types to find the best option for your binding needs, according to the volume of binding, the frequency of binding, etc.

Manual Type Of Machine

Itt features a manual punching device and a manual coil inserter. This means that you will have to engage a lever to punch the holes in the paper by hand and insert the coil manually, which is also done with the help of a separate lever.

Electric Paper Machine

Unlike the manual binder, an electric binder features both an electric roller for inserting the coil and an electric punch. Electric hole punching can be done either by pressing a button or using a foot pedal, depending on the model.

Partially Electric Coil Binding Punch

Besides a fully manual or fully electric binding machine, you can also pick a machine that is only partly electric. Such a machine will either allow you to punch holes electrically and insert coils manually or to roll and twist the coil into the holes electrically after the holes are punched manually.

What Is A Coil Binding Used For?

A coil binding is used for binding notebooks of soft and hardcovers, scrapbooks, cookbooks, calendars, presentations, and many other personal and professional projects. Also, you can coil bind papers for mailing. Moreover, it is used in households, schools, print shops, offices, etc.

The Positive Sides

When using this type of machine, you will get a professionally-looking bound book or project that is also durable. Moreover, you can choose between coils of many different colors to suit your project. Also, it is a fairly budget-friendly option of binding. Finally, you can even treat it roughly and the coil will handle it.

The Negative Sides

When binding with a coil, you won’t have durability at the ends of the coils even if you use pliers. The endings of coils can damage the document at the edges. Moreover, it is fairly permanent so it isn’t the right choice for documents that need to be revised and edited. It is also less durable for thicker documents.

What Features Should I Look For?

Whether you work from home or in the office, the right machine can make your documents organized. But before buying there are some things worth considering, such as your binding needs, sturdy design, automatic or manual option, etc.

Punching Capacity

The punching capacity tells you how many pages you can punch at once. Choose a model of around 10-sheet punching capacity if you are going to use it to bind a few books per month, occasionally. For frequent and heavy use, choose a binder that can punch even 25 sheets at once to speed up the process.

Binding Capacity

Small models for home use and occasional use can usually bind up to around 200-250 sheets into a single project. If you are going to be binding every day and more books per day, we suggest you find a model that can bind books up to around 500 pages at least.

Speed Of Machines

If you want to bind multiple books a day and be quick, you should look for a model that works to quickly punch through as many pages as possible and that works to easily twist coils through the holes to create a spiral bind.

Sturdiness

A binding machine with a comb bind should be made of durable materials, such as metal, to withstand frequent and heavy use and last a long time. However, if you want to use your binding machine very occasionally, you won’t have to pay more money to get a fully-metal unit.

Electric Vs. Manual Coil Binding Maker

Choosing between an electric and a manual binder will mostly depend on how much money you want to spend and how often you plan to bind with it. A manual model will be enough if you bind books from time to time and in small volumes. An electric binder will be great if you are going to bind books often and in higher volumes.

Tray For Punched Paper Scraps

Scraps of punch holes usually end up in the tray at the bottom of the unit. Make sure this tray is easy to open and slide out to empty regularly.

Document Size

The size of the throat that accepts the documents should be big enough to accept the sheets you want to bind together into a project. If you are going to bind together sheets longer than 11 inches, look for a binder with an open throat to accept longer documents.

Length Of Spiral Coils

Usually, you will be able to buy coils up to 36 inches in length. For shorter projects, simply cut off the excess part of the coil and you are ready to go. Standard coils come in a 12-inch size for 11-inch documents.

Pitch Size For Binding

The most common pitch size for coil binding is 4:1 (4 holes per inch). You can also get a 3:1 pitch (3 holes per inch). Finally, a 5:1 pitch is also available but is not common (5 holes per inch).

Best 10 Coil Binders

TruBind Binding Machine

Electric Coil Inserter
TruBind binding machine comes with a 2-year warranty. It covers all manufacturing defects. It requires standard 110V power and the AC adapter is included in the package. TruBind dimensions ar e18 x 15 x 10 inches. There is an electric coil inserter that provides hands-free operation.

Professional-looking Books
With this spiral hole punch machine, you can create professional-looking bound books at home or in the office. TruBind has a large punching capacity of up to 20 sheets. The depth and side margins are adjustable, it is easy to bind the book of any size or shape.

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GBC Multibind Binding Machine

Heavy Machine
GBC Multibind 230 machine measures 21.4 x 19.3 x 9.2 inches in size and weighs 37 pounds. This is a coil heavy-duty binding machine made of quality materials. Also, it features 2 in 1 design, there is a 2:1 loop wire and a standard plastic comb. It’s easy to create wire or comb bound papers.

Auto-centering Feature
Binds up to 125 sheets using a 21mm wire, or if you use a 51mm comb spine, it binds up to 450 sheets. The electronic punching capacity is 30 sheets per operation. GBC binding machine is suitable for A4 and A5 documents. The auto-centering feature will align the papers perfectly. Paper separator divides the pages.

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Rayson PD-1503 Binding Machine

Solid Construction
Rayson PD-1503 is a  coil manual binding machine with an electric coil inserter. It can be used in offices, schools, bookstores, libraries. Equipped with solid metal construction, non-slip feet and a convenient handle, this device is stable and easy to use. The punching operation is manual, but there is an electric coil inserter.

Unlimited Binding Capacity
Its punching capacity is 15 sheets of paper at once and the binding capacity is unlimited. This device is compatible with 4:1 pitch binding coils. It doesn’t come with disengaging pins. There is a round hole shape of 0.14 inches. Rayson features a guide for more accurate pinpoint punching. Max binding length is 8” x 11”.

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GBC Binding Machine

Powerful Machine
GBC ProClick P210E is an electric model made of quality and durable materials. A 1-year warranty is provided by the manufacturer. The item dimensions are 14 x 16 x 8 inches and it weighs 22 pounds. This model provides professional binding power. Ideal for everyday binding needs.

Handy Guide Right
Its sheet capacity is 110 sheets of paper and the electric punch pierces through up to 15 sheets at a time. GBC paper bind machine allows you to open and edit content. Handy Guide Right feature provides accurate punching and binding. It works with a maximum 5/8” ProClick spine.

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Vevor Binding Machine

Metal Construction
Vevor is a manual binding machine with an all-metal structure. It is made of high-quality materials and there is a hard alloy blade. This machine is durable, sturdy and will last for many years. Equipped with non-slip feet that provide stability. The coil paper machine measures 17 x 8 x 11 inches.

Adjustable Margin
The edge distance can be changed to accommodate various binding methods and requirements. You can set 3mm, 5mm or 7 mm. It features a vertical pressure system and a long handle for fast punching. Vevor wire binding machine is suitable for punching reports, documents, calendars, etc. There are 34 holes and a 3:1 pitch. It punches 12 sheets at a time.

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TruBind Binding Machine

Pricey Item
TruBind is a pricey electric binding machine designed for professional use. It is covered with a 1-year warranty. It features an electric punch and an electric coil inserter just like other electric binding machines you can read about in this post. Except for the binding machine, the coil cutter/crimping tool is included in the package. Punches up to 25 sheets of paper at a time.

Adjustable Margins
This machine is designed for heavy-duty tasks. There are 54 fully disengaging pins that help avoid half-punched holes on your sheet. TruBind features an oval dye shape, so it is easy to turn the pages and insert the coil. Adjust the depth margin and side margin. Push the button and TruBind will punch your project.

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Akiles WireMac Binding Machine

Quality Manual Machine
Akiles WireMac-31 is one of the best-rated manual binding machines in the market. This powerful hole punching machine can pierce through 20 sheets in a single punch. All 40 dies can be independently disengaged, meaning, you can punch any size document. Machine construction is made of metal.

Two Handles
The throat opening is 14 inches wide, but Akiles accepts even larger paper. it is useful for brochures and books. It uses a 3:1 pinch, this is the number of holes per inch. The closing mechanism is vertical for more precise alignment. There is no partial side end perforation. Akiles coil paper binder is equipped with two handles.

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Akiles Coilmac Bind Machine

High Volume Punch Capacity
Akiles Coilmac ER 41 features a manual coil punch and electric coil inserter that provides faster binding. It measures 18 x 8 x 13 inches and weighs 21 pounds. Use this metal machine for a max of 20 sheets for 20 lbs paper or 2.6mm for hardboard.

Extendable Length
This machine features 54 fully disengageable pins, you can pull or remove them, depends on your needs. the holes are oval and have 4 x 5 mm. The punching length is extendable from 13 to 26 inches. Punch notebooks or paper of any length. Create professional-looking notebooks, books and documents with Precision Guiding System.

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How Do You Use Coil Binder?

Here are the steps you should take to properly use your machine:

1. Turn on your binder if it is electrical. If not, prepare the levers for use.
2. Use a test paper of the same size as your project to adjust the settings.
3. Adjust the punching dies and disengage those that are not needed for punching holes.
4. Punch the holes in the test paper. If you are satisfied with how your test paper looks, you can start binding.
5. Assemble your book cover and pages and start with punching, section by section.
6. Assemble the punched pages into a project with covers.
7. Insert the bind coils either with an electric roller or with a manual setting.
8. Crimp the extra coil and secure the binding crimpers.

What Size Binding Coil Do I Need?

The size of the coil depends on how many pages you are going to bind together and how thick the binding project is. For example, you will need a coil size of ½ inch to bind 100 pages. For 200 pages, you will need a ⅞-inch coil. For 440 sheets of paper, a coil should be 2 inches in size.

How To Use Coil Crimping Pliers?

If you are asking yourself how to lock a spiral coil, the answer lies in coil crimpers. After you twist the coils through the holes and adjust them so that the project lies in the middle, you will need coil crimpers. Place the crimping pliers just beyond the last hole and make a cut in one fluid motion. For demonstration, check the below video:

Can I Use Spiral Binding With A Comb Binding Machine?

Usually, you will not be able to use spiral bindings in a machine that is not suitable for it, such as comb binders. However, you can use it if it is a 3-in-1 machine, i.e. it can bind with all combs, coils, and wires.

How Do You Uncoil A Spiral Notebook?

To do it, you will have to use pliers. Start by straightening out the edge of the coil on just one side. Then, start twisting until the first coil comes out of the hole on the other edge of the spine. After that, keep twisting and spinning and it should be easy to remove the coil from the holes completely.

What Can I Use Instead Of Spiral Binding?

There are a couple of easy alternatives. First of all, ring binders or book rings, as the easiest alternative. Here, you can choose between a few different kinds, for example, metal looseleaf rings, screw lock metal rings, plastic overlap rings, oval and round plastic snap rings. To bind with the help of those, all you will need is a hole puncher. To start, punch the holes in your paper and then put the rings in to make bindery. Secondly, you can use binding or screw posts. You can choose between plastic and metal options, and even up to 5 inches thick for different projects. Punch the paper and then put the posts through the holes, and twist the screws to have a finished bound book.

How Do You Spiral Bind Without A Machine?

While it will be harder to do and will take up some of your time, it is possible. You will need to have pre-punched papers and covers and a coil of appropriate size. Then, you can start inserting the coil into the holes by twisting with your hand. Once you get it inside, use pliers to secure the binding.

What Is The Cost Of Spiral Binding?

If you want to bind your books in a print shop with bindery service, you will have to spend between around 20 cents and 1.50 dollars per book. Of course, it depends on how many pages the book is, and what the size of the spiral is. Some shops will offer you a discount if you order more books at once.

Can I Recycle Coil Notebooks?

Yes, coil notebooks are suitable for recycling. However, it would be best to first remove the coils and then recycle the papers alone. Anyhow, check with your local recycling center to be sure.