Do you want to bind your books and calendars with a quality wire binding machine?
Then you will find useful information here. We bring you some tips and tricks before you purchase your perfect machine. When you read the buying guide, check out the best machines we found on the market.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Our Top Picks
★★★★★
This machine is intended for light-duty use, it binds up to 120 sheet at a time and features adjustable margins.
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★★★★☆
2 In 1 machine with a plastic comb and wire binding. The GBC features an electronic punching capacity of 30 sheets.
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★★★★☆
Powerful machine intended for heavy tasks, it binds up to 500 sheets of paper at a time.
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What Is A Wire Binding Machine?
It’s a type of binding machinery that uses a double-wire hinge of continuous loops to hold the book covers and inside pages bound together. The pages are secured with wire binding so that you cannot modify the inside papers without unbinding the book. Wire binding is a traditional binding type, along with combs and coils.
These Machines Are Also Known As…
Double-loop, double-O, duo-wire, and twin loop binding machines. These are the alternative names that you might encounter when looking for a machine for wire binding.
What Are The Types Of Wire Binding?
When choosing the right binding tool for your needs, you can choose between many different options.
3:1 Pitch For Smaller Books
If you are only going to bind together smaller books, then a binder with a 3:1 pitch will be enough. This type punches three holes per inch. This creates a 32-hole pattern (for 11-inch documents) and accepts wire as small as 3/16 inches and as large as 9/16 inches.
2:1 Pitch For Larger Books
If you want to bind larger books, a 2:1 pitch will be a better option. It created 21 holes on an 11-inch document, i.e. two holes per inch. The 2:1 pitch machines accept wires between ⅝ inch and 1-¼ inch.
Both Pitch Options For Any Size Projects
Some manufacturers offer machines with both 2:1 and 3:1 pitches so that you can create both smaller and bigger books in the same machine. As such, they will be a bit more expensive than just one-pitch machines but if you are going to create both bigger and smaller projects, it is worth the price.
Manual Vs. Electric Punch
You can choose between those that have a manual or an electric punch. Manual models will have a smaller punch capacity as you will have to use your arms to punch holes in the paper which might be hard. On the other hand, electric binders for wire binding either feature a button for electric punching or a foot pedal for electric punch.
Manual Vs. Electric Vs. Combination Wire Puncher & Binder In One
While some wire binders can have either a manual or electric punch, some models can also have an electric binder closer. Moreover, the market also offers combination models, for example, those with an electric punch so that it is easy for you to make holes, but the wire might have to be closed manually or the other way around.
Stand-Alone Wire Closing Machine
Some models come as stand-alone wire closing machines only. They are a good addition to your collection if you already have a puncher for the holes. Wire closing machines can either be electric or manual. Electric models will allow you to bind more books in a shorter time with less effort. Manual models, however, will be a good option if you have to close the wires occasionally and not in high volumes.
Benefits Of Binding With A Wire Machine
The machine provide a more professional and aesthetically better finish than plastic comb binding machines. When you bind the documents with a wire bonding machine, they lie flat and documents could be turned through 360 degrees on the spine. The stylish metal finish allows it to be used for many different binding projects. Moreover, the wire comes in many different colors.
Negative Sides Of Wire Binders
You can’t edit documents once you have bound them. Also, they do not offer the same perfect-bound finish as thermal binders do. Finally, it is not the strongest binding type available.
Who Is A Twin Loop Binding Machine For?
Different users will want to use a wire tool for different reasons. Here are the most popular ones.
Graphic designers – machine for a wire binding is a popular choice among graphic designers as they can choose between many colors and will always have a stylish finish
Notebooks – notebooks are commonly bound with wires for easy use so those who want to create their own notebooks might go for a double loop binding machine
Calendars – those who want to make calendars for business or at home might use twin loop machines for easy flipping of pages and an effortlessly stylish look.
How To Choose The Best Model?
If you want to learn more about this machine type, you need to know how documents look when you bind them and which kinds of binder features you can choose between to adjust them to your needs.
Sturdy Wire Binding Closer
If you are going to bind a couple of books a month, you will be okay with a plastic wire binding closer. However, if you are going to bind many books a day, look for wire closers that are not plastic but made from sturdy metals. If not sturdy, the closers might stop working properly so you will get books that are more closed on one spine side than the other side.
Disengaging Dies For Short Books
If you want to bind books shorter than 11 inches, you need a machine that allows you to disengage dies so that you don’t get half holes at the end of the page with punches.
Long Throat For Long Books
If you are going to bind books longer than 11 inches, you need to look for machines that have longer throats or open throats where you can fit larger paper sizes and formats.
Punch Capacity Of Double Loop Binders
For occasional use, you won’t need a punching capacity bigger than around 10 to 15 sheets at once. For more heavy-duty use, choose a binder that can punch through 20 sheets or more at once.
Binding Capacity
Binding capacity shows you how many sheets of paper you can bind together into one book. For smaller projects, pick one that binds up to 200 sheets together. If you want to bind bigger and thicker books, you can even pick a machine that binds even 500-600+ pages together.
Fixing Mount For Good Alignment
For professional-looking binding, the fixing mount allows you to fix the paper and align it to look even on all sides.
Tray For Paper Scraps
At the bottom of the machine, you will find a tray where paper scraps from punched paper will be stored. You will have to empty this regularly.
Margin Adjustment
Some binding machines also let you adjust the margin so that you can choose where the holes will be punched according to the thickness of your project and the size of the paper. For example, some models offer different margin sizes, such as 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, or 4.5 mm.
5 Best Wire Binding Machines
TruBind TB-W20A Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 17 x 8 x 14 in
Punching Capacity: 20 sheets
Type: Wire
Use: Manual
Easy-to-use
The Trubind TB-W20A machine measures 17 x 8 x 14 inches. It weighs 18 pounds. With this manual machine, you can bind the books and documents easily. On top of this binding machine, there is inserted 3:1 wire-loop binding, ti provides convenient loading.
Twin-loop Wire
There are twin-loop wire O-binding spines that ensure a professional look for any book or documents you need to bind. The TruBind features a full handlebar, it is sturdy and you need to apply steady pressure to punch holes. It is suitable for left- and right-handed people.
Paper Of Any Size
You can punch up to 20 sheets at a time and bind up to 120 sheets of paper per single operation. The size of your book or documents isn’t important. This twin loop binding machine allows you to punch and bind papers of any size. Just modify side and depth margin adjustment.
2-year Warranty
TruBind features open throat design which allows you to insert non-standard document sizes, like calendars. Also, the pins are fully disengaged, you can control where you want to punch holes. There is no mess and half punched holes. The price is affordable and the warranty lasts 2 years.
Safety:
Size:
Funcionality:
PRICE
approx:$300 – $320
determined by online offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and seasonal sales
Highlighted Points:
- affordable binding machine with 3:1 pitch
- sturdy handlebar for easy punching
- calendar spiral binding machine
- punch up to 20 sheets of paper
- bind up to 120 papers at a time
- the margins are adjustable
GBC Multibind Binding Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 21.5 x 19.3 x 9.3 inches
Punching Capacity: 30 sheets
Type: Wire
Use: Electric
2 In 1 Machine
The GBC Multibind 230 is a machine of 21.46 x 19.29 x 9.25 inches and its weight is 37 pounds. It is a heavy-duty device with quality built. This is 2 in 1 machine, it features a 2:1 loop wire and standard plastic comb. So you can create comb or wire bound papers.
Binding Capacity
This binder has the ability to bind up to 125 sheets of paper if you use a wire of 21mm. If you use a comb spine of 51mm you can bind up to 450 sheets at a time. The electronic punching capacity is 30 sheets of paper per single operation.
Paper Separator
This electric model is suitable for A4, A3 and A5 document formats. If you want to bind A5 papers, use A5 combs or 21 loop wires. For A4 or A3 paper sizes, you should use A4 combs or 21 loop wires. The paper separator divides the pages into stacks of 30 sheets.
Auto-centring Feature
This machine has many useful features, and there is one more – auto-centering. You don’t have to align the documents or books by yourself, this feature will align the papers perfectly. The wire closer is a built-in into the machine. The Comb Selector allows you to choose the appropriate comb size.
Safety:
Size:
Funcionality:
PRICE
approx:$1000 – $1070
determined by online offer (Amazon) and seasonal sales
Highlighted Points:
- 2 in 1 machine made of sturdy materials
- it handles 2:1 wires and standard plastic combs
- paper separator quickly divider pages
- auto-center feature for accurate alignment
- suitable for different documents sizes
Akiles DuoMac Binding Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 21 x 27 x 20 in
Punching Capacity: 20 sheets
Type: Wire, Comb
Use: Manual
Combo Machine
The Akiles DouMac C31 is a combo machine. You can bind the papers with plastics combs or with 3:1 loop wire. It includes comb punch, comb opener/closer and wire closer. This powerful machine is able to punch up to 20 sheets at a time. Its price is high and the warranty lasts 1 year.
Heavy And Large
The construction of this machine is heavy-duty and it measures 21 x 27 x 20 inches. It takes much space, so measure your desk before you buy it. The Akiles is designed for medium-sized offices. Moreover, it weighs 64 pounds. If you want to move it to another place, ask your colleagues for help.
500 Sheets At A Time
The construction is made of metal, so once you buy it, it will last for many years. Akiles is able to bind up to 500 sheets of paper at a time. There are two independent punchings die sets. The pins are disengaged, use the number of pins you need for a certain document size.
Master Selector
The punching length is 14 inches or 13 inches for the coil. The open end or open throat design allows you to insert larger documents. The margin depth is also adjustable. With the Master selector, you can determine the accurate wire diameter, closing position, depth margins and pitch.
Safety:
Size:
Funcionality:
PRICE
approx:$xy – $xy
determined by online offer (Amazon) and seasonal sales
Highlighted Points:
- heavy duty machine with two punching sets
- the pins are disengaged for the different sized paper
- it binds up to 500 sheets of paper
- use the plastic comb or wire
- side and depth margin adjustment
- ideal for copy centers, offices, print shops
Fellowes Quasar Manual Binder
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 15.4 x 18.1 x 5.1 in
Punching Capacity: 15 sheets
Type: Wire
Use: Manual
User-friendly Design
Fellowes Quasar is a manual wire binder designed for personal or small business use. This machine has a compact design and measures 15.38 x 18.13 x 5.13 inches. Fits in every work desk. It weighs 19 pounds. The user-friendly design improves using.
Edge Guide
Quasar punches up to 15 sheets of paper at a time and it is able to bind up to 130 pages with 9/16” wire. Also, you can use it continuously and finish your job faster than before. With an adjustable edge guide, you can easily center and align your documents, calendars or books.
Vertical Loading
This binder has a vertical loading. This loading type makes alignment more accurate. Within the device, there is a small waste tray. During the punching process, it collects paper pieces, so there is no mess on your desk. The storage tray is included, you can store wire combs and use wire measurement for the correct size.
Waste Tray
The Fellowes Quasar machine features a see-through window that shows you if it’s time to empty the waste tray. The price is affordable and the warranty for the last two years. If you need a machine for heavy-duty tasks, consider this electric machine.
Safety:
Size:
Funcionality:
PRICE
approx:$130 – $450
determined by online offer (Amazon, Walmart) and seasonal sales
Highlighted Points:
- lightweight manual wire binder
- it punches up to 15 sheets of paper
- ability to bind up to 130 documents
- waste tray for paper pieces
- vertical alignment for more accuracy
Vevor Binding Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 17 X 8 X 11 in
Punching Capacity: 12 sheets
Type: Wire, Spiral
Use: Manual
Wear-resistant Device
Vevor is a machine with a heavy-duty structure. It is made of high-quality metal materials and hard alloy blades. You can’t damage it easily and it will last for many years. The product dimensions are 17 x 8 x 11 inches or in centimeters – 44 x 21 x 28.5. It weighs 17 pounds/8kg.
Edge Distance Adjuster
This machine stands stable in one place, it features non-slip feet. At the left of the device, you can find the edge distance adjuster. You can pull it left or right to set the right distance. There are three options: 3mm, 5mm or 7mm. The knob lock is positioned on the front.
Rotary Knob
Use that knob for the symmetry of the paper. When you set it up, the binding will be accurate. There is one more knob – rotary knob, you should turn it to the scale you need to press. The Vevor features a long and convenient handle for fast punching. Except for wire, it offers coil binding system too.
34 Holes
It has a 3:1 pitch and 34 holes. The punching capacity is 12 sheets of paper and the binding capacity is 120 pages. The maximal punch size this machine accepts is A4 format. The drawer waste box collects the mess during the punching process. Use this machine in schools and offices.
Safety:
Size:
Funcionality:
PRICE
approx:$xy – $xy
determined by online offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and seasonal sales
Highlighted Points:
- all-metal structure
- non-slip feet for more stability
- convenient handle operation
- punching capacity – 12 sheets
- it binds up to 120 papers
- edge distance adjuster for a professional finish
How Do You Use A Wire Binding Machine?
Follow these easy steps to create a book or another project, bound by a wire:
- Turn on the machine by pressing the switch on.
- Insert a test paper into the puncher and adjust the margins. If you are happy with how it looks, you can start your project.
- Insert the covers into the puncher with the adjusted margins.
- Then, insert the rest of the project into the puncher and punch the holes.
- Assemble your project in order before binding when the holes are punched.
- Select the right size of the wire for your book.
- Press the wires over the fence of the back.
- Flip the back cover and flip it around to face the front cover for a better binding result.
- Thread the book contents over the teeth of the wire.
- Twist the spine around so that it faces down into the wire closer.
- Close the closer with a lever.
- Remove the project and you are done.
How Do You Hand-Bind A Book By Wire?
If you want to close a wire binding without a machine, you can still do it, but it will take up more of your time and you will need some precision. First of all, you will need to punch the paper and the covers or buy pre-punched paper and covers to use. Then, thread the wire through the punched holes in the covers and paper and close it one by one with your hands. Of course, you will have to cut the wire to the length of your project for it to fit beforehand.
Taking Care Of Your Duo-Wire Machine
There are a couple of steps you can take to ensure your binder is taken care of. First of all, empty the tray of the scrapped paper from the punched holes regularly. Second of all, lubricate the pins for the punching so they do not get dull over time.
Final Verdict
To conclude, we think that the TruBind TB-W20A binding machine is a very good choice. The TruBind machine uses 3:1 pitch, it punches up to 20 sheets and binds up to 120 sheets. You can bind the books of any size as well as notebooks.
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