Continuing with the topic of book binding, today we’ll discuss and explain a couple of methods that utilize coils of either plastic or metal to bind pages together.
As a matter of terminology, there is no difference between spiral binding and coil binding — they refer to the same binding method: a metal, plastic, or a plastic-coated metal coil, similar to a spring, is inserted into holes drilled (or punched) through the cover and inside pages of the book. Known as pitch, the number of drilled/punched holes (measured per inch) can vary between 3 and 5, with 4 holes per inch being the most widely used metric. Once a coil has been inserted through the holes, the ends are crimped to insure the coil is secure.
Why Use Spiral/Coil Binding?
One of the chief advantages of the spiral/coil binding method is it allows the pages of a book to be opened a full 360 degrees. Thus, a book can be opened and will lie flat on a surface without needing to be held open, even when folded back upon itself. This feature is ideal for any kind of reference book or manual where information can be accessed without requiring the book to be held open. Cookbooks, sales presentations, sales reports, directories, music books, etc., commonly use spiral/coil binding to make them easy to use. Map books and travel guides use spiral/coil binding to make them more accessible for easy reference when traveling. And, since a spiral/coil bound book can fully open, there is less concern about content near the spine becoming unreadable.
What Kind of Spiral/Coil Binding Options Are Available?
Coils are available in a variety of colors to match or complement a book’s cover design. In addition, to work with books of different thicknesses, coils of different diameters and sizes are available. Due to larger range of colors available, plastic coils are more common than metal coils. Plus, plastic coils are less susceptible to distortion and/or degradation from rust.
What is Comb Binding?
Also known as cerlox binding or surelox binding, comb binding is similar to spiral/coil binding in that it is inserted through a book’s cover and inside pages. In essence, a plastic cylinder is partially cut into a series of strips or tines perpendicular to its length while retaining an uncut portion that functions as a spine. Rather than holes, narrow slots are drilled/punched to accommodate the wider width of the comb’s tines. Similar to the metal mechanism found in three-ring binders, comb binding can be opened to add or remove pages and will snap back together as it’s held in tension. While comb bound books will, like spiral/coil bound books, lie flat when opened, they cannot open a full 360 degrees. And, because it’s made of plastic, comb binding is available in variety of colors and sizes to work different books sizes and thicknesses.
If you have any questions about spiral/coil or comb binding, give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
