Twin Loop wire binding is one of the most popular methods of binding available today. Also known as double loop wire, wire-o, double wire, or just wire binding this style involves taking a preformed C shaped spine, placing it through the holes on the edge of your document and using a wire closer to close the C shape into a round binding element. Wire-o is considered to be one of the most elegant binding styles available on the market and is popular with real estate offices, architects, engineers and marketing departments. However, if you are considering using this binding style in your office there are a few things you might like to know ...

1. Twin loop wire comes in two different pitches (the number of holes per inch). Generally speaking, smaller sized documents use 3:1 pitch (3 holes per inch) and larger sized documents use 2:1 pitch (2 holes per inch). To be more specific, 3:1 pitch wire is available in sizes from 3/16" up to 9/16" and 2:1 pitch wire is available in sizes from 5/8" up to 1-1/4". It is possible to order 2:1 pitch wire in smaller sizes. However, 3:1 pitch wire is not available in sizes larger than 9/16" (the diameter of the wire becomes too thick to fit in the holes).

2. Depending on the size of the documents that you are looking to bind you will need to choose the right binding machine. Most wire machines either punch the 3:1 or the 2:1 hole pattern. However, the Akiles WireMac Duo Combo binding machine is capable of punching both the 2:1 and the 3:1 patterns. If you are looking for an electric binding machine capable of punching both 2:1 and 3:1 patterns you will need to consider a modular binding punch such as the GBC MP2500ix, or the GBC Magnapunch.

3. Most desktop twin loop wire binding machines include a wire closer that is designed to squeeze the C shaped wires together until they are round. It is important that this closer is accurate and closes equally across the entire length of the closer otherwise your documents will not operate correctly. Both Akiles and Renz wire binding machines include high quality closers.

4. When binding documents with wire a good trick to remember is to bind the back cover of the report on the front of your document. After the document is bound you can flip the back cover onto the back of the document and it will hide the place where the twin loop wire meets giving you a more elegant bind.

Twin loop wire is incredibly popular because it allows documents to not only lay flat but to wrap 360 degrees. Elements are available in a number of colors including: Black, White, Silver, Bronze, Red, Blue, Green, Navy and Gray. This style is ideal for higher end presentations and proposals but should not be mailed without protection for the spine since the metal spines can become deformed.

Jeff McRitchie is the director of Marketing for http://www.mybinding.com. He has written more than two hundred articles on topics related to binding machines, binding supplies, presentation covers, ring binders, index tabs, laminators, laminating pouches, roll film, shredders and paper handling equipment. If you have any questions about Wire-O Binding Machines or Twin Loop Wire Binding Supplies check out MyBinding.

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