One of the greatest challenges in choosing a wire binding machine is the fact that you are required to choose either 3:1 pitch (3 holes per inch) or 2:1 pitch (2 holes per inch). If you select a 3:1 twin loop binding machine you are limited to binding books that are 9/16" or smaller. In the past, if you selected a 2:1 wire-o binding machine you would be limited to books that were 5/8" thick up to 1-1/4" thick. However, with the introduction of new smaller sized 2:1 pitch wire, a 2:1 wire binding machine can now be used to bind books as small as 1/4".

This new small sized 2:1 pitch wire works the exact same way as the larger 2:1 pitch wires that you use with your machine. Simply punch your documents, insert the documents and binding covers onto the C shaped wire and use your twin loop wire closer to close the wire into a circle.

The 2:1 pitch small sized wire is fully compatible with most of the 2:1 pitch twin loop binding machines that are available on the market. However, if you already have a 2:1 pitch wire-o binding machine you will need to check and see if the wire closer is adjustable for smaller sizes. Some 2:1 wire binding machines on the market do not allow you to adjust the wire closer for sizes smaller than 5/8".

With this new option it is no longer necessary to have two wire binding machines if you want to bind both large and small sized books. However, even though it is possible to use a single machine for this purpose, many individuals still opt for a combo machine which allows them to bind documents with both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch wire. These customers often like the look of the smaller holes and more tightly looped wire that you get with the 3:1 pitch binding spines. Plus, the cost of 3:1 pitch small sized wire is less than 2:1 pitch small sized wire which allows users with a 3:1 pitch wire binding machine to save money on supplies over time.

The option of using small sized 2:1 pitch wire for binding your documents is ideal for the office that binds more large books than small books. However, if you are looking to purchase a new wire binding machine and you bind primarily small sized books and only occasionally need to bind larger reports, I would suggest purchasing a wire binding machine that is capable of binding both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch wires as it will save you money on supplies over time and will provide you with more options in binding your documents, reports and presentations.

Jeff McRitchie is the designer and Director of Marketing for MyBinding.com He has written over 100 articles on binding machines and binding covers and more.

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