Arts >> Books >> Book Publishing

How to Do Spiral Binding

Whether you have a school project, a family heirloom, or a professional document to prepare, spiral binding (also known as "coil binding") can give your booklet a polished, impressive appearance. Note that if you will only be spiral binding one or two booklets, you'll want to find a local printer or office supply store who will let you use their spiral binding equipment so you don't have to shell out big bucks for a few small projects.

Things You'll Need

  • Spiral binding machine
  • Paper or document to be bound
  • Coil crimping pliers
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a spiral binding machine or find someone who'll let you use theirs.

    • 2

      Make sure that the machine is set to the right margins and that any other necessary settings are in place.

    • 3

      Gather the materials that need spiral binding. Double check that all pages, including the front and back covers, are there (and in the correct order!) before binding the document.

    • 4

      Using the paper hold punch on the spiral binding machine, punch holes in the papers of your document, a few pages at a time. Make sure that the number of pages you punch each time doesn't exceed the maximum thickness allowed by your spiral binding machine.

    • 5

      Use the instructions for your specific machine to actually apply the spiral binding. Be sure to leave about 1/4" of the spiral binding extending from both ends of the document.

    • 6

      Use the coil crimping pliers to get rid of the excess coil. Be sure there are no sharp edges of spiral binding sticking out; if there are, use the pliers to bend them in toward the document.

+:
+:

Book Publishing

Related Categories