Frequently Asked Questions
Wire-o Bound Books - FAQ
Q
What's the best: wire-o binding or plastic coil binding?
A
Both offer similar results enabling the pages not only to lay flat but turn back on themselves a full 360 degrees but wire-o, in our opinion, looks more professional. The lay-flat properties are the main reason people choose either of these binding methods. It's personal choice, of course, but commercially, wire-o tends to be more common; particularly with training companies whereas educational establishments tend to prefer plastic coils. Anywhere safety is a concern, plastic coil is preferred as the wire can be pulled out, straightened and used for other things than its intended purpose.
Q
I've had wire bound books where the pages have fallen out. Is this common?
A
Not if the book was bound properly. If you can see where the spine has been closed on the outside of the book, it has been bound incorrectly and the pages could fall out quite easily. The closed spine of the book should always be on the inside of the book (usually inside the back cover) and this prevents pages falling out.
Q
What types of book are best suited to wire-o binding?
A
Wire-o binding suits manuals, notebooks, recipe books; in fact any book where it's helpful to be able to read or write without the need to hold the book.
Q
How is the bind formed?
A
The pages are gathered together and punched with a series of holes to the bound edge of the book. The pages are then placed over the prongs of a preformed 'binding comb' before the gap in the wire is closed shut.