Guide to Coil Binding: Everything You Need to Know

Okay, so you’ve purchased a few printable planner templates to use. You’ve chosen the size you want and printed the planner sheets.

But, the job isn’t done here. You’ll need to bind those pages together, especially if you’re using a daily planner and have lots of printed pages.

Unless you bind those pages together you’ll just have a mess and lots of unorganized planner pages.

This article will explain everything you need to know how to bind those pages together and create your planner.

What is Coil Binding?

Coil binding is a way to hold pages together using a spiral-shaped coil. This coil runs through small holes along the edge of each page, creating a strong but flexible binding.

With coil binding, your document can lay flat on a table or even fold all the way back. This makes it super easy to use, especially if you’re writing or need it to stay open on a specific page.

Why Choose Coil Binding?

Here’s why people love coil binding:

• Flexible – You can fold it 360 degrees without damaging it.
• Professional – Adds a clean, polished look to any document.
• Customizable – Coils come in different colors and sizes.

Great Uses for Coil Binding:

• Notebooks and planners
• Presentations
• Manuals and guides
• Cookbooks and recipe books

You can do coil binding yourself with a simple machine or do it at most print shops.

Coil Materials

There are a few different types of coils you can choose from.

Here are the main types:

1. Plastic Coils

• Lightweight and flexible, plastic coils are durable and resist bending.
• They’re available in many colors, so they’re popular for customizing the look of documents.
• Ideal for planners, workbooks, and manuals that need to be handled often.

2. Metal Coils (Wire Coils)

• Metal coils give documents a sleek, professional look.
• They’re usually sturdier than plastic but might be less flexible when folded.
• Often used in business presentations, portfolios, and professional reports for a high-end feel.

3. Eco-Friendly Coils

• Made from recycled materials, eco-friendly coils reduce environmental impact.
• Available in both plastic and metal versions.
• Perfect for companies or individuals focused on sustainability.

Each type has unique qualities, so choosing the right one depends on the look you’re going for, how the document will be used, and whether you need added durability or flexibility.

Coil Size Comparison

Apart from materials, there are different sizes of coils you can use. This depends on the number of pages you have. For example, a 6 mm coil can support up to 30 pages only.

The size of a coil is determined by the diameter of the coil itself, which is measured in inches or millimeters. This diameter refers to the width of the spiral, or the outer measurement across the coil when it is uncompressed.

Additionally, coils often come in different colors.

Common Coil Colors:

• Black:
  • Classic and professional.
  • Works well for almost any document, especially business reports or corporate materials.
• White:
  • Clean and minimal.
  • Great for documents that need a simple, neat look.
• Clear/Translucent:
  • Offers a modern and sleek look.
  • Perfect for documents with colored covers or design elements that you want to show through the coil.
• Metallic Colors (Gold, Silver, Copper):
  • Elegant and high-end.
  • Ideal for presentations, portfolios, or branded materials that need a premium feel.
• Bright Colors (Red, Blue, Green, Pink, etc.):
  • Bold and fun.
  • Great for creative projects, personal planners, workbooks, or school materials.
• Pastel Colors (Light Blue, Light Pink, Lavender):
  • Soft and gentle.
  • Perfect for themed projects, personal planners, or materials for children.
• Custom Colors:
  • Some companies offer the option to match specific brand colors or design needs.

Pros and Cons of Using Coil Binding

Coil binding is widely used and popular, especially among people who use paper planners.

Here’s why:

Pros of Coil Binding:

1. Durable:
   • Coil binding is strong and lasts a long time, even with heavy use.
2. 360° Page Rotation:
   • Pages can rotate all the way around, which makes the document easy to flip and lay flat.
3. Flexible:
   • You can easily add or remove pages, which is great for planners and manuals.
4. Versatile:
   • Works for many types of documents like booklets, reports, and cookbooks.
5. Customizable:
   • Coils come in different colors, so you can match your document’s design or branding.
6. Professional Look:
   • The binding looks neat and polished, perfect for business and personal projects.

However, like each product out there, there are some drawbacks of using coil binding:

Cons of Coil Binding:

1. Not Good for Shelf Storage:
   • Coil-bound books don’t have a flat spine, so they don’t sit as neatly on a shelf.
2. Can Get Damaged:
   • Plastic coils can sometimes break or uncoil, especially at the ends.
3. Can Interfere with Small Text:
   • The coil might distract or create gaps between pages, which can be annoying in small-text documents.
4. More Expensive for Large Projects:
   • Coil binding costs more, especially for large quantities of documents.
5. Requires Special Equipment:
   • You need a coil binding machine to punch holes and attach the coil, which can be a hassle for small jobs.

Binding Comparison

Coil Binding vs. Spiral Binding

Coil binding uses plastic or metal coils, allowing pages to rotate 360 degrees. This makes it flexible and easy to lay flat. It’s great for thicker documents and often looks more professional, especially with metal coils.

Spiral binding, on the other hand, uses plastic spirals and is more rigid. It’s best for thinner documents and doesn’t offer the same flexibility. It also has a simpler appearance than coil binding.

Coil Binding vs. Perfect Binding

Coil binding is flexible and durable, making it ideal for documents that need frequent handling. It works well for manuals, planners, and workbooks. Pages can rotate fully, allowing for easy flipping and laying flat.

Perfect binding, commonly used for paperback books, has a smooth, formal spine. It doesn’t allow pages to rotate fully, and while it gives a polished look, it’s more rigid. Perfect binding isn’t as durable for heavy use or frequent page-turning.

Coil Binding vs. Saddle Stitching

Saddle stitching uses staples to bind small booklets or documents, usually with a page count under 64. It’s a budget-friendly option for thin documents like booklets and newsletters.

Coil binding, in contrast, can handle thicker documents, provides more flexibility, and allows pages to rotate completely. Saddle stitching is easier on the wallet, but the staples can break over time, while coil binding is more durable.

Coil Binding vs. Comb Binding

Comb binding uses plastic combs inserted into punched holes along the document. It’s affordable but less durable than coil binding. The combs can bend or break with heavy use.

Coil binding, on the other hand, is stronger and has a cleaner, more professional look. It allows for full rotation of pages, making it more flexible than comb binding. Comb binding works best for smaller projects, but it doesn’t offer the same durability or flexibility.

Conclusion

When choosing a binding method, it’s important to consider the purpose and usage of your document. Coil binding is the most versatile option, offering flexibility, durability, and a professional finish, making it ideal for manuals, planners, and other frequently used documents.

For thinner or budget-friendly projects, methods like spiral binding, saddle stitching, and comb binding may be more suitable, depending on your needs. However, if you’re working on a larger, thicker document or need maximum flexibility, coil binding is likely your best bet.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your document’s page count, appearance, and how it will be handled over time. Consider what works best for your project and select a binding method that will give your work the look and durability it deserves.

FAQ

1. What is the best coil size for my document?
The best coil size depends on your document’s page count and thickness. For example:

• A ¼ inch coil works for documents with around 20-40 pages.
• A 1-inch coil is suitable for documents with 90-160 pages.
• Larger sizes like 2 inches or more are ideal for thicker documents with 300+ pages. Always check a coil size chart to ensure a proper fit.

2. Can I use coil binding for a document with mixed paper thicknesses?
Yes! Coil binding is flexible enough to handle documents with different paper thicknesses, such as regular paper and card stock. Just be sure to choose a coil size that can accommodate the thickest page in your document.

3. How do I make my coil-bound document look more professional?
To achieve a more polished look, consider using metal coils instead of plastic. You can also choose clear or metallic coils to add a touch of elegance. Pairing the binding with a custom cover design will elevate the appearance even further.

4. Can I customize the color of the coils?
Yes! Coil bindings come in a variety of colors, from basic black and white to metallic and bright colors. You can choose a color that matches your brand, theme, or personal style. Custom colors may be available depending on the supplier.

5. What documents should I avoid coil binding for?
Coil binding is not ideal for documents that need a sleek, hardcover finish, like high-end books or premium reports. For these, consider perfect binding or case binding. Coil binding is also not the best option for documents with very few pages, as it might look overdone for something small.

6. How do I add or remove pages from a coil-bound document?
You can easily add or remove pages from a coil-bound document by cutting the coil and re-threading it. For larger projects, some companies offer coil splicing services to insert or remove pages without damaging the binding.

7. Are there any limitations with coil binding?
While coil binding is very versatile, there are a few limitations:

• It doesn’t offer the sleek look of perfect binding.
• It can sometimes add bulk to thinner documents.
• Plastic coils can be prone to breakage if handled too roughly.

8. How long does coil binding last?
Coil binding is durable and can last for many years, especially if you use metal coils. The pages and coils typically hold up well to frequent use, making it an ideal option for documents like planners and manuals that are used regularly.

9. Is coil binding ideal for both small and large runs?
Yes, coil binding is great for both small and large runs. While it’s easy to do at home for a few copies using a binding machine, larger runs are typically done at professional print shops for efficiency.

10. Can coil binding handle oversized pages (like A3 or tabloid)?
Yes! Coil binding can accommodate oversized pages, such as A3 or tabloid-sized documents. Just make sure you use a larger coil size to fit the larger pages and ensure the binding holds everything securely.