How to Bind using 3:1 or 2:1 Double-Loop Wire Binding Combs

These instructions are designed to provide step-by-step instructions for binding one or many books using 3:1 (32 hole) or 2:1 (21 hole) double-loop wire binding combs.  Note: Only a 3:1 wire binding machine can be used with 3:1 wire binding combs. Only a 2:1 wire binding machine can be used with 2:1 wire binding combs. Combs and machines are NOT interchangeable.
 
Individual book assembly:

1. Start by gathering your pages and selecting binding covers and dividers (if necessary).  Select the appropriate number of covers (2 per book) and the necessary number of dividers if used.  Note: Pre-punched paper is also available to streamline process.
2. Determine which size binding comb is required for the number of pages to be bound for each book.  Make sure to count the covers and any dividers in the total page count.  
3. Select either 3:1 (32 hole) or 2:1 (21 hole) double-loop wire binding combs whichever matches your binding machine.  
4. Disengage any dies that are not needed (if available).
5. Set wire combs in appropriate location in machine.  Wire combs come with the loops already open.
6. Punch covers and place one on the comb.
   
7. Punch dividers and papers (if not already printed on pre-punched paper) and place on comb in sequential order.
   
8. Place cover on comb and close using machine’s wire closer to complete book.  The supplied wire closer is needed to close wire loops correctly.
   
9. Repeat for each subsequent book.
   

1. Start by gathering your pages and selecting binding covers and dividers (if necessary).  Note: Pre-punched paper is also available to streamline process.  Select the appropriate number of covers (2 per book) and the necessary number of dividers if used.
2. Determine which size binding comb is required for the number of pages to be bound for each book.  Make sure to count the covers and any dividers in the total page count.
3. Select either 3:1 (32 hole) or 2:1 (21 hole) double-loop wire binding combs whichever matches your binding machine.  
4. Disengage any dies that are not needed (if available).
5. Punch all covers and set aside.
6. Punch all dividers and set aside.
7. Punch all papers (if not already printed on pre-punched paper) and set aside.
8. Layout covers, papers, dividers in order on work surface.
9. Assemble each book until all are collated.
10. Set wire combs in appropriate location in machine.  Wire combs come with the loops already open.  Place one assembled book on comb.
    
11. Close comb using machine’s wire closer to complete book.  The supplied wire closer is needed to close wire loops correctly.
    
12. Repeat for each subsequent book.
    

• Covers come in a variety of sizes. Be sure to align punched holes accordingly for the cover size being used.  If paper guide is not marked for oversize covers, make sure to mark it for the size used to allow for consistent punching.
• When punching plastic covers, use a backer and punch one cover at a time to prevent ripping and twisting of cover.  Continuous punching of plastic covers may require the backer be placed on top of the plastic cover.
• It is recommended to disengage dies on the right side of the binder or one on each side of the binder.
• Smaller books can be accommodated by disengaging the dies in groups of seven (7), a full die set, or by locating the center die and moving from the center to left or right.

WIRE BINDING COMBS - 2:1 DOUBLE LOOP 21 HOLE
Two holes are punched per inch (21 holes total along the 11" side of a standard sheet of paper) and then bound with double-loop wire.  2:1 double loop wire binding combs can bind a stack of paper as small as 1/4 inch (20 sheets of standard 20 pound paper) up to 1-1/4 inch (230 sheets of standard 20 pound paper)., offering greater versatility than 3:1 wire binding.
Use with OffiWire 21, Renz Eco S, Renz Eco Comfort wire binding machines.  A 21-hole punch pattern is used for greater strength and document memory.  Choose from black, white, silver, red, or blue.

WIRE BINDING COMBS - 3:1 DOUBLE LOOP 32 HOLE
Three holes are punched per inch (32 holes total along the 11" side of a standard sheet of paper) and then bound with double-loop wire.  Ideal for smaller projects, 3:1 pitch wire binds a stack of paper as small as 3/16" (10 sheets of standard 20 pound paper) up to 9/16" (120 sheets of standard 20 pound paper).  3:1 double-loop wire binding combs offer a sturdier finish than 2:1 wire binding.  Pages turn 360 degrees and lay flat for easy copying.
Use with OffiWire 31, Fellowes WB 150 and WireMac 31 wire binding machines.  A 32-hole punch pattern is used for greater strength and document memory.  Choose from black, white, silver, red, or blue.

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