A coil crimper, also known as coil crimping pliers, is an essential tool for finishing documents bound with spiral coils. It is used to cut and bend the ends of the plastic coil, preventing it from unraveling and securing your pages within the bound document.
Understanding Coil Crimpers
Coil crimpers are specifically designed for spiral coil binding. After you've threaded a plastic coil through the punched holes of your document, the ends of the coil need to be secured. This is where the crimper comes in.
What is a Coil Crimper?
A coil crimper is a plier-like tool with a specialized cutting and bending mechanism. Its jaws are shaped to cut the excess coil and then bend the very tip inward, creating a small "hook" or "stop." This bent end prevents the coil from slipping out of the punched holes.
Why is Crimping Important?
Crimping is the final, crucial step in spiral coil binding. Without it, your carefully bound document would quickly fall apart as the coil unravels.
The benefits of proper crimping include:
- Document Security: Pages remain firmly in place.
- Professional Finish: Gives your document a neat, completed appearance.
- Durability: Prevents wear and tear on the coil ends.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using Your Coil Crimper
Using a coil crimper is straightforward, but precision ensures a perfect finish. Follow these steps for securely bound documents:
Step 1: Prepare Your Document and Coil
First, ensure your document is fully assembled with the spiral coil threaded through all the punched holes. Leave a small amount of excess coil (about two to three holes worth) extending beyond the last punched hole on both ends. This excess is what you'll crimp.
Step 2: Position the Coil Crimper
Hold the coil crimping pliers in your dominant hand.
- Locate one end of the spiral coil.
- Place the jaws of the crimper just beyond the last hole where the coil passes through the document. The blades should be positioned to cut the excess coil, and the bending mechanism ready to bend the tip inward.
Step 3: Crimp the First End
- Once the pliers are correctly positioned, squeeze the handles firmly. You will hear and feel a 'snip' as the excess coil is cut.
- The crimper simultaneously bends the trimmed end of the coil inward, creating a stop.
- Inspect the crimped end to ensure it's securely bent and doesn't protrude or feel sharp.
Step 4: Secure the Second End
- After the first end is securely crimped, flip the entire project over so you can easily access the other end of the spiral coil.
- Again, position your coil crimping pliers just beyond the last hole on this second end.
- Squeeze the handles firmly to cut and bend the coil. This action creates the second secure stop, preventing the coil from unwinding and your pages from detaching.
Tips for Perfect Crimping
- Practice Makes Perfect: If it's your first time, try crimping a scrap piece of coil before working on your final document.
- Don't Over-Cut: Only leave a small amount of excess coil (2-3 holes) for crimping. Cutting too much off can make the coil too short.
- Clean Cuts: Ensure your crimper blades are clean and sharp for a precise cut and bend.
- Even Pressure: Apply consistent, firm pressure to ensure the coil is cut and bent securely.
- Check Both Sides: Always double-check both crimped ends to ensure they are secure and flush against the document.
Common Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Coil unravels after crimping | The crimp might not be tight enough, or the pliers were not positioned just beyond the last hole. Re-crimp more firmly. |
| Pages still slip out | The coil might be too long, or the crimp isn't forming a sufficient stop. Ensure you're leaving enough coil for a proper bend. |
| Jagged coil end | Your crimper blades might be dull, or you're not applying enough pressure. Consider sharpening or replacing the tool if needed. |
| Coil is too short | This usually happens if too much excess coil was trimmed before crimping. Ensure you leave 2-3 holes of excess for a secure crimp. |
Coil Crimping Checklist
| Item | Action |
|---|---|
| Document Ready? | All pages assembled, coil threaded through all holes. |
| Excess Coil? | 2-3 holes of coil extending beyond the last hole on both ends. |
| Pliers Position? | Just beyond the last hole, ready to cut and bend. |
| First Crimp? | Firm squeeze, inspect for security. |
| Flip Project? | Turn document over to access the other end. |
| Second Crimp? | Reposition pliers, firm squeeze, inspect for security. |
| Final Check? | Ensure both ends are secure, no pages slipping, professional appearance. |
Using a coil crimper effectively will provide a professional and durable finish to all your spiral-bound documents. For more binding solutions and supplies, you can explore resources like MyBinding.com which offer extensive guides.
