In our post “Getting to Know Screw Posts: A Binding Solution with a Twist,” we introduced you to screw posts (also called “Chicago screws”) – versatile, inexpensive, and popular binding posts that are reusable and easy-to-edit. Now, we’d like to share the newest additions to our collection of screw posts. Lamination Depot now carries 56 new varieties, including black-, antique brass-, and gold-finished aluminum posts as well as multi-function plastic posts in black and white. In this post, we’ll recap some of the benefits of this unique binding style and take a look at the new screw posts that are now available.
The Basics
A screw post is made up of two separate pieces – a threaded post attached to a head and a cylinder attached to a matching head. To create a bound item, a hole is first punched through the documents to be bound. The cylinder is inserted into the hole, and then the threaded post is inserted into the cylinder and tightened. Because the heads are of a larger diameter than the hole, the documents remain securely bound between them. To make changes within the bound document, simply unscrew the threaded post from the cylinder, insert your revised documents, and reassemble the screw post.
New Styles
In addition to our popular, silver-finished aluminum Chicago screws, we now carry aluminum posts in gold, black, and antique brass finishes. All of our aluminum screw posts have the following specifications:
Outside Post Diameter: 3/16″
Screw Head Diameter: 7/16″
Screw Head Height: 1/16″ (top and bottom heads will add a combined 1/8″ to post length)
Screw Posts 3/8″ & Smaller: Post is threaded all the way through
Screw Posts 1/2″ & Larger: Post is threaded on one side
Recommended Hole Size: 1/4″-5/16″
Our new plastic screw posts, which are available in black and white, offer the same features of our aluminum binding posts as well as a special permanent binding capability not available on other screw posts. To create a standard, removable bind, slowly twist the screw into the post, threading it into position. For those projects that require a more secure, permanent bind, simply snap the screw directly into the post (without twisting), which locks the post into position. The threads have barbs that lock the post into place when inserted by pushing as opposed to twisting.
In Review
Screw posts are a great way to quickly and easily bind documents of all sizes, without needing a machine or other specialized equipment. With 56 new binding posts now available, there is a post style for every application, from elegant menus and eye-catching swatch books to oversized blueprints and thick manuscripts. In addition to standard, reusable aluminum posts that are available in four finishes, new plastic binding posts give users the option to create permanent binds by snapping the posts into place instead of twisting them. If you have the need to bind something, but don’t have the budget to invest in new equipment, then you should definitely give screw posts a try.