Getting to Know Screw Posts: A Binding Solution with a Twist
Screw posts, also known as Chicago screws or binding posts, are extremely versatile binding devices that allow loose documents of practically any shape or size to be securely bound together. These low-cost, reusable screws enable the user to easily change out bound documents, making them a great choice for price books, menus, swatch guides, and much more.
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.
Another popular usage for screw posts is in conjunction with specially-designed portfolios or binders. These portfolios combine the protection and durability of a hard-bound book with the ease of updates provided by screw posts. Generally, screw post binders have hinged covers and pre-drilled holes to accommodate the posts. The user inserts their documents into special sheet protectors that have a hole pattern that matches the cover, and then threads the post through the cover and sheet protectors, tightening it to secure the documents. Since the portfolio is expandable, the user is free to add or remove sheets based on their needs.
Screw posts are sold based upon post length, and they are available in lengths ranging from 1/8″ to 4″. Screw post extensions, which allow users to add length to a post in order to securely bind additional documents, are available in lengths ranging from 1/4″ x 3/4″. All screw posts sold by Lamination Depot are made of aluminum, and 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″
Uses
Unlike most binding styles, screw posts require no special equipment (with the exception of a hole punch) and can easily accommodate frequent updates. As a result, they are commonly-used for menus, wine lists, swatch books, portfolios, architectural drawings, price lists, and any other application that requires regular updates. Their low price point also makes them a great option for anyone looking to bind on a budget without having to invest in specialized machinery, such as crafters or hobbyists, schools, small offices, or even restaurants.
In Review
Keeping documents attractively and securely organized can be a challenge, whether you’re working with a lengthy manuscript or a handful of paper swatches. Screw posts provide a versatile and easy-to-use alternative to other binding methods at an exceptionally low price point. Their two-piece construction allows for no-fuss updates, making them an ideal choice for many applications. They are also easy to expand, with a number of extension lengths readily available. If you’re in need of a quick and inexpensive way to organize your documents, you’ll definitely want to give screw posts a try.