Aluminum screw posts (AKA chicago screws) are used for binding photo albums, scrapbooks, samples, blueprints, leather products, store and trade show displays, and thousands of other items. They can hold hundreds of pages, yet can be assembled and disassembled using only your fingers. No expensive binding machines to buy -- just a simple paper punch and you can get started. We also offer a large selection of Paper Cutters, Laminating Machines, Coil Binding, GBC Binding and Tape Binding Machines. Consult with our knowledgeable staff if there is a particular machine or product you require.
You can punch the holes if you only have a small number to do. Use a single-hole punch for swatches, samples, and similar materials. A three-hole punch makes larger sheets of paper easier to punch.
Use a paper drill if you need to put holes in a large number of sheets of paper, or stacks of cover stock, foam core, and similar materials. A drill is also much less effort to use.
For holes in wood, metal, plastics, etc., use a drill press with a bit suited to the material. Research the material you want to drill online, or ask someone with experience in using that material. Your supplier can probably give you some suggestions.
Some people suggest a drop of thread lock or adhesive for more durable applications. Be very certain that you want the connection to be permanent if you do this.
For large books, select screw posts that are longer than the thickness of the book. The larger the book, the more extra space you should leave for the inner pages to be readable.
If you often have to bind books of various sizes, keep a supply of screw posts and extensions to assemble for a proper fit.Add covers to help keep the outside pages from tearing or the posts from pulling through.
1/8, 3/16, and 1/4 inch screw posts (and 1/4 inch extensions) use special screws to fit the short post bodies. Keep the screws with the posts in these sizes to avoid using the wrong screws. Screws that are too long will not seat properly and may protrude through the bottom of the post, or not completely tighten on an extension. We also sell extra screws for all sizes if you need them.
Leather connections often have to take a certain amount of strain. To help them hold better, make the hole 3/16 or 7/32 inch in diameter. Use a good quality leather punch to make the screw post easier to insert.
Also, choose the length of the post carefully. It should be long enough to tighten the screw firmly against the post, but not more than the combined thickness of the leather pieces.
If you are going to a trade show or offsite location, pack a few extra screw posts of the appropriate length in case you drop one.
For a completely different look, we stock plastic screw postsin black and white.
For greater strength, we stock steel screw postsand extensions.