Gobrecht & Ulrich
Black Plastic Book Binding Screws
Black Plastic Book Binding Screws
| Quantity* | Discount | Price |
| min. 2 | 3 % | £6.78 GBP |
| min. 4 | 6 % | £6.57 GBP |
| min. 6 | 9 % | £6.36 GBP |
| min. 8 | 12 % | £6.15 GBP |
| min. 10 | 15 % | £5.94 GBP |
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Black Plastic Book Binding Screws
These plastic book binding screws (aka plastic chicago screws or plastic interscrews) are available in 5mm and 10mm length.
All binding screws are black, made of plastic and both parts have slotted heads.
Ideal to hold together several pages of documents or swatch books, depending on the length you choose.
The longer the binding screw, the more it can hold (the length defines the capacity).
The binding screws come in pairs (screws & posts), which you can easily put together by hand or use a screwdriver. Our binding screws can, of course, be reused. Simply unscrew them and tighten them again.
Where to use book binding screws
- handbound books
- bookbinding (screw-post binding)
- leather covers/leather bindings
- brochures
- customised photo albums
- portfolios
- colour swatches
- restaurant menus
- all other print products
Plastic is much lighter than metal, which can be beneficial if weight is a concern for your particular project. This can make a difference in situations where you want to avoid adding unnecessary bulk.
Unlike metal screws, plastic book binding screws are non-corrosive. This means they won't rust or experience oxidation over time when exposed to moisture or other environmental factors. So, if you plan to use the screws in humid climates or have concerns about the longevity of your book binding project, plastic screws can be a reliable choice.
How to apply plastic bookbinding screws
Fasten by hand or use a flat screwdriver.
Black Plastic Binding Screws at a glance
- Black book binding screws (plastic chicago screws) made of durable plastic
- Including screw and post
- Available lengths / sizes: 5 mm, 10 mm (please choose from variations)
- Head diameter: 12 mm or 0.47 in. Both parts have slotted heads
- Screw post diameter / hole diameter: fits 5 mm (0.2 in) holes
Please choose the length (size) according to your needs. If unsure, ask us or order a sample.
Book Binding Screw Size Chart
A binding screw's length is the post height between the two heads — in other words, the maximum total thickness it can hold. That can be paper, greyboard, leather or any mix of them. Use the chart below to find the right length for what you're binding.
Each sheet of paper has two pages — a front and a back — so a 100-page document printed double-sided is 50 sheets. Work out your size in three steps: measure your paper stack (80 gsm paper is roughly 0.1 mm a sheet, so 50 sheets ≈ 5 mm), add both covers (2 mm greyboard each side adds 4 mm), then round up to the next length. If you only know the page count, our Spine Width Calculator will estimate it for you.
| Screw Length |
Approx. Sheet Capacity (80 gsm paper / 1 sheet ≈ 0.1 mm) |
With Covers (2 mm board each side) |
Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mm | 50 sheets / 100 pages | 10 sheets | Sketchbooks, recipe books, leather bags, leather notebooks |
| 10 mm | 100 sheets / 200 pages | 60 sheets | Photo books, scrapbooks, thicker leather covers |
Note: The sheet capacities and "best for" recommendations are approximate and can vary based on paper thickness and binding style. Always test with your specific materials to ensure a perfect fit.
Specifications
- Available lengths: 5mm, 10mm
- Maximum stack thickness: 10 mm (100 sheets of 80 gsm paper)
- Reusable: yes — unscrew and re-bind as often as you like
Common questions
How do I convert a page count into a screw length?
How do I convert a page count into a screw length?
Every sheet has two pages, so a 100-page double-sided document is 50 sheets. At 80 gsm that is about 5 mm of paper. Add your covers, then round up. Our Spine Width Calculator does the arithmetic if you only know the page count and paper weight.
My paper isn't 80 gsm. How do I adjust?
My paper isn't 80 gsm. How do I adjust?
Gsm measures weight, not thickness. A bulky uncoated paper can be noticeably thicker than a coated sheet of the same gsm, so treat these as a starting point: 80 gsm ≈ 0.10 mm, 100 gsm ≈ 0.13 mm, 120 gsm ≈ 0.15 mm, 160 gsm ≈ 0.20 mm and 300 gsm card ≈ 0.35 mm. To be sure, stack 20 sheets, measure the stack with a caliper and divide by 20.
Should I choose the exact length or go up a size?
Should I choose the exact length or go up a size?
Go up. A post filled to its exact capacity binds tightly and the pages won't turn cleanly — aim to fill about 90% of the post. If you are between two lengths, the longer one still closes properly on a thinner stack; you'll just see a little more of the post.
Can I take the binding apart again?
Can I take the binding apart again?
Yes. Screw-post binding is fully reversible: unscrew the head, add or remove sheets, screw it back. That is why it suits portfolios, swatch books and anything that gets updated.
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About G&UWe only stock products we use ourselves - reliable, functional, and well-made for bookbinders, crafters and creative professionals.
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