I am copying this post from my friend Nan because she did the most awesome detailed comparison of the Bind It All and that “other” binding machine (that costs $25 more) on the market. And since she said it the best and I agree 100% with everything she wrote, here's her post:
Ok, admittedly I am a little biased. I have worked with the BIA since day one – and I do mean day one! I have always thought that the Bind-it-All is a clever crafting tool – so much versatility, and even after all these years, my original tool is still going strong. I my Bind-it-All all the way!
So when a competitive tool was introduced earlier this year, I was skeptical, but open-minded. But, after taking one for a test scrap this weekend, I am not only still (very)skeptical, but thoroughly convinced that nothing comes close to what the Bind-it-All can do (and with quality and consistency).
BINDING: I work in advertising, so I appreciate and understand the power of comparative marketing. But this is as close as I can get to the “Pepsi Challenge” of punching and binding. I used both tools side by side to make a few different projects. This is what I got: UGH!
Egg-shaped owires – I had nothing but problems with the owire closure.
No matter how many times I tried, the pre-set owire settings on the Cinch failed to create a nicely shaped “o” for the owire. If you watch the video, you can see some of my many attempts. The Bind-it-All in contrast has micro-adjustment settings. You can set the tool for proper owire sizes and then adjust in small increments if you desire a tighter or looser owire closure. I am a stickler for nice “o” shapes, so hands down this lack of function is a big red NO for me. I got rather frustrated while shooting the video, as I went through a boat load of owire trying to get it to work for me. I did give it a good try, even more times off camera. But, it does illustrate how much better the Bind-it-All is for getting the correct outcome.
PUNCHING: There is a difference between the two tools in the engineering of the punching action. No doubt some will find it easier to punch with a larger handle on the Cinch, with materials laying flat rather than the Bind-it-Alls vertical format. The Cinch handle got in my way a little bit – but that could just be me. But it did feel like by my holding the material in place in the flat position, the handle would get in the way. It's a matter of preference – and I have no problem doing punching with my BIA. In fact, the punching action on the BIA makes a point to keep fingers out of the way of the handle and the punching action. What also bothers me with the Cinch punch are the round shaped holes. They look out of proportion to me, even more so on smaller punched projects. Again, this is a matter of preference, but they just look too big….
Back to those big round holes….on this teeny project, those holes look enormous. The Bind-it-All holes don't distract the eye. The rectangles are balanced…maybe it's just me, but it looks cleaner and less holey, more professional. I really don't want to notice the holes on my projects, if you know what I mean, And, in the above photo, the Bind-it-All is bound with 3/8″ owire. Perfect for the small project. The smallest the other tool can accommodate is 3/4″ which looks enormous comparatively. Much too big for smaller projects.
Lastly, with regards to punching. The Bind-it-All does have variable punching settings – one that allows for the professional binding of “inner pages”. As you can see on the Bind-it-All bound book – with the white inner pages – there is a nice overhanging of the covers. This is a punching option on the Bind-it-All (use “C” and “D” stop guide settings) that the other tool does not have. It's another nice versatility plus for the BIA.
So versatility and customizability – hands down the BIA ranks best!
Which brings me to owire……..
OWIRE: Both tools use the same 2:1 ratio owire – meaning two holes (or loops of wire) per inch. However, the Cinch has only 5 pre-set owire closure settings (and you already know how I feel about those pre-set settings and lack of closing consistency), thus can handle only the five larger owire sizes you see here. So unless you are only binding “War & Peace” thick projects on a regular basis, you have no flexibility for smaller creativity. The Bind-it-All – again with variable adjustment settings – can handle it all.
OTHER STUFF: Then there are the other issues, like size, weight, and general bulkiness. I know scrappers are generally tool lovers, but for me and others I know, space and convenience are an issue….so who wants bigger and heavier when the Bind-it-All does more with less space and weight (and for less $ too). Really? $99.99 for that one, and the Bind-it-All for 25% less!!!
I understand the appeal of the branding with a cute little pink bug and the concept of making something easy. The makers of the Cinch manufacture other tools that are wonderful and that I use and enjoy. But I find it hard to improve upon punching and binding perfection. So, after what I think is a fair test on my part, I am standing thoroughly behind my favorite crafting tool – the Bind-it-All! The BEST!
If you've tried both, would love to know what you think. If you love your BIA, tell me that too :)
I recently got the Cinch. I like it. There are a few things that bug me (round holes and not being able to use smaller owires, for example), but my main reason for buying it vs. the BIA was ease of use. I know once you get the hang of using the BIA, it is pretty easy to use, but honestly, I didn’t think I would have the time or energy to invest in learning how to use it.
I borrowed my friend’s BIA and had a hard time getting the hang of it and had to punch scrap paper first to make sure I had the settings right. (I have watched the videos online and was even more confused!) With the Cinch, I took it out of the box and bound a book within minutes without worrying if I was doing it wrong.
I will still probably end up getting a BIA (anyone selling a used one? LOL) so I can bind smaller wire and such, but for me, the Cinch was a better choice in general, at least for now.
(and as for the size, yes it is a bit big, but you can store it on its side, which takes up much less space)
great minds think alike.
xoxoxo thanks.
First off, I don’t like anyone who doesn’t sign their name to something. So after this point, anonymous comments has been turned off. hehe :)
And second, I’d love to see if you were able to close the wires into a nice round closed wire. If Nan can;t do it with the Cinch, I don’t see how anyone can. Even in the recent Cinch ad in CK the O-Wire has this gnarly kink in it.
So if you wanna have a discussion, put your name on it, like Nan and I did.
First, I was trying to type late at night while holding a very un-sleepy 7 month old.
I didn’t even realize it was under anonymous.
Second, I got the wires fairly round, but after comparing the book I made using my friend’s BIA, those aren’t perfectly round either. A little better than the Cinch, yes, but still not “perfect.” I made one book with my friend’s BIA and one book using the Cinch. I am not “experienced” in using either machine, so it could be user error, in all honesty.
Look, as I said in my first comment… there are a few things I don’t like about the Cinch. My main reason for purchasing it over the BIA was just the ease of use. I have 4 kids. I don’t have a lot of time to scrap/craft, and I didn’t want to spend a lot of that time figuring out how to use the BIA. I watched the videos– which were helpful, but I was still confused, since I didn’t have a BIA in front of me to try while watching the videos, which I’m sure would have been best.
I think the BIA is a neat little tool, and I will probably end up getting one at some point, once I have a little more time to invest in it. But right now, the Cinch was a better choice for me.
My original comment was simply to tell of my personal experience, and explain my choice of getting one machine over the other. I did not say anything bad about the BIA, so I don’t understand why the reaction about posting anonymously??
I was considering putting the BIA on my Christmas list this year… where do you buy the o-wires? Can I get them at M’s or will I have to order online?
I haven’t tried either one and no one I know personally has either one. I am definitely leaning toward the BIA for all the above reasons, but until I can touch one and try it for myself, it will linger on my wishlist unpurchased. I wish they would do a booth at an upcoming Expo. Thanks for the review.