Binder Clips vs. Brass Fasteners
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
The Binder Clip (Foldback Clip, invented by Louis E. Baltzley in 1910) is a reusable sheet fastener consisting of a tempered spring-steel triangular clamp and two collapsible nickel-plated wire loops. Available in standardized widths from Micro (1/2" / 13 mm, 30 sheets) to Extra Large (2" / 51 mm, 240+ sheets), it binds thick documents securely without punching holes or damaging paper fibers.
Brass Fasteners (also known as Paper Brads or Split Pins) are malleable metal binding pins featuring a round domed head and two flexible flat prongs. Sized from 0.5 inches (13 mm) to 2.0 inches (51 mm), they are passed through punched holes and spread flat against the back of the document, serving as the industry standard for Hollywood film screenplay binding.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Micro Size (1/2 in)
|
13 mm width — 4 mm capacity (~30 sheets of 80 gsm paper) | — |
|
Mini Size (3/4 in)
|
19 mm width — 8 mm capacity (~50 sheets) | — |
|
Small Size (1.0 in)
|
25 mm width — 10 mm capacity (~80 sheets) | — |
|
Medium Size (1.25 in)
|
32 mm width — 16 mm capacity (~140 sheets — most popular office size) | — |
|
Large Size (1.6 in)
|
41 mm width — 20 mm capacity (~190 sheets) | — |
|
Extra Large Size (2.0 in)
|
51 mm width — 25 mm capacity (~240+ sheets) | — |
|
Material Composition
|
Heat-treated spring steel body (black oxide coated) + nickel-plated steel wire arms | — |
|
Shank Length 1/2 in (No. 1)
|
— | 13 mm — capacity approx. 30 to 40 sheets |
|
Shank Length 3/4 in (No. 2)
|
— | 19 mm — capacity approx. 50 to 75 sheets |
|
Shank Length 1.0 in (No. 3)
|
— | 25 mm — capacity approx. 80 to 110 sheets |
|
Shank Length 1.5 in (No. 5)
|
— | 38 mm — capacity approx. 120 to 175 sheets (Standard 1.25" Hollywood Script Brad) |
|
Shank Length 2.0 in (No. 7)
|
— | 51 mm — capacity approx. 200+ sheets |
|
Head Diameter
|
— | 8.0 mm (approx. 5/16 in domed brass cap) |
|
Hollywood Script Tradition
|
— | Bound with two No. 5 brass brads placed in top and bottom holes (middle hole left empty) |