#binding techniques

[transmasc-advice-blog]

Binding

Binders

I found that Spectrum Outfitters worked best for me (prices range from $50-$39). I also have binders that are older and stretched out or that don’t work as well (like gc2b) that I use when I don’t need as flat of a chest because they are easier on my rib cage lol. If you do that, do NOT count that as a break!

Practice safe binding!

Don't bind for more than 8 hours

Don't sleep in a binder

Don't exercise in a binder

Get the right size

Try to only wear a binder for 5 or 6 days a week (this one is hard, I know)

If it hurts, take it off!

If you notice bruising, something is wrong! Your binder might be too small or you may be wearing it for too long.

TransTape

Wearing binders all the time is not too good for you so I recommend using a variety of different binding techniques. One is TransTape!

The reason Ace bandages are unsafe is because as you breathe it gets tighter and tighter and can really hurt you. But TransTape doesn't do that, it's like the tape athletes use when they sprain their ankle or something. It's safe as long as it is used properly. Plus, you can wear it for up to 5 days, exercise and sleep while wearing it, and it's water proof!

TransTape isn't the only brand of course, but they do have a lot of great resources.

Learn more at their website here. I recommend starting with this page and the FAQ.

KT tape is another option if you cant afford/arent allowed to order TransTape. You can find it at most drugstores and box stores for relatively cheap. The adhesive isnt as strong as TransTape, keep that in mind when applying.

Men's Compression Shirts *I have not used these myself (yet) but I hear they work pretty well*

Made for cis men with gynecomastia but hey we can use em. Obviously will work much better for smaller chests, but could still do something for bigger chests, maybe for under a hoodie?

They won't flatten you as well as binders but the goal is more to masculinize the shape of your chest than to completely flatten it. They are also safer than binders.

Other stuff

The color black will make you look flatter

Layers! Lots of layers! (don't overheat)

Sports bras

Compression bras

Button ups <3333

Resources

Pain-Free Binding Techniques | Youtube Video by Arthur Rockwell

Binding 101 - Point of Pride

Binding Safely - Spectrum Outfitters

How to Hide Your Chest (without a binder) | Youtube Video by Iris Olympia

Binder Care - Spectrum Outfitters

Please free feel to add!

[srjsteel]

How to Properly Use Wire Binding for Maximum Strength

Wire binding plays a crucial role in ensuring structural integrity during construction and reinforcement projects. This technique is widely used to secure materials such as TMT bars, construction rings, and other reinforcement components. Understanding how to properly use wire binding can lead to stronger, safer, and more durable structures.

This guide provides insights into the correct application of wire binding, its benefits, and why it is indispensable for projects demanding maximum strength.

What is Wire Binding?

Wire binding is a technique used to fasten reinforcement materials, such as TMT bars or construction rings, in construction. The binding wire, typically made of high-grade steel, is used to securely tie these components together, ensuring stability and alignment throughout the structure.

Key Features of Binding Wire

High tensile strength

Corrosion resistance

Flexibility for easy application

Cost-effectiveness compared to alternative fastening solutions

Wire binding provides a reliable solution for holding reinforcement materials in place during and after the construction process.

Why is Proper Wire Binding Essential?

The degree of component security has a major impact on the strength of any reinforced structure. Reduced load-bearing capacity, weakening connections, and misalignment can result from improper wire binding.

Benefits of Proper Wire Binding

Improved Structural Stability: Guarantees that reinforcing elements remain in position throughout the pouring and curing of concrete.

Increased Durability: Guards against structural breakdowns brought on by mismatched parts.

Cost-effectiveness: Saves time and materials by minimizing the need for rework.

Safety Assurance: Minimizes risks associated with unstable frameworks during construction.

Step-by-Step Guide to Properly Use Wire Binding

1. Choose the Right Binding Wire

The first step is selecting the appropriate binding wire for the project. To guarantee longevity, look for wires with good tensile strength and corrosion resistance. The wire's thickness has to match the dimensions of the TMT bars or construction rings being utilized.

2. Prepare the Materials

Before starting, ensure that all reinforcement components, such as construction rings and TMT bars, are clean and free of debris. This ensures a secure and lasting bond.

3. Master the Tying Techniques

There are several tying techniques used in wire binding, such as:

Simple Loop Tie: A quick and effective method for small-scale projects.

Figure-Eight Tie: Provides additional strength by looping the wire in a figure-eight pattern.

Saddle Tie: Commonly used for tying intersections in reinforcement grids.

Choose a technique that matches the project's complexity and requirements.

4. Apply Consistent Tension

Ensure the binding wire is tied with consistent tension. Over-tightening can weaken the wire, while loose ties can lead to instability. Proper tension ensures a secure connection without damaging the materials.

5. Check for Alignment

After completing the wire binding, inspect the framework to confirm that all components are properly aligned. Misalignment can compromise the strength and durability of the structure.

6. Secure Overlaps and Intersections

Reinforcement materials often overlap or intersect in complex structures. Use additional binding wire to secure these points, as they bear higher loads and stresses.

Applications of Wire Binding in Construction

Wire binding is commonly used in the following scenarios:

Reinforcing Beams and Columns: Ensures structural stability under heavy loads.

Securing Construction Rings: Holds rings firmly in place for optimal strength.

Tying Mesh Reinforcements: Keeps the mesh grid aligned during concrete pouring.

Fixing Temporary Frameworks: Provides a cost-effective solution for securing temporary structures.

Why Consider Wire Binding for Construction Projects?

The combination of binding wire and construction rings is a proven solution for achieving superior structural integrity. This method is versatile, cost-effective, and reliable for both small and large-scale projects.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Binding Wire

Material quality and tensile strength

Compatibility with the reinforcement materials

Corrosion resistance for longevity

Ease of application and flexibility

Professional contractors recommend investing in high-quality binding wire to ensure maximum strength and durability in construction projects.

Making the Right Choice

Awareness of proper wire binding techniques highlights its importance in achieving structurally sound constructions. By understanding the benefits and following the correct application methods, builders can enhance the performance of their projects.

For those planning construction work, consulting with experienced engineers or contractors can provide tailored recommendations on the best binding wire and tying techniques for specific needs. Investing in quality materials and proper binding ensures long-term reliability and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Wire binding, when used correctly, provides unmatched strength and stability in reinforced structures. Its role in securing construction rings, TMT bars, and other components cannot be overstated. Proper application of binding wire not only ensures structural integrity but also contributes to cost-efficiency and safety.

Incorporating wire binding into construction practices is a decision that pays off in durability and performance. Builders and property developers should prioritize this method to achieve stronger, more resilient structures.

[nonbinary-octopus]

sometimes I forget that other people have object permanence about me

like, I'm in a bookbinding discord with a pets channel, and every now and then someone will respond to me talking about my cats, with information I had mentioned some time prior. I talked about progress they're making towards being able to coexist peacefully, and someone comments it's been a while huh? and I'm like, you remember how long it's been? like yes, but you remembered that? I told them October comes when he's called, and someone responded "Another point for the 'October was raised by dogs' column" and I'm like, you remembered I said that theory?

and it's just. wild, sometimes. you remember me, the things I've said, things I've done. I left a mark behind me. wow

[plor-bindery]

Bound: Under Giant Mountains by wolfpants

The delightful, evocative, and thoughtful Under Giant Mountains by @wolfpants is up next in my tour of wolf’s fic I bound. This landscape of this fic is soaring: mountains and dragons and wilderness. But at the same time, its subject matter is as small and carefully contained as Harry's postwar pain. This is a Harry who is struggling, and struggling to even admit he's struggling. At the risk of spoiling anything, the way wolf writes Harry's breakdown and surrender is so, so soft and sweet and real. I love a Harry who confronts any danger head-on except the danger of what's going on inside him.

(Fun fact: this fic was posted while I was in the midst of writing Polar Night/Midnight Sun and I was like OH GOOD WOLF HAS DONE THE DRACO IN NORWAY THING AND DONE IT BETTER THAN I COULD, I CAN STOP WRITING NOW but of course, I didn't stop; I let wolf's words inspire me onwards, and this is another reason why I love fandom: the overlapping of writerly worlds, the echoes and resonances we experience as creators and fans.)

For this bind, I chose a relatively simple aesthetic, but couldn't resist inserting little tiny dragons as scene breaks.

More process and materials talk under the cut.

Materials: This was my first go at making bookcloth! I had purchased a little remainder scrap of forest green cotton at the fabric store and only noticed after ironing it out and laminating it to the tissue that there were stripes of sun damage on the creases of the cloth, sigh. I had to start over. I used mulberry tissue but some of the fibres are palpable through the cloth, which I am not wild about. Still -- homemade bookcloth! Fun!

Text block is printed on 24 lb cream letter cut down to a quarto bind, and is actually the first bind I did where my grain direction was correct. (I know, I know...) Sewn on two linen tapes with waxed linen thread.

Endbands (which I neglected to photograph, apparently) are machine made.

End papers are just scrapbook paper, nothing special.

The decoration is gold HTV. Hoo boy. More on that shortly.

Process: My first quarto bind! First bookcloth making! First bind with the grain direction correct! So many firsts!

That being said, there was nothing particularly special about this bind's process. My biggest struggle (which is visible) was the gold HTV. I think I've since cracked the code more on how to apply larger bits of HTV without making marks in it (short version: higher heat, less pressure, more patience) but I was still struggling here, as you can see. That being said, I do love the sort of hobbity vibe of the rune-ish font and the dragon/mountain.

I made myself a copy of this as a test first, and the HTV is even more messed up on that. :| Also, I realized when reading it afterwards, I fucked up the page order in one signature. This is fixed (god, I hope it's fixed) in wolf's copy.

Signature length is a tricky thing with case binding/sewn binding in general. I wound up needing a bunch of blank pages at the back of the typeset so I did something I have since done in other binds: added a "selected praise for" section where I copy/pasted AO3 comments into the text block like literary reviews. I love this so much: the juxtaposition of the formal literary trope with the squee and all-caps and hype of fandom commenters. I am not the first to do this, of course, but you'll see it appear again in future binds from me for sure. (And of course I put my own comment first. OF COURSE I did. Binder's privilege!)

[iesnoth]

I have a new hobby! This is my first book binding attempt, and I'm really happy with it!

It's a sketchbook made of watercolor paper and chip board. Obviously I had to decorate it, so I used my favorite band, Steam Powered Giraffe, for inspiration.

[gojonanami]

you know who would be a good househusband? suguru.

in an alternate universe, instead of suguru dying, he's put under house arrest with seals plastered all over his body living in your house. your CT is something that can counteract his abilities—either something like CT neutralisation or bone-bending to force his bones to move in a certain way (hence not leave) or break fingers (in case he ever somehow tries out domain expansion).

and so he ends up living with you, and despite it all, it is almost weirdly domestic. and since he's living with you anyway (for safety reasons, since you can sort of control him), you end up almost exploiting his househusband like abilities—he ends up cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner, and you find yourself growing crazier and crazier because he looks so normal despite it all.

i don't think he'd want this plan to come to fruition, though. he'd rather die, i think, that live this life of 'humiliation'. but for the sake of this scenario, i am willing to entertain the idea that he would comply with this plan with the intent of figuring a way out to escape (whether by emotionally manipulating you or through his own smarts) and then bringing his plan to a climactic point (we have seen his cult, yes, him fighting jujutsu high, yes, but we haven't seen him exert mass control over the population).

and so, in this universe, he would bring non-sorcerers to their knees, forcing satoru's and your way into something big, potentially forcing yuki to utilise herself, too.

.....why are you doing this to me because i wanna write this

BUT, i want to make it so that when he's trying to emotional manipulate you, he actually falls for you, and while trying to concoct his plan, he doesn't really want to escape. and you realize that all he really wanted was peace for him and his friends --

and he abandons his ambitions and his misdeeds are pardoned when he helps deal with the troubles that face jujutsu sorcerers :)

[touchlikethesun]

it does kinda feel crazy to know enough about a topic that i consistently come to work at the museum and they're like "can you give a tour today on this or that aspect of the museum's collection?" and i don't need to even prepare anything, i can just say yes. like again, i know this is like. normal. for adults with jobs to be able to do their job. but it still feels weird to me that i can speak with authority about anything other than fandom

[zaddyazula]

i won’t lie there is something suspicious going on with gojo’s right eye i’ll give the comeback theorists that

[shapeshiftersvt]

Always hang your binders to dry. Even if you're washing a zillion of them at once after a sweaty day vending at Pride. Actually, especially then.

[dibrujas]

Spread of Xenon and Beck being... Xenon and Beck (futuristic lesbians)

Pages on their own in case you want to look at Xenon's back for extended periods of time (like me):

[almoststedytimetravel]

i saw your naoto post and deep dove your persona 4 posts (like a normal person). i am now asking what are your trans naoto discourse opinions

Scariest thing I've ever seen in my ask box

ahem

Personally idc what people headcannon a character's gender identity as (Especially one as poorly handled as Naoto giving you so many avenues for interpreting their Gender), just as general rule. Have fun with it, they aren't real people, Godspeed. As for my personal reading of Naoto as a character though...

So I'm not gonna deny that the specific way Naoto (specifically their shadow) talks about themselves comes across as transphobic. Shocking that a game that first came out in, what, 2008, isn't very good at talking about Gender issues. If/when P4 gets a remake they will almost certainly over hall the script for Naoto's arc (Thank god).

That being said I think Naoto's choice to crossdress her way out of misogyny is a way to show her social isolation and naïvety. Naoto expresses that she didn't have any friends until she met the Investigation Team and that she read a stupid amount of fiction from her grandfather's library. Crossdressing to do quote-un-quote men's work is something pretty confined to fiction, which was Naoto's only real window into the outside world (Other then the police force). Anyone with any real world experience could tell you that transitioning (or crossdressing) is not going to get you respect, especially in the police force.

I think Naoto's social link does a fine job of implying that pretending to be man was making her miserable, but I think it could have been more explicate about it. The spin offs however (Dancing and Arena specifically, if you bring up Persona X Detective Naoto in my presence I will reduce you to atoms) Really put a fair bit of effort into showing that presenting as a girl does make her happy! Her idealisation of Mitsuru in Arena, even saying that she was the type of woman Naoto wanted to become, does a lot to patch up the holes in her character.

Of course since these character moments are confined to spin offs a lot of people won't see them and only get her bad dungeon and mediocre social link.

Personally I like She/They nb Naoto!

[woahjo]

i know what the plot of jjk is and what's going on... but in a very real sense no i don't

[creaturefeaster]

Would you ever plan on doing an art stream sometime? Or perhaps a game stream? :)

I used to do art streams, but I've gotten rather shy with my process in the last few years ^^;... Maybe some day I'll do another art stream.

I often think about doing game streams actually, but I don't know how many people would want to watch me play the kinds of games I play. But maybe I'll try it out anyway at some point! If it's something people are interested in.

[peach-moths]

I made a bunch of book cloth for the first time today and why on earth did my old book arts professor make it seem like book cloth was so hard to make lmao??? It's literally wheat paste and paper

[thecozycuttlefish]