Binding tool and file

A binding tool for papers, the binding tool comprising:

• a base member extending in a longitudinal direction;
• and
• a plurality of first binding members and a plurality of second binding members, each of the plurality of first binding members and each of the plurality of second binding members having a base end portion protruding outward in a width direction of the base member and a tip end portion integral with the base end portion and curved inward in the width direction, the tip end portions being located facing each other in the width direction and being movable between a binding position in which the tip end portions are in contact with each other and an open position in which the tip end portions are separated by a predetermined distance, wherein:
• when the tip end portions located facing each other in the width direction are in contact with each other in the binding position, the base end portions, which are integral with the corresponding tip end portions, are positionally displaced from each other in the longitudinal direction by at least an amount corresponding to a thickness of each base end portion, and
• the base member includes a first base member formed with the first binding members and a second base member formed with the second binding members, and the first base member and the second base member are coupled to each other so as to be movable in the width direction between the binding position and the open position.