I Want To Buy A Good Rotary Hole Punch. What To Lok For Please?

[Tallbald]

I will be making collars, strapping, and riveted items so I suppose it's time to consider buying a hole punch. But with prices from $4 to over $50, the spectrum of choices is broad. What makes a "good" and worthwhile hole punch? I'd like to choose based on some criteria and not just equating a higher price with higher quality. Specific brands might be good information too. Thanks all. Don.

Just saw my missed letter in "look" in the title, but cannot edit it. Sorry. Don

Edited April 9, 2014 by Tallbald

[TomG]

I have the high-end punch from Tandy and it's a workhorse. It has replaceable punches.

I hated spending that much money on a punch, but after 2 of the $12 punches falling apart in short order, it proved to be more economical to buy the better tool.. as usual.

Check their flyer. Lots of stuff on sale this weekend

[WyomingSlick]

Try to get a solid frame model with replacable tubes. I've lost count of how many of the lightweight press formed ones I have seen that are warped and twisted out of alignment. The replaceable tubes are not only best because it is easier to change a damaged, or split one.....but it is also a damn sight easier to properly sharpen one that you can remove from the tool.

Speaking of sharpening the tubes, it is not a good idea to over sharpen the tubes, nor to make the cutting edge too much like a knife edge. You want something more like the edge on an axe...that is a thicker sturdy edge. If the edge is too weak, then over time as you use it....it will be more likely to curl over from repeated contact with the anvil and will cut poorly if at all. Also, the tube, being weaker, is more likely to split. Also, a very good practice to get into ........is to press the tube into some beeswax before use, and to clear the tubes of cuttings when you are done.

Prices seem to vary a lot on this type of hole punch from well over $100 for the Osbourne TL1 model......... to $60 for the Tandy model and ..........down even lower to ...............$41.21 at theoriginalhorsetackcompany.com and................. way down to $24.99 at SSTACK.com. As always - You should check out their shipping charges before ordering.

There doesn't seem to be a lot of differance between them, that is, judging from the pictures. I do note that the Osbourne model does have a copper anvil while the others seem to have a brass one. A copper anvil, being softer, would be easier on the tubes, but may need to be replaced more often.. Of course, one could always change out the brass anvil on the other for a copper one if he really felt sorry for the tubes ! LOL

[bruce johnson]

All good advice, plus one more tip. When you are punching try to get a little "twist" as you squeeze and it normally will take less effort with the slicing action. It took a guy watching me work at it to show me the easier way.

[Tallbald]

Excellent and helpful responses. Tractor Supply has a solid handle version with what look like flats on the punch tube inserts for removing. It's right at $26. I'l call them to see if it's in stock. Thanks, Don

[Tallbald]

Thanks all for the input. Tractor Supply has a solid handle model with brass looking anvil and what appear to be removable punch tubes for right at $28. Might be a good compromise between the highest and lowest dollar tools. They have them in stock. I'll look it over soon. Don

[Rayban]

Here's some that I've accumulated over the years...all from Tandy.....when the tubes get too dull, (or when I bottom one out on a hard surface) just replace them.

Changing them out in those all in one do-hickeys gets old real fast.

Edited April 9, 2014 by Rayban

[Gump]

If you get lucky, you may find a used Sargent & Co. set on ebay or other used tool sites. They are strong and are the only ones I have ever seen with paralell jaws, allowing for straight holes in thick leather. Also I use a piece of scrap on top of the anvil side to protect the tubes. It makes for a clean cut every time, with no need to twist to get it to cut clean.I have had the same set for 25 yrs, and haven't had to replace or even resharpen them. Gump.

[tanda4]

Knipex

[WyomingSlick]

Knipex

Yup.......thats the very type that I was talking about. I have seen a bunch of those over the years that twisted/warped so that they wouldn't punch a decent hole anymore