hole punch set or individual

[Treesner]

hey guys I need some leather hole punches (I've just been using the rotating style one). Mainly I need one for copper rivets but figure I'll need other sizes later. Would you recommend buying a set or individually also what brand is worth the money and what brand to avoid

 

thanks!

[bgl500]

I have a set of the KS Blade interchangeable punches and love them. These are by far the best punches I've used and can't give them enough praise. They make an interchangeable system like I have and also individual punch sets.

[bikermutt07]

These I have been really happy with.

[bikermutt07]

Now that I have a bit more time....

I really like Wuta. They make quality stuff at a reasonable price. Now it usually comes on the slow boat from China but they are up front about that.

The few problems I had (maybe twice out of 20) were handled quickly by them. I have no complaints about them or their tools. Their templates are also pretty spot on. 

[ScoobyNewbie]

I like the single punches. I have no hand strength to speak of, so a hand punch is out. 

[Matt S]

When I first started in hobby leatherworking I bought a cheap set of 12 hole punches from a hardware store. They were absolute dog toffee -- blunt and wouldn't hold an edge even when I did sharpen them. Since then I've accumulated a drawerful of various punches piecemeal -- various brands, sizes and shapes. Most of them from bulk purchases of old tools. What I've learned is that I use far fewer different sizes than I thought I would -- probably two round punches regularly, which fit most different rivets I use. FWIW one's a Priory and the other a Maun.

My suggestion would be to buy a good quality punch in each size you currently use. The performance difference over cheap-and-nasty is far greater than the price difference. Start using a new size of rivet or eyelet, buy a new punch.

[Treesner]

On 12/14/2018 at 12:45 PM, bgl500 said:

I have a set of the KS Blade interchangeable punches and love them. These are by far the best punches I've used and can't give them enough praise. They make an interchangeable system like I have and also individual punch sets.

do you like the interchangeability? seems kind of annoying chasing out 

[Treesner]

On 12/15/2018 at 8:19 AM, Matt S said:

When I first started in hobby leatherworking I bought a cheap set of 12 hole punches from a hardware store. They were absolute dog toffee -- blunt and wouldn't hold an edge even when I did sharpen them. Since then I've accumulated a drawerful of various punches piecemeal -- various brands, sizes and shapes. Most of them from bulk purchases of old tools. What I've learned is that I use far fewer different sizes than I thought I would -- probably two round punches regularly, which fit most different rivets I use. FWIW one's a Priory and the other a Maun.

My suggestion would be to buy a good quality punch in each size you currently use. The performance difference over cheap-and-nasty is far greater than the price difference. Start using a new size of rivet or eyelet, buy a new punch.

was kind of thinking of trying to find a decent low cost set just to have what I need on hand if I'm in a pinch but also buy 2-3 nice ones in the main size

[fredk]

From experience; don't waste your money on cheap sets, unless they are quality ones discounted. Get round to 'garage' sales, antique shops et cetera and you can pick up old, quality, 'wad' or gasket punches for cents. I've picked up a few larger sizes from 'car boot' sales, farmer's markets and antique shops for no more than about £1 each [$1.30]

I/we had rather a lot of them but lost most when my son's garage business was burgled and we lost a number of tool boxes and equipment.

I use a Tandy rotary punch a lot and individual punches for harder to reach areas

caveat; I've found that even 'quality' named tools can be rubbish, names like Draper. Their punches on their rotary punch was so soft the metal punches bent going thru 3mm leather. I tried several - all the same.  I expect the ones recommended by other on here will be worth their money

[battlemunky]

I'm with @Matt S. I have the Tandy interchangeable set. It works but I only use two or three of them and if I'd have spent the money on individual punches, I'd have 3 really good punches instead of a set of mediocre punches.

I do want to second @bikermutt07 on Wuta. I have a Wuta diamond awl and will likely buy more based solely on that tool. It is really nice quality for the price. Those Wuta interchangeable punches look ok, the Tandy ones are pretty inconsistent and need work to sharpen with lots of tool marks and ridges to hang up on entry and exiting the leather.

Regarding rotary punches, I won't be spending money on those anymore. I've had two, one out of ignorance and the second to prove the first wasn't a fluke. They were Tandy tools. There may be better but I'm fine with drive punches.

Edited December 17, 2018 by battlemunky