Hole Punch Chart
What's the best hole punching tool for the task? The Hole Punch Chart lets you get at-a-glance information for: hole sizes and shapes, recommended materials and gauges to use each on, and more.
| Item | Hole Size(s) and Shape(s) | Hole Reach from Edge | Recommended Materials | What Our Experts Say |
T-bar hole punch |
1.5mm and 2mm round (replacement T-pins 3657TL sold separately) | Up to 5mm (for 1.5mm hole) and up to 12mm (for 2mm hole) | Disc findings and other semi-flat pieces of copper, zinc alloy, aluminum, silver, gold, brass, bronze and tin up to 2-3mm thick, depending on metal | ''I find this hole punch easy to align, because the pressure of the twisting style means I can fine-tune the hole placement without it shifting out of place.'' -Esther |
EUROTOOL® hole punch pliers |
1.25mm round (replacement pins H20-4855BS sold separately) | Up to 11mm | Copper, silver or other soft metal sheet up to 18 gauge | ''These pliers punch very small holes. They're ideal for making holes for cold connections that need a snug fit.'' -Esther |
EUROTOOL hole punch pliers |
1.8mm round (replacement pins 4856BS sold separately) | Up to 11mm | Copper, silver or other soft metal sheet up to 18 gauge | ''These are the hole punch pliers that every FMG jewelry production artist has at her desk here.'' -Esther |
EUROTOOL hole punch pliers |
1.7mmx1mm oval (replacement pins H20-4857BS sold separately) | Up to 11mm | Copper, silver or other soft metal sheet up to 24 gauge | ''I love how I can replace the pins when they get dull.'' -Rose |
EUROTOOL hole punch pliers |
1.5mmx1.5mm square (replacement pins 4858BS sold separately) | Up to 11mm | Copper, silver or soft metal sheet up to 24 gauge | ''You can't get any more convenient than these.'' -Jude |
Hole punch pliers with 7 changeable dies and punches |
2.38mm, 3.18mm, 3.97mm, 4.76mm, 5.56mm, 6.35mm and 7.14mm round (both punch and die) | Adjustable alignment from 1/4 inch to 1-1/2 inches | Leather, plastic, steel, aluminum, brass and copper up to 16 gauge (if mild or soft) | ''That's the deluxe model. It goes through everything.'' -Jude |
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Japanese screw punch set (6 sizes) |
1.75mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm and 4mm round | Not applicable | Designed for bookbinding materials: suede leather, fabric, shrinkable plastic, mat board and paper | ''The smallest holes are the easiest to make and they're perfect for brads or rivets. A self-healing cutting mat as a work surface is a MUST.'' -Esther |
Rotary hole punch |
2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm and 4.5mm round | Up to 32mm | Leather up to 4mm thick | ''These are just so versatile. Make sure you put a little scrap of leather on the pad across from the punch, so you don't dull it over time. It makes cleaner punches that way.'' -Rose |
Punch set (4 sizes) |
3mm, 4mm, 7mm and 9mm round | Not applicable | Leather, rubber, plastic and paper | ''These are brilliant for punching holes in leather, no matter your grip strength or the size or thickness of the leather piece you're working on.'' -Barbara |
Wubbers® corner hole punch pliers |
1.5mm round | Up to 14mm from edge (within a 90 degree angle) | Copper, silver or other soft metal sheet up to 20 gauge | ''They take the difficulty out of putting holes in hard-to-reach angles.'' -Jude |
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