Rotary eyelet puncher is commonly required for artisans that craft unique items like sheepskin belts, bags, purses manually, but professionally and masterfully. The tools are versatile, consisting of multiple round and oval attachments of various diameters, replaceable or changeable with the wheel rotary motion.
The puncher tools are beneficial for making accurate, tide piercings easily. You can select the suitable diameter and make a puncture without any efforts or assistance. Comfortable handles are also essential to provide ergonomic grip, avoiding any hand tiredness and fatigue, even working with the thick materials, during repetitive use.
So, select the suitable leatherworking tools, according to their application, materials you process, your needs and preferences. I hope, this review helps you to make an informative tools choice.
Neiko 02612A: The Most Powerful, Heavy-Duty Hole Puncher Tools Set
Neiko-branded tools are made in Taiwan. But they are rust-resistant, multi-purpose and user-friendly. The set of heavy-duty leather hole punchers is a good example.
It stands out by the generous number of dies and punches. Made of strong, hardened steel, these lasting perforators can pin even the metal (aluminum, brass) sheets, thick plastic and goatskin, remaining sharp. It is suitable also for shoemaking and a lot of other projects, being handy and durable.
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The tool is extremely strong and reliable. It weighs about 36 ounces, or 2.25 pounds that’s a lot for hand tools. Due to high-leverage construction and ergonomic, convenient handles, it’s efficient and easy to use, allowing you to puncture precise and clean holes, creating sophisticated masterpieces.
Additionally, a solid shell case is available, helping you to keep the nozzles organized and transport them to your workshop.
| Pros | Cons |
| heavy-duty; | flimsy screwdriver included; |
| multiple attachments available; | it takes time to change dies and bits. |
| ergonomic handle; | - |
| handy case. | - |
General Tools 72: The Best Punch for DIY Projects and Occasional Use
In contrast to the previous product, when we compare them, this item is compact and lightweight. It includes only 6 different-size nozzles that are located on the wheel. However, in terms of time to change the hole diameter, the tool is beneficial, self-opening.
The nozzles are of hollow type, tapered by shape, with sharp edges, making really clean, tiny punctures. Meanwhile, they are quite durable, made of hardened steel. The handles are rubber, enabling convenient grip.
Generally, the tool is intended to hobby and DIY use, but commercial application is quite possible. The puncher is incredibly affordable, so, it’s advisable to have an item like this at hand. When you need an additional eyelet in your sheepskin belt, you can easily make it by yourself, spending only several minutes and without any issues.
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But for leather, the puncher can be used on paper, cardboard, rubber and similar materials, but not too thick and solid. Actually, it’s not heavy-duty, so, I would advise to pierce the material from the back side, rotate it a bit and squeeze again before releasing. Push hard and get a neat puncture.
| Pros | Cons |
| fast to rotate the turret; | tiring for your hands; |
| lightweight; | designed for piercing thin materials. |
| non-clogging; | - |
| affordable. | - |
Pro-3824: The Best, Solid Rotary Puncher for Craft Projects
The tool is even more compact than the previous item, but it’s much heavier-weight. Therefore, I suppose, that its basic material, manganese steel (strengthened) is much stronger, sturdy and more durable. 3-year warranty from ProMaster is a great proof.
Having the standard composition, with 6 different nozzles and a wheel, the leather puncher is extremely handy, thanks to the long, cushioned and well-designed handles. They are non-slip, ergonomic, featuring several supports. Thus, your hands don’t become sore or tired even in several hours of devoted, repetitive work.
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The puncher perfectly suits multiple DIY or hobby projects. You can open an additional eyelet in your belt, shoes, watch and wrist band, horse saddle or dog collar with it, or craft unique homemade items from goatskin, canvas, cardboard, fabric, etc.
Additionally, the set includes several essential accessories, such as an awl, a ruler, 3 large plates. They help you to make really precise, clean openings easily and fast. The Ebook included is very helpful and informative. Grommet pliers or a hammer for leather can be used optionally, at the start, when you need to remove undue metal rings.
| Pros | Cons |
| convenient cushioned handles; | it’s hard to turn the wheel if you suffer from arthritis; |
| durable and sturdy; | embarrassing to change the sizes. |
| 3 plates, an awl and a ruler included; | - |
| informative E-book. | - |
Skilled Crafter 7A-ZJ2Q-T6SF: A Professional-Quality Leather Hole Puncher
The tool is really reliable, sturdy and sharp, covered by 2-year warranty from Skilled Crafter. It stands out by the unique locking and lever mechanisms that let even a physically week person squeeze the tool easily and make neat, clear eyelets.
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The grips are extremely comfortable and reliable, made of PVC, eliminating hands tiredness even during repetitive, long, professional work.
The puncture sizes are great, starting from 2 mm, suitable for stitching, processing sandals, bags, pet collars, horse rains, etc. Paper, canvas and other materials can be pierced, as well.
Several plates, a screwdriver, a transparent ruler and an awl are beneficially included. You would only require to buy an oblong leather punch optionally, to install a belt buckle.
| Pros | Cons |
| solidly built; | large grip for small hands; |
| no hands tiredness; | no oval prickers. |
| only one attempt is sufficient; | - |
| efficient lever mechanism. | - |
EvZ 700953667694: A Perfect Sheepskin Piercing Tool for the Price
The device looks exactly the same as the similar top-quality items. It’s black, featuring 6 standard-size punches and one-direction rotating wheel. However, it’s made of the true iron metal, good-weight and comfortable.
The tool comes with rubber, cushioned and soft handles, enabling comfortable grip. A bottom, metal ring is also available. The brass-colored plate included is thick, but not too solid, actually.
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Commonly, for a tool made in China, the puncher is quite sturdy and durable. Meanwhile, the product is affordable. So, when you need it for occasional, DIY applications, just to make some more eyelets in your old belts or dog collars, it’s quite acceptable.
| Pros | Cons |
| comfortable grip; | the instructions are in Chinese; |
| safe storing ring; | not long-lasting enough for professional or everyday work. |
| anti-oxidation surface; | - |
| affordable. | - |
WoneNice FBA-Won-3816: The Safest Revolving Leather Hole Puncher
The tool stands out by the most comfortable, rubberized handles, that eliminates any slipping and hands tiredness after repetitive work. They are equipped with the bottom ring, being lockable and amazingly safe.
Another highlight of the product is the screw that can be loosed to facilitate the wheel rotation. The metal body is black, coated, to avoid rust and oxidation. It’s durable, covered with 2-year warranty. Additionally, a brass pad and a screwdriver are included.
Currently unavailable- see similar style here!
Generally, I recommend the eyelet puncher as an incredibly ergonomic, safe to store and strong device.
| Pros | Cons |
| rust-resistant body surface; | the manual is in Japanese; |
| rubberized grip; | flimsy screwdriver. |
| safety storing option; | - |
| easy-to-rotate wheel. | - |
Knipex 90 70 220: The Sharpest, Superb-Quality Leather Hole Puncher
Unlike the previously-reviewed items, this tool is amazingly compact and lightweight. Meanwhile, it’s quite easy, requiring no hand strength, enabling solid feel and hung-free.
Actually, the tool is made in Germany, of reliable stamped steel, being amazingly top-quality and well-built. Its red powder coating is advanced, protecting the surface from rust and scratches efficiently.
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The punch pliers’ construction is really unique: it features a locking lever and an opening spring, resembling the mechanisms of the garden pruners. The bottom plate is built-in, metal and faultless. The product is fairly priced, and, I think, it’s good to have it in your toolbox.
| Pros | Cons |
| strong metal; | still not sturdy enough for thick materials; |
| advanced coating; | the handles are not intended to continuous work. |
| unique opening and levering mechanisms; | - |
| beneficially lightweight and handy. | - |
C.S. Osborne 223: The Best Leatherworking Tool for Farming Applications
The device is beneficially lightweight, standing out by silver, metal finish. Its shiny body is metal plated, ensuring durability and hard wearing properties even under the field conditions.
The frame is made of the pressed, heat treated metal (probably, forged steel, like the Osborne 115 item), being extremely strong and sturdy. However, the handles are not smooth, but a bit jagged, for sticky, non-slip grip. An opening spring is also available.
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Therefore, the punch is designed for horse care applications, for example, for harness, saddles making, repair and adjusting. It is beneficially made in the USA, by the well-reputed, family-owned company C.S. Osborne and Co. This family is manufacturing top-quality, leatherworking tools since 1926.
By the way, its range includes a lot of task-oriented products, including pins, custom oblong and arch punches, chisels, grommets, awls, rulers etc. Meanwhile, the 223 revolving punch is top-quality and custom-built, hard-wearing and recommended for farming use.
| Pros | Cons |
| strong, heat-treated tubes; | hard to turn wheel; |
| rust-resistant, nickel-plated surface; | some pressure is required to squeeze the puncher. |
| custom-built; | - |
| straightforward use; | - |
| pierces thick leather easily. | - |
WoneNice 43237-2: The Best Professional Hole Puncher
The tool looks very similar to the other, previously reviewed WoneNice-branded item.
The PVC handles, coating and metal composition are the same. The product’s special peculiarities include the punches’ sizes and shapes. You can make not only round, but oval and flat punctures with it.
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Therefore, it’s suitable for professional use. Repetitive work is possible due to the cushioned, easy to squeeze handles. Additionally, you can manage a lot of craft projects, like saddle and shoes making, bags’ and sandals’ straps adjusting, processing multifarious materials, puncturing dissimilar eyelets.
| Pros | Cons |
| various punch sizes; | suits only light leather; |
| sturdy; | additional anvils would be desirable. |
| ergonomic grip; | - |
| 2-year warranty. | - |
E2Buy (Diyife) KA1: A Multi-Function Leather Hole Puncher
The revolving tool is heavy-duty, strong and comfortable. It comes with large, cushioned, labor-saving handles, advanced lever mechanism, sharp nozzles. You can puncture plastic, leather, canvas, fabric and other materials with it.
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The tool features the standard-diameter round punches, being versatile and multi-purpose. It’s durable due to hard plated steel of the body, lacquered surface that eliminates oxidation.
Additionally, 2 pads, a ruler and a screwdriver are included to the parcel, and 12-month manufacturer’s warranty is available. So, it’s recommended for DIY, household use and craft projects.
| Pros | Cons |
| sturdy; | a bit bulky; |
| comfortable PVC handle; | you are to squeeze the handles firmly. |
| heavy-duty; | - |
| sharp. | - |
Buyers’ Guide
Selecting the best leather hole puncher, it’s worth considering:
- its application;
- frequency of use;
- the shape and size of the necessary punctures;
- strength of your hands.
When you need a tool for DIY, household use, just to make some additional piercings in a belt, strap, watchband or dig collar, a revolving tool with 6 round punches is commonly suitable.
The standard eyelet diameters are:
- 2 mm (5/64”);
- 2.5 mm (3/32”);
- 3 mm (7/64”);
- 3.5 mm (1/8”);
- 4 mm (5/32”);
- 4.5 mm (3/16”).
The smallest, 2 mm diameter may be indicated as 0”, but it’s not smaller than the nozzles the similar tools feature.
Being a professional crafter, a saddler, belt maker, you would need a wider set of nozzles. Oval and flat ones would be necessary for the special needs. For example, an oblong leather punch is required for buckle installation, an awl would be useful for stitching or holes marking. An arch punch would be required for processing of wide pieces of material.
Comfortable handles, durable, powder coated body is desirable for everyday, professional or outdoor use, and the items, covered by a long-time warranty are preferable.
Secondary accessories, such as a ruler, a screwdriver and plates are essential, anyway. However, the quality of screwdrivers that are delivered with the sets is commonly not high. So, I think, it would be better to purchase a heavy-duty tool.
Leather Hole Punch Tools FAQ
How do you punch a hole in leather?
A few different instruments can be used for punching a hole in natural leather pieces:
1) Round drive punches
Thin, cylindrical steel devices used for making holes in leather are circular push punches. A sharpened point over a hollow metal tip is rendered of the cutting point. There is normally a cavity in the cylinder at the cutting edge. Strong steel is also the other end to push kicks.
2) Rotary punches
Probably the easiest and most obvious approach is the rotary punch. First, locate the correctly shaped punch tube to apply the rotary punch, rotate it into place, spot it balanced over the marking, and then grip the handle. If you think you'll be punching holes sometimes, it's fairly easy and can be worth investing in this device.
3) Power drills
The power drill is a product that you possibly already have on hand. You should properly drill a hole into the leather by using the 3/16" bit. Make sure that you have a bit of spare wood or something close underneath while drilling the hole. It can continue into whichever surface is under it as the bit passes through the leather piece, which can destroy the surface, the drill bit, or both.
4) Pocket knives
For this, a thin, sharp pocket knife would perform easier than a bigger weapon, but eventually, you have to use what you've got. Slowly shift the knife back and forth in a circular motion inside the hole after cautiously piercing the genuine leather piece, essentially scratching tiny bits of leather out before it hits the acceptable scale.
5) Scratch awls
These tools can help with making a hole. You can puncture the holes of the correct sizes whether you have access to a scratch awl, a stitching awl, or even an ice pick. Usually, you can push either of these awls by hand through the leather; but if the leather is thick or very tough, you can force it through with a mallet and send it a few taps.
6) Hammers and nails
Using a hammer and nail is another way to puncture the leather piece and get the hole started. Simply align the nail over the marking, push it through with a hammer, and you’ve got your hole. Once you've made the initial puncture with the nail, again, you'll want to use a thin, sharp pocket knife to round out the hole to avoid tearing.
What is leather punch called?
Many tools can make a hole in a leather piece. Though, there are a few tools designed specifically for leather hole punching. A general name for all leather-punching tools is “an awl”. Though, most manufacturers use the term “leather punch”.
A leather punch specifically for creating gaps in leather is a hole punch. A hollow steel tube with a sharp circular knife-like edge is the functioning tip of the punch. Against a hard floor, which may be part of the tool kit, the leather piece is put and the punch is pushed into it, carving out a tiny oval piece that is discarded.
The punch may be a basic metal instrument hit by a hammer; or many such punches may be placed on a pliers-like tool with an anvil on a revolving turret, with the desired scale chosen by rotating the turret. Typically, hole diameters vary from around 1mm to 6mm. These are usually used in shoes, ties, bridles, etc. to create holes for eyelets, buckles and rivets.
What is a hollow punch?
Based on their internal structure, punch tools are sometimes categorized as hollow or solid punches. For instance, hollow punch instruments have a hollow structure, while solid punch instruments have a solid interior. Hollow punch devices puncture the surface to produce holes in leather pieces. On the other side, solid punch devices extract material from leather pieces or push components into pins, rivets, etc.
In order to make a void, hollow punches are intended to pierce a surface, such as leather or sheet metal. A hollow punch at the working end is quickly recognized by its “exit hole”. The escape hole facilitates the removal and discarding of the punched material.
How should you punch a hole in a watch strap?
Instead of using a hammer and nail for a watch band, consider picking a special punch tool. Only such punches can keep the hole’s edges clean. Other tools may leave frayed and ripped holes that look ugly.
A few tools you should pick for making clean holes in your watch strap:
- A manual awl with a customizable tip with different-sized bits for punching;
- A hole puncher with a rotating wheel;
Make sure you can punch a reasonably shaped hole with the tool you get, which is typically one that is around 2mm in diameter or less.
You are all set to start perforating and strapping your buckle on, just not too soon. If you do have an experience, it is best to practice drilling a few holes on any rough material that is equivalent to that of your watch band (if you have any lying around).
To label the exact position you intend to punch, using a ruler and pencil, calculate the lengths of established holes and match up your hole with them. And, once the movement sounds familiar, get a feeling of simply punching the holes in some scraps. You would be able to replicate it this way on the watch strap and drill a hole that is nicely placed, centered and sharp-looking.
What is a punch tool used for?
Leather punches are used to push fasteners on a leather piece, such as nails and dowels, to make a gap or to form an indentation/impression of the tip. To build a pattern or even shape a picture, decorative punches can also be used.
Sometimes leather punches are used to break and form pieces of wood in combination with other devices, such as a hammer and chisel. In order to aid with the drilling process, other sorts of punch instruments are required.
Who makes the best punches and chisels?
A simple punch and chisel collection is everything that would ever be needed for many individuals, including metal cutting chisels and a variety of punch heads.
A few brands offer some of the market’s best punches and chisels for sale:
- OTC;
- GearWrench;
- Stanley;
- Stalwart;
- Tandy Leather;
- Astro Pneumatic Tool;
If you are a novice leather crafter, consider investing in punch and chisels sets. They are more expensive but, in the long run, you will save money because separate tools cost more than the ones in the sets, even if they have the same brand label.
What are punches made of?
Most leather hole punch tools are made of hardened/tempered carbon steel. They also have knurled handles for a more comfortable grip. Some manufacturers pick tungsten carbide for their punch tools. Avoid the instruments made of stainless steel or wood – they won’t cope with thick leather pieces.
Useful Video: Difference Between Revolving and Rotary Punches
Conclusion
When it goes about the DIY use, making additional round holes in the old, personal stuff, I think, the best leather hole punchers are the ones from ProMaster and Kniper, as they are the most durable and reliable. Professional leatherworkers would need an advanced set of attachments, like the one from Neiko, or WoneNice with round and flat punches.
The Skilled Crafter is my go-to punch for all mine and my husband’s accessories. He always seems to be buying leather belts that just don’t fit him right so I just punch him a few extra holes and they suit him much better. Very handy to have around the house.
The general tools leather punch is perfect for doing crafts with leather with your kids or making fun costumes. I used it to make a cute cowgirl outfit for my daughter last year, and it worked like a charm. However, I am one of those moms who only make their kids costumes so I might be a bit more advanced than a usual mom.
Hi, Valerie! Thanks for your comment. I agree with you, the General Tools Punch one of the best hole punchers for leather.
Punch Neiko works excellent and very simple to use. Would highly recommend!
I used Neiko for my belt.
This punch works great. Easy to use and punches round holes. Used on heavy leather belts with no problems. Sharp and leaves a clean hole.
It’s a great product.
Hello, Harold! Thanks for your comment. It is a good choice to punch holes in leather belt.
Great products for the price.
Very nice, heavy duty, great quality for the price.
I really recommended this products.
Hello, Oscar! Thanks for the comment.
I’ve been a corset maker for many years, but unfortunately my hands aren’t what they used to be… I was happy to see thatt you’ve factored in ease of use into your reviews! I can’t say that I use hole punchers all that often, but I would still like to have one that I can actually use in my current state. I’ll be looking into the Skilled Crafter 7A-ZJ2Q-T6SF, unless you’ve found a better option for those of us with sore wrists?
Hello, Sally! I think Skilled Crafter 7A-ZJ2Q-T6SF is a good choice for your wrists.