Best Hole Punches of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2025

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Hole punches are an essential tool for any office or classroom. These handy devices allow users to easily create holes in paper, making it easier to organize and store documents in binders or folders. Hole punches come in various sizes and shapes, from basic single-hole punches to more advanced models that can punch multiple holes at once. They are also available in manual and electric versions, depending on the user's needs. With their ease of use and versatility, hole punches are a must-have for any organization or individual looking to keep their paperwork in order.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Basics 3 Hole Punch Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Basics 3 Hole Punch
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Bostitch Office EZ Squeeze 3-Hole Punch Cover #TOP 2
Bostitch Office EZ Squeeze 3-Hole Punch
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Bostitch EZ Squeeze Heavy Duty Hole Punch Cover #TOP 3
Bostitch EZ Squeeze Heavy Duty Hole Punch
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hole Punches

Amazon Basics 3 Hole Punch

Amazon Basics
MPH-01
Black
3 hole
Amazon Basics 3 Hole Punch Cover
Amazon Basics 3 Hole Punch, 10 Sheet Capacity, Black

The Amazon Basics 3 Hole Punch is a durable metal puncher that cleanly punches through up to 10 sheets of paper at a time with precise results. Each perfectly placed punched hole measures 9/32-inch in diameter which works great for school, office, or home use. The anti-skid rubber base ensures secure placement while the easy-to-clean chip tray ensures tidy containment of paper chips for your convenience.

What We Like
Easy to use
Sturdy construction
Clean, precise holes
Great value for money
Handles multiple sheets
What We Don't Like
No fancy features
Limited alignment markings
#TOP 2

Bostitch Office EZ Squeeze 3-Hole Punch

2220
Silver
2" x 4.4" x 11.1"
Bostitch Office EZ Squeeze 3-Hole Punch Cover
Bostitch Office EZ Squeeze 3-Hole Punch, 20 Sheet Capacity, Reduced Effort, No Jam Technology , Silver

The Bostitch EZ Squeeze Punch is a high-performance hole punch that requires 50% less force than traditional hole punches, thanks to its EZ Squeeze technology. This technology makes punching smooth and hassle-free, with no jams. The metal construction ensures superior durability and performance, while the integrated ruler and paper guide help with hole placement accuracy. The easy-clean chip tray makes it easy to dispose of paper scraps, and the handle lock makes storage simple. With the Bostitch EZ Squeeze Punch, you can quickly and easily punch up to 20 sheets of paper with ease and precision.

What We Like
Ease of use
No jam technology
Excellent build quality
Compact design
High capacity
What We Don't Like
Somewhat expensive
#TOP 3

Bostitch EZ Squeeze Heavy Duty Hole Punch

HP40
Gray
Bostitch EZ Squeeze Heavy Duty Hole Punch Cover
Bostitch Office EZ Squeeze Heavy Duty 3 Hole Punch, 40-Sheet Capacity, Use Less Force, Perfect for Home Office School Supplies, Sleek Design, Silver

The Bostitch EZ Squeeze Punch is designed to make your hole punching tasks easier and more efficient. With its innovative EZ Squeeze technology, you’ll find that it requires 50% less force to operate, saving you energy during use. The all-metal construction ensures durability, so you can count on it for long-lasting performance. An integrated paper guide helps you achieve consistent hole placement, making your work look neat and professional. Plus, the easy-clean chip tray and rubber base pad offer stability and convenience, ensuring a tidy workspace. This punch can handle between 1 to 40 sheets, accommodating various project needs.

What We Like
Easy to use
Heavy duty construction
Effortlessly punches multiple sheets
Sturdy base, no mess
Compact for easy storage
What We Don't Like
Fixed paper guide for US Letter only
Not suitable for A4 paper
#TOP 4

General Tools Leather Hole Punch Tool

8.5 inches
General Tools Leather Hole Punch Tool Cover
General Tools Leather Hole Punch Tool - 6 Multi-Hole Sizes for Leather, Rubber, & Plastic - Hobbies & Crafts 8.5 inches

The General Tools Leather Hole Punch Tool is a versatile plier-like gadget made of plated steel with 6 sharp and hollow hardened steel punches. It is designed for making holes in leather and can also be used for making round holes in canvas, denim, cloth, and cardboard. The non-clogging punch sizes range from 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 5/32", and 3/16", making it perfect for a home hobby or commercial use. The hand tool is self-opening, revolving, and strong yet accessible and convenient for unisex use.

What We Like
Easy to use
Clean, precise holes
Adjustable hole sizes
Solid, heavy-duty feel
Great for DIY projects
What We Don't Like
Occasional incomplete punches
Requires moderate hand strength
#TOP 5

UNCO Leather Hole Punch Tool

LHP01
Black
UNCO Leather Hole Punch Tool Cover
UNCO- Leather Hole Punch Tool, Multi Hole Sizes for Belts and Leather

The UNCO Hole Punch Tool is an essential device for adjusting belts to your perfect fit. Crafted from durable plated steel, its sharp edge ensures clean and strong punches every time. With six different hole sizes, this tool is ideal for both home projects and commercial use. The self-opening design and rotating wheel make it easy for you to select the desired hole size, so you can quickly tackle tasks involving leather, plastic, rubber, and more. This tool combines practicality with user-friendly features, making it a great addition to any toolkit.

What We Like
Easy to use
Multiple hole sizes
Sharp and precise cuts
Comfortable grip
Sturdy and durable
What We Don't Like
Not perfect punch
Requires extra pressure
#TOP 6

Amazon Basics 3 Hole Punch

Amazon Basics
KK0330
Black
2/3 hole
Amazon Basics 3 Hole Punch Cover
Amazon Basics 2/3 Hole Punch, Semi-Adjustable, 30 Sheet Capacity, Black

The Amazon Basics 3 Hole Punch is a high-volume punching tool that can punch up to 30 sheets of standard weight paper at a time. It is ideal for pre-punching letter-size paper before adding to 3-ring binders, creating 3 perfectly spaced round-shaped holes. The punch head can be adjusted to reduce the number of punching holes as per needs, and the easy-access tray allows for conveniently removing paper confetti remnants. The handle locks in the down position for compact storage when not in use.

What We Like
Durable and reliable
Heavy-duty performance
Adjustable for various paper sizes
Efficient multi-page punching
Easy to use
What We Don't Like
Messy paper disposal
Not ideal for single pages
#TOP 7

Officemate 2 Hole Paper Punch 90079

90079
Black
Pack of 1
Officemate 2 Hole Paper Punch 90079 Cover
Standard 2 Hole Paper Punch, 30 Sheets Capacity, Black (90079)

The Officemate Paper Punch is designed for precise hole punching, making it perfect for securing documents with prong fasteners. It creates 1/4" holes in up to 30 sheets at once, which saves you time and effort when organizing paperwork. The adjustable centering gauge ensures your holes are perfectly placed every time, providing you with consistent results. Plus, the easy-to-empty chip tray allows for hassle-free cleanup, so you can focus on your work without worrying about mess.

What We Like
Simple and sturdy design
Clean and precise holes
Compact and easy to store
Great quality for the price
Effective and durable materials
What We Don't Like
Bottom catcher may not fit securely
Not as fancy as expensive models
#TOP 8

Swingline 2 Hole Punch (74050)

SWI74050
Black/Gray
Medium (25-99)
Swingline 2 Hole Punch (74050) Cover
Swingline 2 Hole Punch, 28 Sheet Capacity Hole Puncher, Paper Punch, Low Effort Comfort Handle, Alignment Guide, Black (74050)

The Swingline Comfort Handle Punch is a durable metal 2-hole punch that provides long-lasting use. Its wide, padded handle adds comfort and convenience, and can lock in a closed position for easy storage. With a powerful punch, it can cut through up to 28 sheets of paper with reduced effort required by the user. The specially engineered design requires 50% less manual force than traditional hole punches. The punch also comes with a removable non-skid tray on the base to ensure it stays in place, and an adjustable paper guide for accurate punching. This reliable and easy-to-use hole punch is a great addition to any office or workspace.

What We Like
Sturdy and heavy-duty
Easy alignment
Comfort handle feature
Suitable for daily use
Compact size for storage
What We Don't Like
Hole alignment issues
Sizing not compatible with standard files
#TOP 9

NEIKO 02604A Hole Punch Set

02604A
Silver
14 Piece Set
NEIKO 02604A Hole Punch Set Cover
NEIKO 02604A Hole Punch Set | SAE & Metric, 3/16” – 1-3/8” & 5 – 35mm | 14 Piece Sharp Hollow Hole Punch Kit, Gasket Cutting Puncher, Foam Cutter, & Leather Hole Punches | 6” Interchangeable

The Neiko Hole Punch Set is a versatile tool that offers a range of features to meet your punching needs. With 13 interchangeable round hollow punches, made of sharp and heat-treated carbon steel, you can easily create washers or gaskets for various materials such as rubber, leather, vinyl, and more. The set also includes a built-in spring-loaded center punch for accurate positioning and a single hole punch with knurled surfaces for safe and easy handling. With 26 metric and standard sizes, ranging from 3/16 inch to 1-3/8 inch, this set has you covered for all hole punching tasks. All the punches are conveniently stored in an organizing carrying case, making it easy to keep them organized and accessible. Whether you need to punch holes for grommets, belts, or foam, the Neiko Hole Punch Set is a reliable and convenient tool to have.

What We Like
Variable tension adjustment
Comfortable grip
Durable construction
Versatile for various materials
Easy to use
What We Don't Like
Occasional sticking issue
Limited tip replacement options
#TOP 10

Officemate Heavy Duty Hole Punch 90078

90078
Black
Pack of 1
Officemate Heavy Duty Hole Punch 90078 Cover
Officemate Heavy Duty Adjustable 2-3 Hole Punch with Lever Handle, 32-Sheet Capacity, Black (90078)

The Officemate Hole Punch is designed for easy operation with its lever handle, making it simple for you to punch through up to 32 sheets at once. You can adjust it for either 2 or 3 hole punching, giving you flexibility based on your needs. The sturdy steel construction, complemented by a plastic chip tray, ensures durability while keeping your workspace tidy. Additionally, the adjustable paper guide helps align your sheets perfectly, making sure your documents are always neatly punched.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Efficient for many sheets
Easy setup
Consistent punching quality
Versatile hole options
What We Don't Like
Limited hole spacing
Not infinitely adjustable
Buying Guide Image

Selecting the Right Hole Punches

1. The capacity of punching

This is an important factor to look out when you tend to buy any type of hole punch. Simply put, the capacity for punching means the number of sheets the puncher can use and accommodate at one time. There are some models, which can only accommodate a couple of sheets while there are others, which have the capacity to hold many papers.

If you need to process many papers at once, it is better to get a paper drill. More interestingly, you can just look for a tool, which has the ability to punch multiple sheets at one time. Also, if you are looking for high-quality, the get ready to pay for a heavy price for that specific tool.

2. Type of Punch – Manual vs. Electric

Usually, there are two types of punches, which you will find on the market. They are manual and electric. Most users these days prefer electric models because they have the ability to process many sheets in one go.

However, electric punches are pricier as compared to their counterpart “Manual” punches. In addition, electric punches are not that durable, which means that they are frustrating if you want to punch different or multiple documents most of the time. In contrast, manual punches are durable and affordable. You can also operate them easily but they have lower punching capacities.

3. Replaceable Dies

If you do not want to keep purchasing new punches every 2 or 4 months, it is important that you consider choosing the one whose dies can be replaced easily. Particularly, this is required if you are punching regularly. When the punch processes more sheets, the dies become weak and likewise worn out. However, if the punch has replaceable dies, it can save you a lot of time and money – especially in the long run.

4. Adjustable punching or cutting head

The majority of punches available on the market today have adjustable punching or cutting head. This feature is considered crucial for any modern-era hole punches. An adjustable head is a key component because it enables the user to punch different size papers.

For example, a punch can help you carry out half-letter size binders. So much so, if you are pursuing something versatile, make sure that the punch you buy has an adjustable cutting or punching head.

5. Durable Build

When it comes to the top-quality hole punch, another thing to consider is the “build” of the product. Experts say that it must be durable and strong. You need to ensure that the product works for many years so that it is a good value for your money in the long run.

The ideal punch has metallic parts as well as replaceable dies. Lastly, punches that come with plastic constructions are usually less durable than those that have metallic constructions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are hole punches called?

A hole punch, also known as hole puncher, or paper puncher, is an office tool that is used to create holes in sheets of paper, often for the purpose of collecting the sheets in a binder or folder.

2. What is hole punched?

Hole punching (or sometimes punch-through) is a technique in computer networking for establishing a direct connection between two parties in which one or both are behind firewalls or behind routers that use network address translation (NAT).

3. What tool is used to punch holes?

Use. Punches are used to drive fasteners such as nails and dowels, making a hole, or forming an indentation/impression of the tip on a workpiece.

4. What is a 3 hole punch?

A 3 hole punch is an office must-have and a simple way to keep all your documents organized and stable within a binder. The patent for the first hole punch dates back all the way to late 1800s, making it a classic.

Editor's Notes

During our hole punch research, we found 26 hole punch products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 276,713 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hole punches list. We found that most customers choose hole punches with an average price of $12.75.

The hole punches are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hole punches, including PaperPro, Bostitch, General Tools, UNCO, Officemate. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.

Hole Punches Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Amazon Basics PaperPro Bostitch General Tools UNCO Amazon Basics Officemate Swingline NEIKO Officemate
Material Metal Paper,Metal Metal, Rubber Plastic Steel,Leather Paper Metal Metal Carbon Steel Alloy Steel
Color Black Silver Gray Stainless Steel With Rubber Grip Black Black Black Black/Gray Silver Black
Item Weight 512.56 Grams 1.3 Pounds 3.4 Pounds 6.4 ounces - 3.8 Pounds - 1.3 Pounds 1.4 Kilograms -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
Where to Buy