Best Hole Punches of 2026

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2026

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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

Bostitch Office EZ Squeeze 3-Hole Punch Cover #TOP 1
Bostitch Office EZ Squeeze 3-Hole Punch
ftb score rating icon 9.8
UNCO Leather Hole Punch Tool Cover #TOP 2
UNCO Leather Hole Punch Tool
ftb score rating icon 9.7
General Tools Leather Hole Punch Tool Cover #TOP 3
General Tools Leather Hole Punch Tool
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hole Punches

#TOP 1

Bostitch Office EZ Squeeze 3-Hole Punch

2220
Gray
20 Sheet Black
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
Effortless punching
Sturdy build quality
Easy-to-empty chip tray
Compact, space-saving design
Consistent, clean holes
What We Don't Like
Possible jamming if overloaded
#TOP 2

UNCO Leather Hole Punch Tool

LHP01
Black
UNCO Leather Hole Punch Tool Cover
UNCO- Leather Hole Punch Tool, 6 Different Hole Sizes (5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 5/32", 3/16"), Durable Hole Punch for Watch Bands, Straps, Dog Collars, Saddles, Shoes, Fabric, DIY Craft Projects

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
Sturdy build quality
Works on thick leather
Cost-effective solution
What We Don't Like
Occasional alignment issues
Not sharpest for thick belts
#TOP 3

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
Sturdy construction
Easy to use
Works on thick leather
Clean hole punching
Versatile applications
What We Don't Like
Minor wheel stiffness
May require extra effort on thick leather
#TOP 4

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
Heavy duty build
Adjustable hole placement
Punches through thick paper
Easy to use
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Bulky size
Limited adjustability for some needs
#TOP 5

Bostitch EZ Squeeze Heavy Duty Hole Punch

HP40
Silver
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
Heavy-duty construction
Effortless punching of thick stacks
EZ Squeeze lever action
Consistent hole alignment
Sturdy and reliable design
What We Don't Like
Not adjustable for A4 paper
Larger than standard hole punch
#TOP 6

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
Durable construction
Accurate hole alignment
Easy to use
Handles multiple sheets
Great value
What We Don't Like
Hole size not adjustable
Ruler guide slightly unstable
#TOP 7

Adorox Heavy Duty Leather Hole Puncher

Red+Sliver
Adorox Heavy Duty Leather Hole Puncher Cover
Adorox Heavy Duty Belt Hole Puncher for Leather – 6 Size Revolving Leather Hole Punch Tool with Ruler & Deburring File, Perfect for Straps, Belts, DIY Leathercraft, and Repair

The Adorox Leather Hole Puncher offers six adjustable hole sizes, giving you the flexibility to create perfect holes for belts, straps, and various DIY projects. Its punch heads are made from durable high-carbon steel, ensuring they stay sharp and can easily handle thick leather and other tough materials. The ergonomic handle is designed to fit comfortably in your hand, reducing fatigue and making it easier to punch holes even during long crafting sessions. Additionally, the tool includes a built-in ruler and a deburring file, which help you measure accurately and smooth out rough edges for a clean, professional finish every time.

What We Like
Easy to use
Multiple hole sizes
Affordable price
Clean hole cutting
Comes with ruler and rasp
What We Don't Like
Instructions not always included
Somewhat tough to punch
#TOP 8

Swingline 2 Hole Punch (74050)

SWI74050
Black/Gray
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 construction
Clean, aligned holes
Comfortable handle
Easy paper guide
Effortless punching
What We Don't Like
Not suitable for A4 binders
Edge-aligner may shift
#TOP 9

Diyife Leather Hole Puncher Set

Blue
Diyife Leather Hole Puncher Set Cover
Diyife Professional Leather Hole Puncher, Full Set Punch Tool Kits for Belt, Watch Band, Shoe, Crafting, Handbag Straps, Fabric, with Extra Punch Plates and Ruler, Multi Hole Sizes Make - Blue

The Diyife Leather Puncher offers six rotating hole sizes from 2mm to 4.5mm, letting you easily create perfect holes in materials like leather, belts, fabric, and more. This means you can quickly adjust belts or craft projects to fit just right. The ergonomic double-lever design reduces hand strain, making it comfortable to use even if you have hand issues like arthritis. You'll appreciate the complete set that includes spare punch plates, a screwdriver, and a ruler to ensure precise measurements and easy maintenance. Plus, its durable steel construction with protective coating ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to rust.

What We Like
Clean hole punching
Multiple hole sizes
Easy to use
Heavy-duty construction
Includes metal ruler
What We Don't Like
Stiff rotating wheel
#TOP 10

Spurtar Steel Hollow Leather Punch Set

THP025412
Silver
12 Pieces
Spurtar Steel Hollow Leather Punch Set Cover
Spurtar 12 PCS Steel Hollow Leather Punch Set 1/8''-3/4''(3-19mm) Heavy Duty Round Hole Punch Set Leather Hole Tool for Watch Cloth Belt Gaskets w/Storage Bag

Introducing the Spurtar Leather Punch Set, a versatile and durable tool designed for punching holes in various soft materials. Made of heat treated carbon steel, this punch set ensures long-life sharpness and durability. With 12 different punch sizes ranging from 1/8'' to 3/4'', you can easily create holes on gaskets, leather, canvas, plastic, vinyl, rubber, and more. The knurled bodies provide a secure grip, while the precision ground flutes and cutting edge deliver clean and precise punches. The Spurtar Leather Punch Set comes with a canvas roll pouch for easy storage and transportation, making it convenient to bring wherever you go. Upgrade your DIY projects and enjoy the convenience of this high-quality punch set.

What We Like
Affordable price
Wide range of sizes
Good for soft materials
Durable storage pouch
Clearly marked sizes
What We Don't Like
Requires sharpening before use
May not suit beginners
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 24 hole punch products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 252,414 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 $11.95.

The hole punches are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hole punches, including PaperPro, UNCO, General Tools, Bostitch, Officemate. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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 PaperPro UNCO General Tools Amazon Basics Bostitch Officemate Adorox Swingline Diyife Spurtar
Material Paper,Metal Alloy Steel Plastic Paper Metal, Rubber Metal Electroplating Chromium Metal Plated Steel Alloy Steel
Color Gray Black Stainless Steel With Rubber Grip Black Silver Black Red+Sliver Black/Gray Blue Silver
Item Weight 1.3 Pounds 0.31 Kilograms 0.4 Pounds 3.8 Pounds 3.4 Pounds 0.52 Kilograms 0.27 Kilograms 1.3 Pounds 0.48 Kilograms 340 Grams
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
Where to Buy