Following your passion as a career is a dream come true. When I realized my flair for jewelry-making, the first thing I did was searching for the kind of tools I needed. You would be surprised at a whole lot of stuff required to ensure your Jewelry pieces are perfect. Since one part cannot be created repeatedly, you have to be sure of the product you choose eventually.
I was equally embarrassed to realize that a thing as essential as creating small holes needed external help. There was no way I could manage to accomplish these things on my own. I turned to the internet for help, and it did not disappoint. There were a plethora of suggestions as I moved further with completing my study.
Companies were producing tools for punching holes in metal, but I was unsure how effective they were. A little more research revealed that these hole punchers are a valuable addition to any DIY jewelry making it. They are strong enough to penetrate soft metal sheets up to 22 gauge. Some of them are also useful for different types of metal sheets. Most of the punch pliers I had a look at were sturdy and had a firm grip. This meant my work would proceed without any worries of any parts breaking. Moreover, I did not want to have pain in my hand after a hectic day at work. Picking up a plier with flimsy handles would have ensured the discomfort cause trouble.
However, it is pointless buying any product in a hurry. I did a lot of in-depth study to find which of the work was apt for me. This was especially necessary for me as I was looking for the punch pliers to accomplish various tasks. Here is the result of the research that I have done. These are the best tools for punching holes in metal for jewelry making.
Hopefully, with the insights I have provided, you would make an appropriate choice too.
Best Tool for Punching Holes in Metal for Jewellery Making
Beadsmith PLHP15 Metal Hole Punch
The material used in these pliers is alloy steel. They provide strength to your grip, and thus holes get created very neatly. A 1.5 mm hole is punched in the metal sheet stock up to 20 gauge. You will not find any rough edges, indentations, or garbs to the hole made.
The gauge guard given sees that the area around the hole does not have any indentations. The working of the plier is comfortable, and anyone can easily understand it. The handles provided are of rubber and hence anti-slip. You can keep working on it without any worries of it slipping.
The weight of the plier is only 3.87 ounces. You may easily carry it around, that is, if you have to go out for work. An additional replacement pin is provided that you may use if the old one is broken or damaged.
ABN Power Punch Heavy Duty Hole Punch Set
Having a high leverage design, this punch set would be the toughest you will ever find. The handles are rather comfortable, and the holes created are neat and without indentations. Using this punch, you can manually create holes in up to US 16 gauge.
One quality of this punch is that it gives you a wide variety of hole sizes. Your discretion is one of the pliers you want, and the result will be a clean and matching hole.
Since the punch uses interchangeable heads to make the holes, it is relatively easy to use it. You need to choose the optimum size punch and die, remove the nut, and use an adjustment tool to fix it.
The punch comes with a blow-molded carry case. This makes it easier to carry around and store without worries of it getting misplaced. You may also use the punch for making holes in other materials like leather, and in belts and watch bands.
Eurotool EuroPunch
If you are strictly looking for a punch for your Jewelry tasks, then this one is perfect. The point can easily make holes in copper and silver as thick as 18 gauge. Holes are created easily with minimum effort required on your part.
With this punch, you can create a 1.25 mm hole without leaving any rough edges or burs in the sheet used. Pliers have ergonomic handles that are good for giving a firm grip to the user.
Plus, an extra replacement pin is also provided. In case the one you have faces any problem, you may use the other one. The pliers are intended for beading and other jewelry-related tasks. If you want a punch for multiple jobs, then this product might not meet your need.
PandaHall Elite
For those who have decided that they want to make jewelry at home, this premium quality kit is a boon. You can easily use it for other tasks like electrical work and wire crafting work.
Made of Iron, the quality is top-notch. It would last you for some years, at least. The size is pretty compact and can fit in your hand. You can carry it around in case you wish to take it out for work.
The holes created by the punch are reasonably clean. Once done, you do not have to make any more effort to add finesse to it. At 4.9 ounces product is relatively lightweight. While using, you do not find any strain on your hand.
Bead Smith 2 Hole Metal Punch
One of these punch’s unique features is that it enables you to build two holes at one time. The size of one hole is 1.5 mm, and 2 mm is that of the other. You can easily make cold connexions and rivet with the 1.5 mm punch.
The tool is just 5 inches long, so carrying it isn’t hard. Without any difficulty, holes created can penetrate up to 16 gauge thick sheets. For long term use, you get replaceable pins.
For lifetime identification, such pins are laser etched. A trait that you are not going to find in any other usable hole punch. With no further work needed, the holes you have created are clean. Along with the material used, long-term use is assured.
Capri Tools CP21050 21050
Made of heavy-duty forged steel, the punch is sturdy and good to last you some years. It has a one-hand operation that grants ease of use. You can create precision and round holes in any metal. This includes aluminum, copper, brass, etc.
The product comes with seven punch and dies accessories. You may use it to make different shaped and styled holes. There is a side gauge that helps in adjusting the depth as per the need.
The holes created are clean and do not require any other work. The mechanism of punch is easy to understand, and even a novice can operate without any hassles. It has an opening of ¼” and 1-3/4” throat depth. Sizes of holes that can be made are 3/32″, 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″, and 9/32″.
Darice Euro Metal Hole Punch
To produce standardized 1.8 mm round punches, you can use these punches. This makes the item helpful in dealing with similar types of hole formation. The punch pliers will easily create holes in the thick metal of up to 18 gauges. The holes that have been made are clean and look tidy.
Ergonomic handles come with the package. Until you begin using the product, there will be no slippage. A replaceable pin is also given along with a tempered one. You may use the new one in its place in case the last pin is damaged.
The pliers are solid and sturdy, made of thick carbon steel. It is simple to understand the device’s use, and even a beginner can operate the device without any difficulty. The pin functions perfectly even after different uses, and there are no signs of breakage shown.
Vintaj Short-Jaw Metal Hole
A simple nature makes the use of this metal punch easy for even a beginner to understand. The punch is strong and durable. In the 20 gauge dense material used, it can easily produce 1.5 mm holes. The hole created is a perfect size that any person requires.
It is elegant, along with the holes made. There are hardly any odds of any indentations seen after you have made them. The punch can easily be used on metals such as copper, gold, and brass. The plier may be used for many other purposes other than jewelry making.
This punch’s soft spring-loaded grips make it easy to use. During use, there is no tension encountered on the side. And if you do the same job over and over again, there will be no pain. It is a lightweight product, and without any trouble, you can bring it for work.
Bead smithPunch Plier with Gauge Guard
We suggest you try this punch if you want many holes in the same stuff. The brand provides three different hole sizes, and at that time, you can choose as per your need. Punch holes in metal with a gauge thickness of 22 can easily be used.
There is a gauge guard that ensures that there is no mess around where the hole is made. Your hole is neat, and more work needs to be done on it. When using the product, cushioned PVC grips ensure that your hand stays free from any pain.
The punch may be used to render copper, gold, sterling silver, and brass holes. The jaws are extra-long, and they have an extra pin. You can use the new one if the last pin wears out. Use it to build three holes of varying sizes.
Punch Tool Buying Guide In The USA
Although I have listed each product’s pros and cons in-depth, it is not enough to determine. You also need to know the characteristics of these critical punch pliers to select one of them. Most of the items we are addressing are lightweight, so size is not a concern.
However, because punching holes is a job dependent on power, you have to choose a sturdy piece. The plier’s material should be durable enough to withstand pressure on it. If an extra pin comes with the package, then it is a positive feature for you. You instantly have something to help you out if the product pin gets worn out.
Read on to appreciate the characteristics you need to bear in mind when selecting a Punch tool plier for your jewelry tasks.
Build
Firstly, you must realize that the product you choose is firm and robust. You cannot keep replacing the plier again and again. You must select one that can handle the stress of any kind. If you see the Vintaj Short-Jaw Metal Hole-Punch Pliers are heavy-duty pliers and able to take in any pressure. You may choose the same if long term work is your goal.
Grip
Since you will be using the tool for long hours, the grip must be comfortable. A plier with a PVC handle will give you the comfort that is needed. The use of PVC makes the grip firm and convenient. Even if you have to use the item for a long time, you need not worry about the arm’s stress.
The neatness of the hole made
Obviously, you would not want to keep making changes in the pits again and again. The plier should be such that it creates the hole correctly. There should be no indentations and burs left. The Bead smith PLHP15 Metal Hole Punch creates holes that are neat and clean without any leftovers. You may choose that product if you want to grant a finished look in the first chance itself.
Ease of use
If you have to spend hours understanding how a plier works, it could be a difficult situation. Thankfully an average plier does not need much expert help in comprehending its operation. The basic set of instructions are sufficient to tell you how you should use the product.
Weight and size
The weight and size could also be a deciding factor in this case. You do not want to buy a punch plier that is cumbersome to carry around. However, most of the pliers given here are lightweight. So, whichever you choose, it will be comfortable to take. The ABN Power Punch Heavy Duty Hole Punch Set comes with a free carry case. So, you can conveniently carry the product around with ease.
Extra pin
Sometimes between our jewelry work, the pin starts showing signs of dullness. Then the product is not in a condition to be used anymore. This could mean your work getting stalled in between. However, some products come with an additional pin facility. So, you can immediately replace it with a new one and restart your work.
FAQ’s
Can I easily find replacement pins for these pliers?
Yes, you can procure the replacement pins for any of the pliers from the brand or manufacturer’s website. You could also check any hobby store to see if the pins are sold there or not.
Are the products useful for making holes in pennies?
Of course, you may use the pliers for making holes in a penny. The maximum thickness that they can penetrate is up to 22 mm, and a penny’s thickness is mostly less than that.
Can we use the product on Aluminum?
Yes, you may use the product on Aluminum. However, please do not use them on something very thick. Doing that may cause the pin to break a situation you would want to avoid.
Can the hole puncher punch through stainless steel?
If the thickness of the sheet you are using is less than 22 gauge, the puncher would be able to penetrate. However, if the thickness is beyond that, you might have to look for some other alternative to make holes.
Conclusion
The listed items above are the best in the category of metal hole punch pliers. Very strong, the goods are useful for a long time to last you. They have a good grip and don’t make you feel any pain in your side.
To help a person decide which metal hole punch plier to choose from, various variables are important. If you’re looking at what you’re constructing, opt for the Vintaj Short-Jaw Metal Hole-Punch Pliers. They are solid enough, at least, to last you for a few years.
The Bead Smith PLHP15 Metal Hole Punch, on the other hand, produces clean and tidy holes. No extra work is needed once you are finished with the punching. As you know that your job is done, this gives peace of mind. If you want to make two holes at one opportunity, you may also select the Bead Smith 2 Hole Metal Punch.
