Sheet Metal Hole Punch

When looking for a sheet metal hole punch, you will see that there are two basic types. The hand-held type is a hole punch that operates similar to a pair of pliers. If you are considering this type then be sure you buy a set with a 'leveraging' system. This will allow you to multiply the force you are applying and make the actual punching of the holes much easier. Without a leveraging system on a sheet metal hold punch your hands and forearms will get really tired, really fast.

Another consideration is that for punching a perfectly straight line of holes, this type is great. That is assuming that the holes to be punched are within the throat distance of the hand-held sheet metal hole punch. That is probably the biggest disadvantage of this type of hole punch. They are limited to punching holes within the throat distance. The distance limitation for most of this type of punch is about 2 inches. If you can live with that, then this type will give you the most consistent and reliable results.

Sheet Metal Hold Punch - Hand Punches

Hand-held metal punches generally come with adjustable punch sizes that range from about 1/8" to about 3/8". Manufacturers vary the exact set of punch sizes so be sure to check and make sure the punch you are buying will do the job you want done. Most offer 'quick change' bits so changing the size of the punched holes is a pretty easy thing to do.

Another disadvantage of this type of sheet metal hold punch is that the gauge of the metal must be fairly thin for the punch to work effectively. Most will have no problem with plastic sheet material or thin brass stock. Anything above 16 gauge mild steel will not be a good candidate for this type of punch.

To keep track of everything, most of these types of punches come with a case of some sort to help keep you from losing any of the punch dies.

Sheet Metal Punch - Dies

If the holes you need punched are beyond the throat depth limit or need to be larger than about 3/8" inch, then you will probably end up using a hand punch. The size of the punched holes can be considerably greater than a hand-held type of sheet metal hole punch.

Some of these types of punch sets are sold as leather punch sets too. They are individual punches and can handle materials from plastic to wood to leather and thin gauge metal.

The durability of the punch will be determined by the type of material it is made from. Most sets sold these days are made from heat treated high carbon steel.

About the only limitation for this type of sheet metal hole punch is that you must be pretty accurate with your hammer strike if you want 'clean' holes. Another irritation is that since these types of punches are hollow, the punched hole will lodge itself within the punch and it can sometimes be problem getting the metal out of the sheet metal hole punch.