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Our researchers bring you our top recommendations. Each article usually highlights the best overall choice, a budget-friendly option, and picks for specific needs, helping you shop smarter and with confidence.

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Best Leather Punches for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: June 3rd, 2024

🛠️When it comes to leather crafting, the right tools can make all the difference. Whether you've just picked up the hobby or have been at it for years, reliable leather punch tools are a must. From our deep dive into expert reviews and thorough product evaluations, we've rounded up the best leather punches for 2024.

We've got options for various uses and preferences, so you’re sure to find something that fits your leatherworking needs.

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Overall Best: Wad Punch Set With Centre Punch Metric 5 mm To 32 mm

The Wad Punch Set with Centre Punch takes the top spot as the best overall leather punch tool for 2024. This versatile kit includes nine different-sized punches, making it adaptable for varied leather crafting projects. It ensures precision with consistently accurate cuts and offers comfort during prolonged use. The interchangeable punches screw onto the handle smoothly, allowing for quick adjustments. Notably, the centre punch is case hardened to HRC 57, ensuring enhanced durability. With options in both metric and imperial sizes, this UK-made tool is designed to meet the needs of both beginners and professionals alike.

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Runner-up: Kyoshin Elle Shaped Punches

Kyoshin Elle Shaped Punches earn the runner-up position for their reliability and excellent craftsmanship. Known for their sharp and durable blades, these punches come in various generic shapes, ideal for decorative or functional cuts. Constructed from robust steel, they promise longevity and consistent performance, making them a dependable choice for intricate leather designs. These punches offer precision and durability, perfect for crafters who frequently work on detailed projects.

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Budget Pick: Generic Set of Corner Punches

For leatherworkers on a budget, the Generic Set of Corner Punches delivers excellent value without skimping on functionality. This set includes multiple sizes, allowing users to experiment and find the perfect fit for various projects. Although they may require more frequent sharpening compared to higher-end brands, they provide a cost-effective entry into leather punching. This set is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to broaden their toolkit without considerable expense.

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Best for Thick Leather: Heavy Duty Revolving Leather Hole Punch Plier

Leather Hole Punch, Heavy Duty Belt Hole Punch, Revolving Punch Plier Kit with Extra Grinding Needle, Punch Plates, Ruler and 6 Marked Hole Sizes for Watch Band, Crafting, Fabric - Black

The Heavy Duty Revolving Leather Hole Punch Plier is our top recommendation for tackling thick leather. Engineered to handle leather over 1.5 mm in thickness, it is ideal for heavy-duty projects. The design reduces the effort needed by up to 70% compared to standard pliers, minimizing hand fatigue. Features like accurate punch indexing and a strong return spring make operation easy and precise. This UK-made tool combines durability and precision, making it perfect for continuous use on demanding tasks.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$5.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Leather Hole Punch? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What are the hole sizes on the Diyife Leather Hole Punch?

If you're looking to punch holes in materials like leather, belts, or even canvas, the Diyife Leather Hole Punch might be just what you need. It has a revolving head with six different hole sizes: 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, and 4.5 mm, giving you some flexibility in your projects. Our research shows that it works well with lighter materials like thin leather and belts. A nice perk is its ergonomic design with a double lever mechanism, which eases the effort needed to punch, making it more user-friendly—especially if you have limited hand strength or arthritis. The set also includes useful extras like a sharpening stick and punch plates to help keep the tool in good condition. However, keep in mind it might struggle with thicker materials, and some have mentioned issues with larger holes. The handle is a bit wide, which might be a comfort concern if your hands are on the smaller side. Overall, many folks find it to be a good value for general DIY tasks and lighter projects. But if you're often working with thick leather or need bigger holes, you may want to consider something more heavy-duty. For occasional use and everyday tasks, though, this punch could be a reliable choice and shouldn't cause too much hassle.

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How well does the Diyife Leather Hole Punch work on thick leather?

If you're working with thick leather, the Diyife Leather Hole Punch Plier Kit seems to be a solid choice for crafting projects. It's designed to handle various materials like cowhide leather, belts, plastic, rubber, canvas, and fabric, making it pretty versatile as claimed by the manufacturer. With six different hole sizes (from 2 mm to 4.5 mm) and a sturdy build, it should cater to your needs, even when working with thicker leather. Our research indicates that this tool's heavy-duty design is quite effective for punching through thick leather. People found it manageable even with limited hand strength, largely due to its ergonomic design that offers some mechanical advantage. This design helps in making clean, smooth cuts, which is important when working with tough materials like belts or other sturdy leather items. That said, some folks mentioned needing to apply significant pressure when dealing with really thick leather. The handles might feel uncomfortable during prolonged use, especially if you have smaller hands. So, aligning the tool properly is crucial to getting those clean cuts. Despite these minor issues, it's generally viewed as a reliable option for crafting and DIY projects with thick cowhide leather. Plus, the kit includes a grinding needle and punch plates to help maintain its sharpness over time, which is handy for prolonged use. All in all, while it might take some effort with very thick materials, most folks suggest that with the right technique, the Diyife Leather Hole Punch does the job well for leathercraft enthusiasts.

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Is the Diyife Leather Hole Punch comfortable to use?

The Diyife Leather Hole Punch is pretty handy for things like adjusting watch bands and other leather projects, but if comfort is what you're after, there are a few points to consider. First off, it has a range of six hole sizes from 2mm to 4.5mm, which gives you a fair bit of flexibility for different tasks. The grip is designed to be comfortable, and the rotating punch head makes switching sizes smooth. Our research shows that folks generally find it easy to use, especially for more detailed tasks like tweaking watch bands. However, there are a couple of things to be aware of. The smallest hole size, 2mm, might still be too big for certain watch bands, and if you're not careful, the smallest holes might not be perfectly circular. So, a little bit of practice might be needed to get it just right. It does come with some handy extras like a ruler, screwdriver, and grinding needle, which can help with precise measurements and keeping the punch sharp. On the flip side, if you're working with thicker materials, like sturdy belts, it might take a bit more effort to punch through. Plus, it doesn't do holes smaller than 2mm, so if you need something super precise, you might want to look elsewhere. Overall, it’s a solid pick for general crafting and leatherworking. Just keep in mind the hole sizes and the effort needed for thicker materials. If comfort is key for you, the grip and rotating head should make it reasonably easy and efficient to use.

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Best for Decorative Work: CS Osborne Rosette Cutter

C.S. Osborne Rosette Punch #139, Size 1-1/2" Leather Work Cutter Made in USA

If decorative leatherwork is your focus, the CS Osborne Rosette Cutter is a must-have tool. Specially designed for cutting rosette shapes, it is perfect for adding intricate embellishments to saddlery and other leather goods. Renowned for its solid construction and consistent performance, this cutter will save you time and effort on detailed cuts. The CS Osborne Rosette Cutter is a robust and reliable tool, ideal for any leatherworker prioritizing precision and efficiency in their decorative projects.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$107.50 at Etsy