8 best arch punches

Arch punches are specialized hand tools commonly used in metalworking and leathercraft. They are designed to punch holes through materials like sheet metal, leather, rubber, and other soft materials. Here are some key details about arch punches:

  1. Design: Arch punches have a distinctive design characterized by a cylindrical, hollow, or tubular shape with a sharpened cutting edge at one end.The opposite end typically features a flat or slightly concave base. The cutting edge is beveled to facilitate clean hole punching.

  2. Materials: Arch punches are often constructed from high-carbon steel, which provides durability and sharpness for efficient hole punching. Some may have a chrome-plated finish for additional corrosion resistance.

  3. Sizes: These punches come in a variety of sizes, with diameters ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches. The size is determined by the diameter of the hole you wish to create.

  4. Applications:

    • Metalworking: In metalworking, arch punches are used to create holes in sheet metal, aluminum, brass, and other thin metal materials. They are particularly useful for tasks like adding holes for rivets, fasteners, or grommets.
    • Leathercraft: Leatherworkers often use arch punches to create holes for laces, snaps, rivets, and other fasteners when crafting leather goods like belts, wallets, and bags.
    • Gasket Making: Arch punches can be used to cut holes in gasket materials, such as rubber or cork, for sealing purposes.
    • Hobby and Craft: They are also handy tools for various hobby and craft projects that involve soft materials.
  5. Usage: To use an arch punch, you typically place the cutting edge against the material where you want to create a hole and then strike the opposite end with a mallet or hammer. The sharp edge cuts through the material, leaving a clean, round hole.

  6. Safety: When using arch punches, it's essential to wear appropriate safety gear, such as safety glasses or goggles, to protect your eyes from flying debris. Additionally, proper hand placement and controlled strikes with a hammer are crucial for safety and accurate hole punching.

  7. Maintenance: To ensure the longevity of your arch punches, it's a good practice to keep the cutting edge sharp by using sharpening tools designed for this purpose. Proper storage and occasional lubrication of the punch can also prevent rust and corrosion.

In summary, arch punches are versatile hand tools used for cutting clean, round holes in a variety of soft materials, including metal and leather. They come in various sizes to accommodate different hole diameters and are widely used in metalworking, leathercraft, and other crafts where precision hole punching is required. Proper usage and maintenance can extend the life of these useful tools.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best arch punches on the market
  

General Tools 1271ST Arch Punch Set, 7 Piece Set, 1/4 Inch to 1 Inch

General Tools

Based on 63 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Ideal for punching round holes in gasket material, leather, rubber, canvas, cardboard, plastic, sheet metal and other soft materials.

GENERAL TOOLS - THE PRECISE TOOL FOR DOING THE JOB EXACTLY RIGHT. Offering over 1,000 tools, we’re proud to provide tradesmen, craftsmen and DIYers around the world with a broad range of affordable, specific-purpose mechanical hand tools and precision measuring and inspection tools.

For inquiries, please contact our Customer Service Department at 212-431-6100. We strive to provide our customers with 100% satisfaction.

WORK SMARTER, MEASURE BETTER & BE MORE PRODUCTIVE WITH GENERAL TOOLS

  • Heat treated forged steel
  • Inside taper for clearance
  • Hole Diameters: 1/4 in, 3/8 in. , 1/2 in. , 5/8 in. , 3/4 in. , 7/8 in. and 1in
  • Plastic roll pouch

User questions & answers

Question: Are these sufficiently hardened to punch thin metal
Answer: I don’t know as I got them to punch wool fabric which it would not do.
Question: I don't see the actual sizes of these punches listed anywhere in the item description
Answer: I don’t have the punches anymore. I returned them
Question: What are the sizes of these punches ? I do not see them listed in the item description
Answer: 1/4 in,, 3/8 in., 1/2 in., 5/8 in., 3/4 in., 7/8 in. and 1in
Question: Did anyone use these to cut out gasket material
Answer: no but they are very sharp so should work

General Tools 1271M Arch Punch, 1 Inch

General Tools

Based on 628 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The General Tools and Instruments 1271M Arch Punch is the ideal punch tool for punching a 1 inch hole. The punch works on leather, rubber, canvas, plastic, sheet metal, gasket material, cardboard and softer metals. The internal punch features an inside taper for clearance. The punches are heat treated forged steel, ensuring long lasting performance. Because of this heat treatment, the cutting edge will stay sharper longer.

GENERAL TOOLS - THE PRECISE TOOL FOR DOING THE JOB EXACTLY RIGHT. Offering over 1,000 tools, we’re proud to provide tradesmen, craftsmen and DIYers around the world with a broad range of affordable, specific-purpose mechanical hand tools and precision measuring and inspection tools.

For inquiries, please contact our Customer Service Department at 212-431-6100. We strive to provide our customers with 100% satisfaction.

WORK SMARTER, MEASURE BETTER & BE MORE PRODUCTIVE WITH GENERAL TOOLS

From the Manufacturer

Arch punches for punching holes in leather, rubber, gasket material and soft metals. Inside taper for clearance. Heat treated Sheffield forged steel. Size 1".

  • The General Tools and Instruments 1271M Arch Punch is the ideal punch tool for punching a 1 inch hole
  • The punch works on leather, rubber, canvas, plastic, sheet metal, gasket material, cardboard and softer metals
  • The internal punch features an inside taper for clearance
  • The punches are heat treated forged steel, ensuring long lasting performance
  • Because of this heat treatment, the cutting edge will stay sharper longer

User questions & answers

Question: where is it made & is there a warrant
Answer: I don't know where they're manufactured - I bought it to punch two holes in auto upholstery panels so that I could install retracting seat belts. The tool has a solid feel and is as sharp as you'd expect a punch to be. A warranty was not a consideration to me and I'm guessing that Amazon would stand behind the product if you experienced problems early on. If you're looking for something to use for production runs, I'd probably look for something else unless you're experienced in sharpening. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful in responding specifically to your concerns.
Question: Do you think this tool is sharp enough to punch a hole in low pile carpeting for 1/2” black iron gas pipe installation
Answer: I don't have alot of experience with carpeting, but it punches through 1/4 inch veg tan leather without a problrm
Question: Will this work for brittle plastic like that found in dvd cases
Answer: I definitely will not. Thin abs plastics, chipboard, cardstock, even light sheet metal, but not brittle plastics like acrylic or polystyrene (which is what most generic jewel cases are made from). If it's flexible you're good. If it's brittle you're better off having it lasercut or CNC router cut.
Question: Will this punch out wood veneer..I need the circles to be intact
Answer: No. This should not work with wood veneer at all as the sharp end (circular) is too fragile. Hope it helps.

Prima Causa 13 in 1 Sharp Hollow Punch Tool Set Leather Kit Gasket Hole

Prima Causa

Based on 71 reviews Check latest price
  • Strong heat treated steel punches; Soft, comfortable grip
  • Easy to punch holes in Leather, Copper, Plastic, Rubber, Gasket Paper and Cork
  • Includes: 1 Pin Point Punch Shaft, Sturdy ABS molded case, Sizes: 3/16" 1/4" 5/16" 3/8" 7/16" 1/2" 5/8" 3/4" 7/8" 1" 1-1/8" 1-1/4" 1-3/8"
  • Make clean, precise holes in Leather, Copper, Plastic, Rubber and Cork. 13 interchangeable punch tips let you choose different size holes from 3/16" to 1-3/8". Punch accurate washers and gaskets
  • This punch kit comprises of a single handle, onto which screws a series of single interchangeable punches. To use the kit, screw the appropriate size of punch onto the handle and position the center of the spring loaded plunger

User questions & answers

Question: What is (are) the height of the punches without the handle
Answer: my punches are at work. I'd quess they are 3/4 inches tall
Question: Will this mark or damage the center part being punched out
Answer: There is no damage done to the punched out piece.
Question: Perhaps I missed it somewhere, but . . . what are the hole sizes this set will punch
Answer: Hello and thank you for your question. The set will punch holes of the following sizes: 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2",5/8", 3/4". 7/8", 1", 1 1/8", 1 1/4", 1 3/8". Sincerely yours, Customer Service Team, POWHILL
Question: where are they made
Answer: Nothing in my kit indicates a country of origin. Nevertheless, even if they are made in , say, China, they do seem to be well made and they've worked for me when I've needed them. The only "tip off" I can detect is that the individual cutting head holder spots molded into the case list English sizes first and metric sizes parenthetically. You can take that to mean whatever you want.

Product features

13 in 1 Sharp Hollow Punch Tool Set

  • 1 Pin Point Punch Shaft,
  • Sturdy ABS molded case,
  • Sizes: 3/16" 1/4" 5/16" 3/8" 7/16" 1/2" 5/8" 3/4" 7/8" 1" 1-1/8" 1-1/4" 1-3/8"

C.S.Osborne 7/16" Arch Punch with Fully Tempered Cutting Edge

C.S. Osborne

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Osborne arch punches are drop forged in one piece from the finest special carbon steel in sizes from 3/16" to 2-1/4" diameter. Larger sizes are made with our properly engineered two piece welded construction. A unique feature of the Osborne arch punch is the inside taper which permits the punchings to clear easily through the barrel. Punches have fully polished barrel and black enamel handle. The cutting edge is fully tempered all the way through and properly finished to provide long use trouble free punching. There is no other Hollow punch that can compare.

  • C. S. Osborne & Co.
  • American Crafted

General Tools & Instruments Arch Punch

General Tools

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Heat treated Sheffield forged steel.

  • Material - Steel
  • Type - Punch Set
  • Cutter Diam - 1/4 in, 3/8 in, 1/2 in, 5/8 in, 3/4 in, 7/8 in, 1 in
  • Includes - Plastic Roll
  • Quantity - 7 per roll

User questions & answers

Question: How well has these held up when using them specifically with leather? I'm looking to punch holes in baseball leather to put metal grommets into them
Answer: I use mine with wool, but did have an opportunity to use them on leather. I would suggest that you place a few layers of newspaper underneath the leather and on top of your hard surface. There are special acrylic pads to use as a hard surface - available at hardware stores. I would recommend one. If your surface is too hard and doesn't have any give, you will dull the sharp edge of the punch. Hope this helps...Fiberbean
Question: will this work on corrugated cardboard
Answer: I don't think so...I use these with wool for sewing and I have to pound pretty hard with my rubber mallet to get a nice cut of the wool. Maybe if they were professionally sharpened they would work on corrugated cardboard, but not as is.
Question: what is it use for
Answer: Punching round holes in stiff material, for example : leather, gasket material, canvas, or any other heavier fabrics

GEDORE - 4543540 570012 Arc punch 12 mm

GEDORE

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price

Product description

GEDORE 4543540 Arc Punch, 12 mm To DIN 7200 Form A For stamping out cardboard, leather, rubber, sealing materials and other soft materials Cutting edge hardened

  • To DIN 7200 Form A
  • For stamping out cardboard, leather, rubber, sealing materials and other soft materials
  • Cutting edge hardened
  • GEDORE stands for a universal, comprehensive offer of high-end tools, special tools. The GEDORE quality promise is based on 100 years of forging competence.
  • The closest attention is paid to every single detail of every single GEDORE tool: qualified staff, intelligent construction, first-class materials and modern production methods.

User questions & answers

Question: Would this work on stainless steel mesh
Answer: I would say yes if the gauge isn’t too high. It will probably ware down, as the punch tappers to a defined cutting edge. Intended for med to light material. Light mesh would surely cut fine.

DGOL 5 Sizes Leather Arch Curve Cutter Craft Strap Belt DIY Arc Flatter Curve End Corner Plated Cutting Punch Tool Kit

Based on 228 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Pls keep away with children as these are sharp punches

This is not half round punch kit, just call them arch curve or flatter curve punches

We also supply half round leather punch, you could search ASIN"B07DZ4FFXH " in our amazon store if need

Material: manganese steel

Calvanic plating punches, very sharp, but not quite nice and bright, quite useful tool

These punches are reasonably sturdy even after heavy use

Could make very nice-appearing and clean corner and really time saver on making leather corner

Easy to make smooth corner end on handbags, wallets, cases, bags, straps, purses, belt, collars etc

These are useful punches for leather craftmen,use these to cut leather corner,making wallet strap and belt half-shaped end

Sharp enough for most leather project. If you still feel not sharp, pls sharpen your punches before use

We also supply various design and function buckles, clasps, hooks, burrs, rivets, tools, punchs, snaps, screws, elastics,

hangers, lobsters for leathercraft. If you need, pls search our amazon store and brand "DGOL" on amazon website




Package include:

5 pcs DGOL arch flatter curve shaped punches with size: 10mm,15mm,20mm,30mm,40mm

  • THESE ARE USEFUL TOOLS FOR LEATHER CRAFTMEN,USE THESE TO CUT LEATHER CORNER,MAKING WALLET STRAP AND BELT END
  • MATERIAL:MANGANESE STEEL COLOR: SILVER COLOR AS PICTURE.THESE TOOLS ARE NOT QUITE NICE AND BRIGHT,BUT THEY ARE QUITE USEFUL, COULD PUNCH SMOOTH AND NICE CORNERS
  • ARCH CURVE SHAPE PUNCH INCLUDED FOLLOWING 5 SIZES : 10MM,15MM,20MM,30MM,40MM
  • GALVANIC PLATING PUNCHES,QUITE SHARP, EASY TO MAKE SMOOTH CORNER END ON HANDBAGS,WALLETS CASES,BAGS,STRAPS,PURSES,BELT,COLLARS ETC
  • SHARP ENOUGH FOR MOST LEATHER PROJECT,IF YOU STILL FEEL THE END NOT SHARP,PLS SHARPEN YOUR PUNCH BEFORE USE

User questions & answers

Question: Can I buy 5 of just the 40mm size
Answer: This I do not know.
Question: Are these half round ?180º? Or a flatter curve
Answer: These are a flatter curve. Great for rounding corners!
Question: New to leather. Are these used 2 actually cut shapes into leather? I have the scissors. Now need a tool 4 cutting out pieces in the leather 4 designs
Answer: These are for cutting rounded corners of various sizes. Place the curved blade directly on the leather, hold steady and tap with a mallet. Much more precise than scissors which always look hand cut.
Question: where are they made
Answer: Mine didn’t say, but I’m confident they are imported. My guess is China.

C.S. Osborne #149 Arch Punch Tool

Weaver Leather, LLC

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The name C.S. Osborne has been synonymous with quality since its founding in 1826. Generations of leather craftspeople have turned to this trusted line of tools time and time again for professional results on every project. Now operated by the seventh generation of the Osborne family, this company adheres to proven, age-old quality standards that are evident in every tool. These standards have served leather crafters well throughout the company's history, as proven by the well-loved tool collections we've seen many customers amass through the years.

  • Country Of Origin: United States
  • Product Type: Sporting Goods
  • Item Package Dimensions: 4.5 L X 4.8 W X 14.5 H (Cm)
  • Item Package Weight: 0.361 Kilograms

User questions & answers

Question: Can the 2" osborne arch punch be sharpened
Answer: Yes like any component made of tool steel. This particular punch has stayed sharp unlike some of the Chinese punches I have used. There is a rubber mat they sell you should purchase it also it is much better than using a piece of lumber. This is a quality tool I have put it through heavy use it is still going strong.

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