The rotary leather punch is a really helpful tool for creating all your small round holes of different sizes on different thicknesses of leather. Finding the best rotary leather punch means you will be able to a matter of seconds make the most accurate and clean precise punches on your leather project. But, what are the best rotary leather punches?
The best rotary leather punch in no particular order are;
- Pro-Master Leather Hole Punch Set
- Neiko Leather Hole Punch
- Realeather Rotary Punch
- Herm Sprenger Powerful Revolving Leather Punch
- Tandy Leather Rotary Leather Punch
- C.S. Osborne Revolving Leather Hole Punch
- 6 Sized 9″ Leather Hole Punch
- Barcley Leather Hole Punch Set
- Asdomo Leather Hole Punch
In addition to the general average price are key features that make these the best rotary leather punches and ideal for every leatherworkers’ toolbox but first, what’s a rotary leather punch?
What’s a Rotary Leather Punch?
A rotary leather punch is a tool with a sharp hollow cylindrical steel with a knife-like edge that you will generally use in leatherwork to make different sizes of small round holes on leather. It’s one of the best ways to make holes on leather, especially if you do not want to buy single individual punches.
The rotary leather punch is a very cost-effective alternative and a great punching tool for traveling around saving you the time and effort of carrying expensive individual punches.
You will be able to make the most perfect holes for eyelets, rivets, lacing, etc, on leatherwork projects such as belts, bags, purses, wallets, watch bands, straps, dog collars, saddles, shoes, fabric, etc in a very professional and masterful way. It’s indeed a one-stop tool that will meet all of your on-site punching needs.
Its application is very simple. All you do is to select the size of the hole, rotate the wheel to the hole size, align it on the leather product you want to perforate and squeeze the handles together to create a hole.
1. Pro-Master Leather Hole Punch Set – (Best For Long Repetitive Projects)
It has a double lever construction so you wouldn’t have to apply a lot of pressure or require too much hand strength to make punches. You can use this rotary punch to make a lot of repetitive holes without causing your hands any fatigue or soreness and blisters.
Size of Holes it Creates:
With this tool, you can make 6 different holes of 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, and 4.5mm.
It’s also your quick and easy punching tool for making adjustments and readjusting particularly on belts to make them fit you perfectly.
What’s Included in the Package:
This rotary punch comes with an awl, a screwdriver, a ruler, 3 extra-large punch plates, an instructional Ebook with tips and tricks.
Best For:
The Pro-Master Leather Hole Punch Set is great for long repetitive projects and all crafts such as DIYs, and, hobby projects. The extra-large punch plate gives it great stability and a lot more control when making punches. You won’t have to deal with hand fatigue or suffer too much pains and even if you suffer from arthritis, you’ll still be able to have a good grip and squeeze just about enough to make a clean hole without any wrist strain.
Pros:
- Easy to use with minimum effort
- Saves time, effort, and money
- It has cushioned handles
- It has a non-slip and an ergonomic design
- Money-back guaranteed
- Comes with an instructional Ebook
- Sturdy
Cons:
- You may not need the additional tools it comes with
- Rotating will be challenging if you have arthritis
If you’re interested in the Pro-Master Leather Hole Punch Set, you can check it out over here on Amazon or via the button below!
2. Neiko Leather Hole Punch – (Best Budget Pick)
The Neiko Leather Hole Punch Tool has a just like all other rotary punch has a revolving head that can punch 6 different sizes of holes on leather, canvas, fabric, etc. The Neiko Leather Hole Punch has a PVC handle that gives users a comfortable grip with the smoothest spring tension that allows the tool to self-open after its squeezed.
What’s special about this rotary punch is its steel gauge handle and brass anvil which makes it very durable.
Size of Holes it Creates:
This leather punch can make the very common sizes of holes in leatherwork from 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm to 4.5mm holes.
What’s Included in the Package:
In this package, you will find nothing other than a single revolving punching tool with no other accessories.
Best For:
This rotary punch is best for making nice precise round holes on mainly leather canvas, and fabrics.
Pros:
- Great for punching thick leather
- It’s very sturdy
- Fairly easy to use
Cons:
- Very heavy and not suitable for making a lot of repetitive holes
If you’re interested in the Neiko Leather Hole Punch, you can check it out over here on Amazon or via the button below!
3. Realeather Rotary Punch – (Best Professional Rotary Punch)
This rotary punch by Realeather is a heavy-duty leather punch and one of the best professional rotary punches. It’s certainly a high-end product with a solid design. The Realeather rotary punch owes it’s durability to its forged steel make-up.
Sizes of Holes it Creates:
You can easily set up this rotary punch to make round holes in 6 sizes from 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm to 4.5mm.
What’s Included in the Package:
The Realeather rotary punch comes with a set of 6 replacement punching tips which is very simple to replace by simply unscrewing and screwing with your hands.
Best For:
Realeather rotary punch is best for your most tough leatherworking projects. This is your must-have punching tool if you work with very think leathers and make a lot of round holes on saddles, belts, rubber, etc.
Pros:
- Comes with a set of replacement tips
- You don’t need additional tools to replace the tips
- Durable and long-lasting
- Ideal for very thick leather
- Sizes are easy to adjust
- Has a safety lock when not in use
Cons:
- Pricy
If you’re interested in the Realeather Rotary Punch, you can check it out over here for the lastest price on Amazon or via the button below!
4. Herm Sprenger Revolving Leather Punch – (Best Long-Lasting and Thick Leather Punch)
The Herm Sprenger Leather Hole Punch is a German-made punching tool. It’s a top-quality rotary punch with a special lever that requires minimal manpower effort to make punches on even the thickest leather. It has rubber hands grip and a very efficient lever action that requires a 70% less pressure squeeze. It also has a lock feature for when not in use.
Sizes of Holes it Creates:
You can easily set up this rotary punch to make round holes in 6 sizes from 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm to 4.5mm.
What’s Included in the Package:
In this package, you will find nothing other than a single rotary punching tool with no other accessories.
Best For:
This rotary punch is best for adding extra holes to thick leather tack, punching through layers of leather, and best if you want a long-lasting rotary punching tool.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Easy to use
- Punches through thick, hard materials with the least effort
- High Quality
- Made in Germany
Cons:
- It’s a bit Pricy
If you’re interested in the Herm Sprenger Revolving Leather Punch, you can check it out over here on Amazon or via the button below!
5. C.S. Osborne Revolving Leather Hole Punch – ( Best Rotary Punch For Farming and Horse Care Equipment)
This rotary punch is from the arsenal of C.S Osborne company which since 1826, has dedicated itself to providing high-quality fine industrial hand tools. It’s a multi-sized rotary leather punch manufactured in the United States Of America. It’s bright nickel-plated with 6 different sizes of heat-treated round cutting tubes.
Sizes of Holes it Creates:
You can easily set up this rotary punch to make round holes in 6 sizes from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 with each tube length of 8-1/2″. All tubes are heat-treated to make it wear-resistant for a pretty long time.
What’s Included in the Package:
In this package, you will find nothing other than a single rotary punching tool with no other accessories.
Best For:
This rotary punch is best for the purpose of use for Farming, Horse Care Equipment, and other general leather punches.
Pros:
- Rust and wear-resistant due to nickel plating
- Easy to use
- Great for punching through thick leather
- It’s tailor-built for specific use
- Made in the United States
- The product will be replaced free of charge
Cons:
- Hard to rotate to change holes
- Requires effort when squeezing
If you’re interested in the C.S. Osborne Revolving Leather Hole Punch, you can check it out over here on Amazon or via the button below!
6. Tandy Leather Rotary Leather Punch
Tandy Leather is one of the renowned companies with a very good track record in the manufacturing of leatherwork tools. They designed this rotary for the budget-minded craft while still maintain high-level quality. The Tandy leather rotary punch is 6 tubes and an all-round steel frame.
Sizes of Holes it Creates:
The tool can be used to make 6 different sizes of holes including 2mm, 2.3mm, 3.1mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, and 4.8mm.
What’s Included in the Package:
In this package, you will find nothing other than a single rotary punching tool with no other accessories.
Best For:
This rotary punch is ideal for occasional punches on lightweight leathers measuring up to 5 ounces.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Very efficient for punching lightweight leather
- Budget-friendly with great quality
- Cuts clean
- Simple to adjust
Cons:
- Non-replaceable punches
- Not Ideal for thick leather
If you’re interested in the Tandy Leather Rotary Leather Punch, you can check it out over here on Amazon or via the button below!
7. 6 Sized 9″ Leather Hole Punch – (Best Standard Rotary Punch)
This rotary punch serves as the best standard punch. It’s commonly the around-the-house type of punch for general DIYs, crafts, and hobby projects. It’s durable as its made of plated and hardened steel. It’s constructed with Vinyl handles that make for an easy and comfortable grip. This tools also come oiled to prevent rust oxidation.
Sizes of Holes it Creates:
The tool can be used to make 6 different sizes of holes which include the 2.5mm, 2.95mm, 3.54mm, 4.06mm, 4.59mm, and 4.99mm.
What’s Included in the Package:
In this package, you will find nothing other than a single rotary punching tool with no other accessories.
Best For:
This rotary punch is ideal for making minuscule punch holes and also, in addition to leather, great for rubber, plastic, and many other materials of these kinds.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Rust-resistant
- Great for both thick and lightweight leather
- Cuts clean
- Simple to adjust
Cons:
- Require a bit more pressure to make a punch
If you’re interested in the 6 Sized 9″ Leather Hole Punch, you can check it out over here on Amazon or via the button below!
8. Barcley Leather Hole Punch Set – (Best Punch That Can Set Eyelets and Fasteners)
The Barcley Leather Hole Punch Set is loaded with great features to make punching on the most delicate materials a fairly simple walk in the park. This rotary punch is also a heavy-duty, multi-hole puncher that can be used to set eyelets and fasteners. Its ergonomic handle design has a rubberized coating that gives users comfortable cushioning and grip.
This hole puncher is made of manganese steel giving it its high-impact strength. With the Barcleys leather hole punch, you’re guaranteed of retained sharpness and wear resistance.
Sizes of Holes it Creates:
This punching tool can be used to make 5 different sizes of precise round holes which include the 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, and 4mm. It also doubles as an eyelet and rivet setter.
What’s Included in the Package:
In this package, you will find in addition to the puncher a complete set of 75 eyelets with snap fasteners.
Best For:
This rotary punch is best for long repetitive projects without fatigue. It’s particularly perfect for making clean-cut holes in pet collars, belts, saddlery, bags, watch bands, store cards. It works great on leather, plastic, canvas, cardboard, rubber, polyurethane, silk Fabric, DIY Home or Craft Projects, etc.
Pros:
- You can use it even if you have arthritis
- Comes with 75 eyelets and snap fasteners
- It has an extra-large punch plate for extra punch stability
- Double lever makes punching easy, fast, and painless
- It can make punches on even the most delicate fabrics
Cons:
- More of a fabric punch than leather punch
If you’re interested in the Barcley Leather Hole Punch Set, you can check it out over here on Amazon or via the button below!
9. Asdomo Leather Hole Punch – (Best Rotary Punch For Round, Flat, and Oval Shaped Holes)
This rotary leather punch by Asdomo has a professional design that can cater to your projects especially if you like to make different shapes of holes. It’s ergonomically designed for comfortable easy use even in one hand and great for making repetitive projects. It’s made of plated steel to enhance its toughness and durability
Sizes of Holes it Creates:
This punching tool can be used to make 6 different dimensions of hole sizes including the 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 7x3mm, 8×3.5mm, 6×4.5mm representing 3 round holes, 2 flat holes, and 1 ellipse-shaped hole respectively.
What’s Included in the Package:
In this package, is a belted punching tool, with an awl, and a screwdriver.
Best For:
This rotary punch is best for adding extra holes to adjust clothing and many other accessories. It’s particularly perfect for making holes in pet collars, saddlery, belts, bags, watch bands, store cards, etc. This rotary punch will easily punch these items if they’re made of leather, plastic, canvas, fabric, cardboard, or any other similar material.
Pros:
- It’s convenient to store
- Makes easy punches with less hand fatigue
- Comes with different shapes of holes and sizes
- Very sharp
- Has a double lever that requires low pressure to make perfect punches
- Thick brass pad
Cons:
- More of a fabric punch than leather punch
If you’re interested in the Barcley Leather Hole Punch Set, you can check it out over here on Amazon or via the button below!
Buyers’ Guide
Choosing the most suitable rotary leather punch shouldn’t be difficult even if you’re just starting out or a professional. There are a few key points to consider before making a purchase. These are;
- The kinds of projects you’ll be embarking on
- Do you expect the majority of holes you’d create to be at the edge of the work
- The shapes and sizes of the holes
- How frequent you’ll use the tool
- How much hand strength you’d want to exert
The Standard Diameter Sizes of Rotary Punch Holes
The standard sizes holes you will require on most leatherwork projects for lacing or fixing fittings and fasteners are;
- 2 mm (5/64”)
- 2.5 mm (3/32”)
- 3 mm (7/64”)
- 3.5 mm (1/8”)
- 4 mm (5/32”)
- 4.5 mm (3/16”)
Tips and Guide For Using a Rotary Leather Punch
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional leather crafter, or you constantly have to make adjustments on for your belts, or riding gear, etc you might have already figured out the importance of having a rotary leather punch. Trying to create perfect holes with a knife or any other unsuitable tools can be a serious pain.
Rotary leather punches are great for making punches on the edges of projects such as belts, wallets, bags, etc but will, however, not serve you well if you to punch a hole in the middle of the project. You will also not like how the tubes bend especially if they are not meant for heavy leathers.
There are so many advantages to using a rotary punch some of which are:
- The fact that you will not have to strike or hit to make hole. This allows you to work deep into the night without disturbing your neighbors
- It’s fast and very easy to use
- Makes perfect and precise holes
- Great for making identical holes
- Easy to make a lot of holes
It’s generally difficult to punch holes on a lightweight material measuring between 1 – 4-ounce leather while using the rotary punch. You can make it much easier by placing a small piece of paper box material beneath the side you are punching. Make sure the paper box material is thick enough otherwise fold it.
Also when punching holes, make sure to give it a good squeeze just about enough and twist the leather up/left and down/right before releasing the plier handles. This will help you get a clean cut.
Ensure you always hear an obvious clicking sound when you rotate to the change the size of holes. The clicking sound is an indication the selected hole is set and ready for use.
Do well to change the anvil of the rotary punch when you notice severe wear.
Avoid dropping the rotary punch as it will cause the cutting tubes to bend.
