A hole punch is a handy tool to have in your office. The majority of punchers are 3-hole punch machines so paper and folders can fit into 3-ringed binders. We’ve gathered the best from basic designs to heavy-duty machines and even an electric option. Each one is easy to use and looks right at home on your desk.
Bostitch Office HP12 3-Hole Punch
Best choice for most jobs
This 3-hole punch handles 12 sheets of paper at once. Its simple design fits nicely into any office setting with a rubber base to keep it stable while working. The waste tray is covered to keep small paper pieces from getting everywhere, though it is easy to open and dump when needed. This hole punch isn’t adjustable, but the three holes are positioned to handle most jobs and line up with ringed binders. It isn’t recommended to use this puncher for heavier materials like cardboard.
WorkLion Binder Hole Punch
Compact, lightweight, and portable
For punching on the go, the WorkLion hole punch is lightweight and compact. The three holes are not adjustable but are perfectly spaced to ensure the punched paper fits into traditional 3-ringed binders. There is a 10-inch measuring ruler attached to help guide you where to punch your holes. The top part of this puncher pops off to expose the catch tray underneath that can then be cleaned out. It can only punch through five sheets of paper at a time and is made mainly from plastic that isn’t very sturdy or long-lasting.
Swingline SmartTouch Hole Puncher
Works with paper, cardboard, and plastic
This 3-hole puncher has a wide, comfortable handle with a soft grip to make it easy to punch through 45 sheets of paper at a time without a lot of force or strain on your hands and wrists. The handle locks into place for easy storage, and the base has rubber grips to keep it in place. There is an edge guide to help keep paper straight and scraps are captured underneath in a tray that slides out when it is time to dump it. The biggest drawback is the punchers aren’t adjustable, but they are sharp enough to punch through cardboard and plastic.
AFMAT Electric Hole Punch
Quick and easy punches
The AFMAT hole puncher is powered with both an AC adapter or six AA batteries. It can punch through 20 sheets of paper at once and only requires you to push a small button when ready. There is a guide on the side of this puncher that slides in and out depending on the size of your paper. This helps keep the paper straight while being punched. The scrap paper is collected underneath and is easy to empty when full. Because it does run on battery power, you can keep working even when the power is out, and it makes it portable to bring along on quick work trips. However, it is heavier than non-electric punchers, which may be easier and more portable than the AFMAT.
Swingline Precision Pro Desktop Puncher
Punch through with ease
The Precision Pro desktop hole puncher can adjust from a 2-hole to a 3-hole punch and isn’t locked into the traditional 3-ring binder dimensions. The lever runs the length of the puncher and has a comfortable rubber grip to help you keep a firm hold on it while punching paper. It can punch up to 10 sheets of paper at a time while the scraps are captured underneath. The capture tray slides out when you’re ready to dump it, which cuts down on the mess. However, if the tray becomes too full it can be difficult to open to empty.
Our Puncher Picks
The best for most people is the Bostitch Office HP12 3-hole puncher. Though the holes are not adjustable, they are spaced far enough to ensure your punched paper will fit in traditional binders. The level runs the length of the machine so holes are punched at the same time and the leftover pieces of paper are captured underneath.
If you travel a lot for your job, the WorkLion hole puncher is a good choice. It is lightweight and more compact, but will still punch paper easily while fitting snuggly in your bag, purse or briefcase.
