Paper hole punches are a useful resource for binding documents, organizing paper and much more. Paper hole punches are available in a wide variety of formats, including single-hole punches, two-hole punches, three-hole punches and custom punches. Paper punches are available in a variety of formats depending on the purpose and where the punch is being stored.
Paper hole punches are often available with different diameter punch heads, depending on the preference. Typically the larger the hole the easier it is to turn a page. The most common hole size is a ¼-inch diameter. This guide will cover the most common types of hole punches and where they are most commonly used.
Electric or Manual?
Manual paper punches are the most common type of punch available today. They are practical, easy to use and can be used almost anywhere. Manual punches are compact and can typically be placed on a desk or table for use in a home, school, business or other location. Electric paper punches are less common, but are especially nice when paper punching will be repeated on a regular basis throughout the day.
Three-Hole Punches
Three hole punches are the most common type of punch used today. This is because they create a hole pattern compatible with three-ring binders. These types of punches are typically available in both manual and electric designs. Some three hole punches are available in a customizable format, allowing the punch heads to be adjusted (usually by loosening a screw and sliding the head along a rail before tightening it down).
Two-Hole Punches
Two hole paper punches are less common, but are widely used in the legal and medical fields for use in two hole clipboards. Two hole punches usually require less effort to punch paper than a three-hole punch. This is because there are fewer holes being punched. The more holes, the harder it is to punch paper.
Single Hole Punches
Single hole punches are some of the least common punches used, but they are great for custom punching and for quickly binding several thicker documents together. Most single hole punches, not to be confused with slot punches (found here), punch through larger volumes of paper.
Single hole punches are especially popular with casinos where decks of cards are destroyed and rendered useless by punching a hole through them. This is because players will often mark cards for cheating. Using a new deck of cards for each round cuts down on this problem. The FP-1 single hole punch (found here) is popular for this purpose. Many casinos will also use a corner rounder (found here) to cut the corners off of playing cards to render them void.
Customizable Punches
Customizable punches usually consist of a punch base, a handle and a rail where punching heads can be placed. These types of punches will often allow for one, two or three punch heads. Many people will even put four or five punch heads on a customizable punch for custom binders. Be aware that using four or five punch heads will decrease the amount of paper that can be punched at a time due to the increased surface area.
