I need to replace my revolving hole punch that has served me well for many
years.

I've looked at several new revolving hole punches and they appear weak and
crudely made. They all seem to have the same, poorly made, die-cast
aluminium indexing wheel that is a bit random at locking the punches in
position. I guess they are too cheap to be much good.

There are a couple of revolving hole punches on eBay described as 'heavy
duty', but I'm not really convinced:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130620780289?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p398 4.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/270821186517?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p398 4.m1423.l2649

Can anyone recommend a robust, heavy duty revolving hole punch that I could
buy?

Thanks,
--
Interloper

On 14/01/2012 14:26, Interloper wrote:
I need to replace my revolving hole punch that has served me well for many
years.

I've looked at several new revolving hole punches and they appear weak and
crudely made. They all seem to have the same, poorly made, die-cast
aluminium indexing wheel that is a bit random at locking the punches in
position. I guess they are too cheap to be much good.

There are a couple of revolving hole punches on eBay described as 'heavy
duty', but I'm not really convinced:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130620780289?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p398 4.m1423.l2649

That one looks much like the one the chap in the shoe repair shop used
to make me a couple of new holes in my belt yesterday.

Colin Bignell

On 2012-01-14, Interloper wrote:
I need to replace my revolving hole punch that has served me well for many
years.

I've looked at several new revolving hole punches and they appear weak and
crudely made. They all seem to have the same, poorly made, die-cast
aluminium indexing wheel that is a bit random at locking the punches in
position. I guess they are too cheap to be much good.

Block of wood, metal tubes in the required sizes, and a hammer.

Justin.

On Jan 14, 2:26*pm, "Interloper" wrote:
I need to replace my revolving hole punch that has served me well for many
years.

I've looked at several new revolving hole punches and they appear weak and
crudely made. *They all seem to have the same, poorly made, die-cast
aluminium indexing wheel that is a bit random at locking the punches in
position. *I guess they are too cheap to be much good.

There are a couple of revolving hole punches on eBay described as 'heavy
duty', but I'm not really convinced:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130620780289?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trks....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/270821186517?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trks....

Can anyone recommend a robust, heavy duty revolving hole punch that I could
buy?

By their very nature, they fall outside the term "heavy duty" .
Either accept what you can get is going to be a bit cumbersome and not
last forever or get the appropriate punches to use with a hammer and
block of hardwood (into endgrain). You may try contacting the
manfacturer of your current pliers and see if they will send you an
anvil if that is all that is worn.

Last one I got was from Lidl, but has not been put to extensive use,
it's a replacement for one that was lost and I don't particularly care
how durable it is, I think it cost £3. There's no aluminium bits on
it, it's much like the one that disappeared except the new one is
bright chromed. The index wheel is a stamped steel plate and the
selector is spring steel. This is probably all that is required for
making holes for belts and straps but if you are doing it
professionally you should set up a proper table with a block set in
for punching holes in conjunction with a guide plate for consistency
of position.

If you want a really top quality item with replaceable punches,
lockable wheel and a nice feel I can recommend this;

http://www.csosborne.com/NO155.HTM

Available from http://www.handtools-uk.com/default.php?cPath=14_94_288

I have had mine now for twenty plus years, replaced a two tubes.
Lovely bit of kit. What exactly are you going to use it for?

Johno

"thirty-six" wrote:

...You may try contacting the manufacturer of your current pliers
and see if they will send you an anvil if that is all that is worn.

There was no sign of the manufacturer's name on the tool and one of the
punch tubes had shattered (and it's not replaceable).

I've binned the broken punch and bought a new one, which is rubbish. It
doesn't even index correctly.
--
Interloper

"johno" wrote:

If you want a really top quality item with replaceable punches,
lockable wheel and a nice feel I can recommend this;

http://www.csosborne.com/NO155.HTM

Available from http://www.handtools-uk.com/default.php?cPath=14_94_288

I have had mine now for twenty plus years, replaced a two tubes.
Lovely bit of kit. What exactly are you going to use it for?

Johno

Now that's more like it. It's a bit pricey at £76.34, so I guess it's made
in the UK (the imperial dimensions give it away).

I only use my revolving punch occasionally to punch holes in leather, card
or soft plastic (depending on what the current project is). I just like to
have quality tools that I can rely on, especially tools that spare parts are
available for, so they can be repaired.
--
Interloper

On Jan 14, 8:07*pm, "Interloper" wrote:
"thirty-six" wrote:

...You may try contacting the manufacturer of your current pliers
and see if they will send you an anvil if that is all that is worn.

There was no sign of the manufacturer's name on the tool and one of the
punch tubes had shattered (and it's not replaceable).

I've binned the broken punch and bought a new one, which is rubbish. *It
doesn't even index correctly.
--
Interloper

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Revolving-Pu...ref=pd_cp_ce_1

Plain chrome-plated plier under £3 note that there is no plastic
grips or other superfluous items, it is exactly what it is and no
more. It's pressed out from steel plate and is a traditional tested
pattern. I didn't have any problems with the old pair and I don't
expect any problems with what I bought from Lidl. This looks
remarkebly like those and the older pair before, I'm particularly
looking at the grip area.

"thirty-six" wrote:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Revolving-Punch-Pliers-Making-Holes/dp/B0016SJ3NU/ref=pd_cp_ce_1

Plain chrome-plated plier under £3 note that there is no
plastic grips or other superfluous items, it is exactly what
it is and no more. It's pressed out from steel plate and is
a traditional tested pattern. I didn't have any problems
with the old pair and I don't expect any problems with
what I bought from Lidl. This looks remarkebly like
those and the older pair before, I'm particularly
looking at the grip area.

Those revolving punch pliers look remarkably like my old pliers too - basic
and reliable. They look very similar to the cheaper Osborne version (£18.25)
as well:

http://www.handtools-uk.com/product_info.php?cPath=14_94_288&products_id=500

The Amazon revolving punch pliers you found get good reviews. The main
complaint seems to be that rather than chrome-plated, they are supplied
painted orange!

The Draper Expert 63637 revolving punch pliers also get good reviews:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-Exper...L0/ref=lh_ni_t

Guess I'm spoilt for choice now!
--
Interloper

On Jan 14, 9:50*pm, "Interloper" wrote:
"thirty-six" wrote:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Revolving-Punch-Pliers-Making-Holes/dp/B0016S....

Plain chrome-plated plier under £3 *note that there is no
*plastic grips or other superfluous items, it is exactly what
it is and no more. *It's pressed out from steel plate and is
a traditional tested pattern. * *I didn't have any problems
with the old pair and I don't expect any problems with
what I bought from Lidl. *This looks remarkebly like
those and the older pair before, I'm particularly
looking at the grip area.

Those revolving punch pliers look remarkably like my old pliers too - basic
and reliable. They look very similar to the cheaper Osborne version (£18.25)
as well:

http://www.handtools-uk.com/product_info.php?cPath=14_94_288&products....

The Amazon revolving punch pliers you found get good reviews. *The main
complaint seems to be that rather than chrome-plated, they are supplied
painted orange!

The Draper Expert 63637 revolving punch pliers also get good reviews:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-Exper...liers/dp/B0001...

Guess I'm spoilt for choice now!
--
Interloper

If they were the same price, I'd go with the traditional pattern.
I've used all types of pliers for too long. The curved handle is the
ergonomic handle, not the plier with slide on plastic hand grips. If
you are using them for an extended period, wear a leather glove.
You've just been unlucky before to get a cutter that is overhardened
and shattered. If you want a brand, also look at C.K.

On Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:50:10 +0000, Nightjar
wrote:

On 14/01/2012 14:26, Interloper wrote:
I need to replace my revolving hole punch that has served me well for many
years.

I've looked at several new revolving hole punches and they appear weak and
crudely made. They all seem to have the same, poorly made, die-cast
aluminium indexing wheel that is a bit random at locking the punches in
position. I guess they are too cheap to be much good.

There are a couple of revolving hole punches on eBay described as 'heavy
duty', but I'm not really convinced:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130620780289?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p398 4.m1423.l2649

That one looks much like the one the chap in the shoe repair shop used
to make me a couple of new holes in my belt yesterday.

Colin Bignell

Ah - but was that to make the belt effectively longer :-( or shorter
:-) ?

I've had a star punch for many years, made in England (!) by "Maun
Industries", model 2230. It's all metal (i.e. no plastic handles) and
has a reasonable indexing "click" for the different size cutters.

It's all reminiscent of primary school, where the teacher used the
punch for...(I can't remember!)

--
Frank Erskine

On Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:39:51 +0000, Frank Erskine wrote:

On Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:50:10 +0000, Nightjar
wrote:

On 14/01/2012 14:26, Interloper wrote:
I need to replace my revolving hole punch that has served me well for
many years.

I've looked at several new revolving hole punches and they appear weak
and crudely made. They all seem to have the same, poorly made,
die-cast aluminium indexing wheel that is a bit random at locking the
punches in position. I guess they are too cheap to be much good.

There are a couple of revolving hole punches on eBay described as
'heavy duty', but I'm not really convinced:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130620780289?
ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

That one looks much like the one the chap in the shoe repair shop used
to make me a couple of new holes in my belt yesterday.

Colin Bignell

Ah - but was that to make the belt effectively longer :-( or shorter
:-) ?

I've had a star punch for many years, made in England (!) by "Maun
Industries", model 2230. It's all metal (i.e. no plastic handles) and
has a reasonable indexing "click" for the different size cutters.

If it's from Maun, great. Over 40 years ago I bought two pairs of
secondhand Maun side cutters from the local market (stamped "G.P.O."). I
still have one pair, but lost the other. Absolutely first class.

--
Use the BIG mirror service in the UK:
http://www.mirrorservice.org

*lightning protection* - a w_tom conductor

On 15/01/2012 00:39, Frank Erskine wrote:
On Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:50:10 +0000, Nightjar
wrote:
....
That one looks much like the one the chap in the shoe repair shop used
to make me a couple of new holes in my belt yesterday.

Colin Bignell

Ah - but was that to make the belt effectively longer :-( or shorter
:-) ?...

Shorter. I am several kilos down since before Christmas - perhaps all
the extra exercise I had walking around while sightseeing in Germany.

Colin Bignell

On Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:15:21 -0000, "Interloper"
wrote:


Now that's more like it. It's a bit pricey at £76.34, so I guess it's made
in the UK.

C.S. OSBORNE & CO
125 JERSEY STREET
HARRISON, N.J. 07029 - U.S.A

the imperial dimensions give it away :-)

On 15/01/2012 12:27, Peter Parry wrote:
On Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:15:21 -0000,
wrote:


Now that's more like it. It's a bit pricey at £76.34, so I guess it's made
in the UK.

C.S. OSBORNE& CO
125 JERSEY STREET
HARRISON, N.J. 07029 - U.S.A

the imperial dimensions give it away :-)


Why do I want to see where these are made?

http://g.co/maps/nhm33

"Peter Parry" observed:

C.S. OSBORNE & CO
125 JERSEY STREET
HARRISON, N.J. 07029 - U.S.A

the imperial dimensions give it away :-)

Ah yes, manufactured by our cousins across the pond. Guess I should have
researched it more thoroughly. I should also have remembered that the UK no
longer has a manufacturing base.

I see the punch costs 75USD in the US, which is around 50UKP - then add the
usual 50% mark-up for the UK...
--
Interloper

On 14/01/2012 18:34, johno wrote:
If you want a really top quality item with replaceable punches,
lockable wheel and a nice feel I can recommend this;

http://www.csosborne.com/NO155.HTM

Available from http://www.handtools-uk.com/default.php?cPath=14_94_288

I have had mine now for twenty plus years, replaced a two tubes.
Lovely bit of kit. What exactly are you going to use it for?

Johno

It even looks nice in the picture!

Actually the whole sight is a delight, it includes stuff that I cannot
even hazard a guess at the purpose.

On Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:36:38 +0000, stuart noble
wrote:

C.S. OSBORNE& CO
125 JERSEY STREET
HARRISON, N.J. 07029 - U.S.A

the imperial dimensions give it away :-)


Why do I want to see where these are made?

http://g.co/maps/nhm33

Nice to know the Americans still have some manufacturing left and it's
not all decamped to Mexico or China.

Bought mine from Webers in the pre internet days, rep came round with
a whole boot full of goodies. Not cheap I know, but you pays your
money .........
Just about everything I have made by Osborne is top quality, good
solid feel, well put together, nicely finished.
If it is only for occasional use than probably a bit OTT, I used mine
day in day out for over fifteen years, so certainly got my moneys
worth!
Johno

On Jan 15, 12:39*am, Frank Erskine
wrote:

I've had a star punch for many years, made in England (!) by "Maun
Industries", model 2230. It's all metal (i.e. no plastic handles) and
has a reasonable indexing "click" for the different size cutters.

It's all reminiscent of primary school, where the teacher used the
punch for...(I can't remember!)

And it's still available, it seems ;-
http://www.tooled-up.com/ManProduct.asp?PID=88305
Mike

On Jan 16, 6:07*pm, docholliday wrote:
On Jan 15, 12:39*am, Frank Erskine
wrote:

I've had a star punch for many years, made in England (!) by "Maun
Industries", model 2230. It's all metal (i.e. no plastic handles) and
has a reasonable indexing "click" for the different size cutters.

It's all reminiscent of primary school, where the teacher used the
punch for...(I can't remember!)

And it's still available, it seems ;-http://www.tooled-up.com/ManProduct.asp?PID=88305
Mike

or possibly cheaper he-
http://www.toolshopdirect.co.uk/item...CH_PLIER_200MM