Paper punches are mechanical tools that create clean, round holes in sheets of paper, subject dividers, folders or fasteners. With the right hole punch, you can save time, reduce costs by using plain paper, and easily store pages in binders or pre-punched pockets. From a simple 1-hole punch for tags to a 23-hole punch for professional wire-bound reports, there’s a solution for every document need.
Hole punches can punch multiple sheets simultaneously, increasing efficiency in offices or classrooms. You can also pair punched sheets with subject dividers, archive binders, or pre-punched pockets for fully organised filing systems.
Invest in the correct punch for your binder type or notebook, and your documents will be ready to store and access in seconds. From compact mini perforators for light use to heavy-duty punches for large document stacks, there’s a punch to suit every need.
Types of hole punches
Different tasks require different hole punches. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right one:
| Punch Type |
Hole Size / Pattern |
Use Case |
| 1 hole punch |
~6 mm |
Tags, receipts, small documents (Mini perforators) |
| 2 hole punch |
~6 mm, 80 mm spacing |
Filing in 2-ring binders (2 hole punch) |
| 3 hole punch |
~6 mm, standard US spacing |
Organising notes, reports, and binders |
| 4 hole punch |
~6 mm |
Filing in 4-ring binders (4 hole punch) |
| 6 hole punch |
~6 mm |
Disc-bound notebooks, planners (6 hole punch) |
| 11 hole punch |
~5 mm |
Ring-album notebooks, diaries |
| 23 hole punch |
~4–6 mm |
Professional wire-bound reports, manuals, and booklets |
| Heavy-duty |
~5–6 mm |
Punch large stacks for offices, schools, or print shops |
Whether you need a belt hole puncher, a mini 1-hole punch, or a heavy-duty model, this guide helps you select the right tool for your workflow.
Benefits of hole punches
Using a hole punch offers numerous advantages for schools, offices, and home projects:
- Efficient document organisation: Quickly create clean holes in sheets, subject dividers, folders, or punched pockets, making filing and storage simple.
- Cost-effective: Save money by using plain paper instead of pre-punched sheets.
- High productivity: Punch multiple pages at once, ideal for busy offices, print shops, or teachers preparing worksheets.
- Versatility for different users: Suitable for students, teachers, office staff, DIY enthusiasts, and hobbyists.
- Compatibility with filing systems: Works seamlessly with subject dividers, archive binders, and punched pockets.
- Portable options: Mini perforators or single-hole punches are perfect for on-the-go tasks or home projects.
Professional results: Heavy-duty and multi-hole punches produce consistent, professional holes for manuals, reports, or wire-bound documents.
Other useful products
Common questions
What is the difference between a 1-hole and 2-hole punch?
A 1-hole punch is ideal for tags or receipts, while a 2-hole punch is standard for A4 binders. Find both at 123ink.ie.
Can I use a heavy-duty punch for home or school?
Yes, heavy-duty punches handle large stacks efficiently, but standard punches or mini perforators are easier for lighter tasks. Browse options at 123ink.ie.
How do I choose the right punch for my binder or notebook?
Check hole number and spacing. 2-hole is standard for most binders, 4-hole for extra stability, 6- or 11-hole for disc-bound notebooks, and 23-hole for wire binding. See all types at 123ink.ie.
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