by Charlie Rainer Gaston
If you are a student, professional or home crafter who needs an efficient way to punch holes into manuscripts, documents and scrapbooks, then a large hole punch is a great item to have on hand. Large hole punches are available in a wide range of styles and prices, which can make shopping for one of these office supplies a confusing process. These answers to the most frequently asked questions can help you narrow down the choices and find the right one for you.
How many sheets of paper can a large hole punch handle?
A typical large hole punch can generally punch through 20 or 30 sheets of standard paper. Some hole punches will be specially designed to handle a larger load or thicker paper, but if this is not specified, then you should assume the standard of 20 sheets.
How many holes do I need in a large hole punch?
A standard large hole punch will have three holes to punch paper. This is the average size for binders and other folders, so most people will want a three-hole punch. Two-hole punches are ideal for screenplays and some other manuscripts. If you foresee yourself needing both types of hole punches, you can buy one with interchangeable hole plates or a double-sided function.
What kinds of features are available in large hole punches?
Large hole punches come in a variety of styles and with an array of features. Some hole punches have a lever on the side for easy punching. This feature is most commonly found on hole punches that are designed to punch through 40 sheets of paper or more at a time but can be included on standard hole punches as well. An adjustable, ruled paper guide is a helpful feature that is available on many hole punches and is ideal when punching holes through nonstandard paper sizes. Rubber-bottomed hole punches will stay put easily, while a removable tray will let you effortlessly discard the tiny pieces of paper that would otherwise cover your kitchen table after punching through a stack of paper. Additionally, there are electric hole punches available that do all the work with just a touch of a button.