Leather Hole Punch Press Machine: What Size Punch Do You Need?

Almost every leather or fabric project starts with the same humble step: a clean, round hole. A belt needs holes for the buckle. A strap needs a hole for a rivet. A curtain needs a hole for a grommet. Get the hole wrong — ragged, oversized or off-line — and everything you attach afterwards looks off. This is why a proper hole punch press machine is one of the most useful tools a maker can own.

If you have only ever used a rotary plier punch or a hammer-and-punch, this guide explains why a press is better, which hole sizes you actually need, and which punching set to choose.

Why a press beats pliers and hammers

Rotary plier punches are fine for the occasional belt hole, but they have two real limits: they only reach about 4–5 cm from the edge of the material, and they get tiring fast if you have a lot of holes to make. Hammer-and-punch works anywhere but is loud and takes practice to keep clean.

A hand press machine gives you the best of both: clean, effortless holes with one lever pull, consistent results across a whole batch, and enough throat depth to punch further from the edge. It is quiet, so it suits apartments and shared workspaces, and it does not punish your hands over a long session.

What hole size do I need?

The right hole size depends on what will go through or into it. A useful way to think about it:

• 1–3 mm: stitching guide holes, small rivets, small jacket snaps, fine lacing.
• 3–5 mm: medium and large rivets, larger snaps, belt holes for slim buckles.
• 5–9 mm: larger belt buckle pins, straps, and holes to seat small eyelets.
• 9–13 mm: larger eyelets and grommets, drawstring openings, heavier hardware.

The golden rule: match the punch to the hardware. If you are setting a rivet, the hole should fit the rivet post snugly — not loose. If you are setting an eyelet, punch to match the eyelet's barrel. Owning a range of sizes means you are never stuck mid-project.

The best pick: a 5-size hole punching set with machine

For most makers, the ideal starting point is our Hand Press Machine Leather Hole Punching Set (1, 3, 5, 7, 9 mm). It includes the press machine, five of the most-used punch die sizes, and a brass base to protect the cutting edges. That covers everything from fine stitching holes to grommet-sized openings in one purchase — leather, fabric, vinyl, rubber, cardboard and more.

The brass base matters: punching onto brass (rather than a hard steel surface) keeps the cutting tubes sharp far longer, so your punches stay clean cut after cut.

Need just the machine, or extra sizes?

If you already have punch dies, or want to build your own combination, you can buy the parts individually:

• The Manual Hand Press Machine on its own — the same universal press that also sets rivets, snaps, eyelets and buttons.
• Individual punching dies from 1 mm to 13 mm — add exactly the sizes your projects call for. Common picks include 5 mm, 7 mm and 10 mm.

Because the machine is universal, the same press you use for punching also sets rivets, snaps and grommets — add the matching dies and it does the whole job.

What can you punch?

• Belts & straps: clean buckle holes, evenly spaced.
• Leathercraft: holes for rivets, snaps, lacing and hardware on bags, wallets and dog collars.
• Watch straps & accessories: precise small holes without splitting the leather.
• Fabric & craft: holes in canvas, vinyl, rubber and cardboard for grommets and eyelets.

How to punch a clean hole

1. Mark the spot and, for belts, measure even spacing from an existing hole.
2. Fit the right size die — matched to the rivet, snap or eyelet you will use.
3. Punch over the brass base so the die cuts fully and stays sharp.
4. Pull the lever in one firm motion for a clean, complete cut — no twisting.
5. Test on scrap first if you are unsure of the size.

Frequently asked questions

What hole size should I punch for a rivet?
Match the hole to the rivet post so it fits snugly. As a rough guide, small rivets need around 1.5–3 mm and larger rivets around 3–5 mm. Test on scrap to confirm.

Can this punch through thick leather?
Yes — the press gives you the leverage to punch cleanly through thick belt leather that would be hard work with pliers. Always punch over the brass base.

Will the same machine set rivets and grommets?
Yes. It is a universal hand press — swap the die and it sets rivets, snaps, eyelets, grommets and jeans buttons too.

How do I keep the punches sharp?
Always punch onto the brass base rather than a hard surface, and avoid twisting the die. This keeps the cutting edge clean for far longer.

Start with clean holes

Every good rivet, snap and grommet begins with a clean hole. Pick up the Hand Press Leather Hole Punching Set for the five most useful sizes, and add individual punch dies whenever a project needs a size you do not have yet.