Hand punches - is there a better option than Harbor Freight?

J

Joseph Shaul

Member

Messages

206

Location

Madison, WI

• Jan 18, 2010

• #1

I'm looking to buy myself a hand punch to make small holes in metal sheets. Harbor freight has a nice looking one for $25, but I was wondering if anyone else had a suggestion. All the alternatives I've seen are over five times the price!

 

Frank Fusco

Member

Messages

12,791

Location

Mountain Home, Arkansas

• Jan 18, 2010

• #2

HF is usually as cheap as you can get.

 

Jonathan Shively

Member

Messages

8,115

Location

North West Indiana

• Jan 18, 2010

• #3

Joseph, is this the one you are talking about?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=91510

If so, the Industrial Arts teacher had one and we used it a bunch in sheet metal for spot welding practice. I have one, but don't know where it is at the moment due to partially being moved into the shop.

Actually, the one I have at home is this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=44060

It has been a workhorse for me also!

 

Last edited: Jan 18, 2010

Bill Simpson

Member

Messages

1,756

• Jan 18, 2010

• #4

I have used this one from HF (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=44060)

Works great, no problems , Back in the day.... I had its original in school shop "Jiffy Punch" I think was the name and I know it cost a ton more $$$ but I see no reason not to go with the HR for a low volume job.

 

Bob Meyer

Member

Messages

175

Location

Poway, CA, near San Diego

• Jan 18, 2010

• #5

Hi folks,
This is the original Whitney punch. http://www.google.com/products/catalog?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4GGLD_enUS317US317&q=whitney+punch&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=14080560397795735531&ei=x9ZUS9S1CY3sswPCkIn2Bw&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CBQQ8wIwAg#ps-sellers

The difference is that your great great grandkids will be using it, while just your grandkids will be using the Harbor Freight one. Assuming they aren't using replicators to make things by then.

Good luck,
Bob

 

J

Joseph Shaul

Member

Messages

206

Location

Madison, WI

• Jan 18, 2010

• #6

Thanks for the tip - I just ordered one online, along with some other goodies.