Jewels and Beads, Handmade Jewellery: Punching Holes in Copper....

MaryAnn Carroll

So, I went out yesterday with my grandchildren as I do many Saturdays. Bill stayed home firing the wood kiln from early morning until I think about 3 am when he came to bed. I will keep you posted on how the wood-firing went when I know.

Anyhow, I have been thinking about buying a hole punch for copper that would go deeper into the disc for easier centering. I currently own one like this. It seems to be missing and unaccessible for a picture at this moment. I like it, but it is limited.

After dropping off the grandchildren, I was on a search for a metal hole punch. Previously, I had searched online and found one at Sears. I was excited, but then when I got there, I went up to three employees who were chatting. I asked, "Do you carry a hole punch that will cut through copper sheet?"

Man One: "No, nothing like that exists!"
Man Two: "Yeah, there really isn't anything out there like that."
Me: "Well, I know there is because I found it online and it said that Sears carries it."
Woman: "Come with me. I will look it up......"

So, I did. What comes of it? Nothing!!! I was directed to Home Depot where I got much better service, but with no success. When the kind man helping me asked another "expert," he advised me to go look at the craft stores, which is response that makes my blood boil, since it is a common one."

I left there annoyed, but then got over it and thought, "maybe this time, I can find something in the craft store," so off to AC Moore I went. I ended up buying the Crop-A-Dile II, which is not what I was looking for, but the store manager tempted me with a 50% off coupon. I figured that since it also set eyelets and snaps, I would probably be able to use it.

The problem now is..... I still do not have what I was looking for. Do any of you out there have any suggestions? I do not want to spend lots of money, but I also do not want to waste money on junk. I would also like a variety of sizes for punches. Here are the three that I have considered. The following got pretty good reviews:

This first one is from Northern Tool and goes for $21.99.