If your company uses a lot of three ring binders

then chances are you need a high quality three hole punch. However, there are a lot of different options available on the market. Every machine has its own unique set of features and its strengths and weaknesses. This article is designed to help you understand the questions you need to ask and the features you need to consider when choosing a three hole punch. Here are five things…

  1. The first thing you will need to decide when choosing a three hole punch is whether you want a manual punch or an electric one. Manual machines are usually less expensive and often are built with higher quality parts. However, electric models are easier to use and usually faster than manual ones. Ultimately, your organization will need to decide which option best fits your needs and your budget. Just be sure not to buy the cheapest electric models available on the market, they don’t hold up.
  2. The second thing you need to decide when choosing a three hole punch is the punching capacity that you require. Small manual desktop models are designed to punch just a few sheets at a time. Other larger units can punch large volumes of paper at once. Depending on how much punching you need to do, you will need to decide how many pages you will need to punch per lift.
  3. When choosing a machine, it is also important to decide whether you will need adjustable punching heads. Some punches will allow you to produce a three hole pattern as well as a two hole pattern or even a seven hole pattern. If you are using documents with two holes for filing you might need to look for this feature. Some units also have the ability to move the placement of the holes. This can be a handy feature if you are planning on using non standard ring binders or need to use half letter size ring binders.
  4. A fourth thing to consider when choosing a three-hole punch is construction. The best units will be made of metal and will be heavy duty. Units that are constructed out of plastic will often fall apart over time and will break. Look for a punch that is made of steel and that has heavy duty dies (the part that makes the hole in the paper.
  5. If your organization does a lot of punching it is important to look for machine that allows you to replace the dies if they become dull. Over time, heads will begin to lose their sharpness. If you can’t easily replace the heads you will end up needing to buy a new machine.

As you are looking at different options for 3-hole punches you should consider these five things. More than likely you will need to find a balance between these features and your budget. However, knowing what to look for will help you choose the unit that is best suited to your needs.

Jeff McRitchie is the director of Marketing for Mybinding.com. He has written more than two hundred articles on topics related to binding machines, binding supplies, presentation covers, ring binders, index tabs, laminators, laminating pouches, roll film, shredders and paper handling equipment. If you have any questions about 3-Hole Punches or Binding Machines check out MyBinding.

Related posts:

  1. Five Tips for Choosing an Interchangeable Die Binding Punch
  2. Four Reasons to Use a Modular Binding Punch for 2 Hole and 3 Hole Punching
  3. Choosing a Modular Binding Punch – Five Things to Consider
  4. Choosing a 3-Hole Punch For Your Office
  5. Choosing a Three-Hole Punch For Your Office
  6. GBC BindMate Personal CombBind Binding Machine and 3-Hole Punch System Review
  7. What to Consider When Buying a Three-Hole Punch
  8. Akiles Coilmac Plus Manual Oval Hole Coil Binding Machine Review
Tags: , , , , ,