At a home desk, the closing task before a binder goes back on the shelf is often the simplest: a clean hole so the page can join the rest of the set. That is the whole job of the best single hole punch, and the differences between models come down to how many sheets they handle at once, how the handle feels after a stack of pages, and whether the punch keeps its chips off the desk. We compared single hole punches by sheet capacity, hole size, handle design, waste handling and warranty term, using only what each listing publishes.
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Quick picks
Best Overall BOSTITCH EZ SQUEEZE: 10 sheet capacity, EZ Squeeze technology with 50% less force, locking handle and a 3-year warranty term Check price on Amazon
Best for Small Stacks ENDAY SINGLE PUNCH: 1/4 inch circle for scrapbooks and card making, soft grip handles and a built-in waste holder Check price on Amazon
Highest Capacity SWINGLINE 74017: 20 sheet capacity with a metal plier design, the highest capacity stated here Check price on Amazon
The picks
| # | Product | Office Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BOSTITCH EZ SQUEEZE | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | Swingline 74017 | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 | ENDAY SINGLE PUNCH | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |  MoHern 2-Pack | 9.4/10 | Buy on Amazon |
BOSTITCH EZ SQUEEZE
A one-hole punch with EZ Squeeze technology that the listing states requires 50% less force, punching up to 10 sheets with No-Jam technology, a locking handle and an easy-clean chip tray.
Pros
- EZ Squeeze technology requires 50% less force, per the listing
- Punches up to 10 sheets with No-Jam technology for smooth punching
- Locking handle and easy-clean chip tray for storage and less mess
- 3-Year Limited Warranty is stated, the only warranty term in this group
Cons
- No hole size is stated in the listing
- No paper guide is stated in the listing
- Assorted colors are listed with no choice, so the color is not selectable
- No metal construction is stated; the material is listed as rubber
Detailed Review
Bostitch lists the EZ Squeeze One-Hole Punch (2402) as a manual punch with a 10 sheet capacity, EZ Squeeze technology requiring 50% less force, No-Jam technology, an internal waste chamber, a locking handle and an easy-clean chip tray. The listing gives dimensions of 1.13 by 4.8 by 3.13 inches and a 3-Year Limited Warranty. The spec table lists no data for a paper guide, a ruler or metal construction, and states no hole size.
Who it's for: a desk that punches stacks of up to 10 sheets and wants a locking handle for storage. Who should skip it: anyone who needs a stated hole size or a paper guide, since the listing states neither.
Its Office Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 4/5: 77 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Sheet capacity | 10 sheets |
|---|---|
| Operation mode | Manual |
| Dimensions | 1.13 x 4.8 x 3.13 inches |
| Colors | Gray/Blue |
| Warranty | 3-Year Limited Warranty |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. 3-Year Limited Warranty. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 4 of 5. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Assemble and use the product as the maker describes, stay under any stated capacity, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Swingline 74017
A solid metal plier punch that cuts a ¼ in hole through 20 sheets with a single press and keeps the chips in a hinged compartment.
Pros
- 20 sheet capacity is the highest stated here
- Solid metal body with a slim plier handle that needs less manual force
- Hinged compartment holds punched chips for tidy disposal
- 1-year limited warranty is the only stated warranty term here
Cons
- Only one hole size, while the two-packs offer two sizes
- Spec table lists an item weight of 22.68 g, which does not match a solid metal tool
- No soft grip is stated, unlike the CNTVO
- No bench or desktop base is stated
Detailed Review
Swingline lists the 74017 as a handheld single hole punch in solid metal with a slim plier handle, a ¼ in hole and a 20 sheet capacity, plus a hinged compartment that holds punched chips until you tip them into a waste basket. The listing states reduced effort and a 1-year limited warranty. One figure to treat with care: the spec table lists an item weight of 22.68 g, which does not fit a solid metal punch, so trust the build description over that weight.
Who it's for: someone punching thick stacks of cardstock and paper who wants the highest stated capacity here and a tidy chip compartment. Who should skip it: anyone who needs a second hole size or a T-slot shape.
Its Office Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 22/25, value 21/25, safety 5/10 and warranty 3/5: 83 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Sheet capacity | 20 sheets |
|---|---|
| Hole size | ¼ in |
| Material | Metal |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Hinged chip compartment holds punched chips; slim plier handle needs less manual force, so safety scores 5 of 10. 1-year limited warranty. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 3 of 5. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Assemble and use the product as the maker describes, stay under any stated capacity, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
ENDAY SINGLE PUNCH
A single hole punch with soft grip handles that cuts a 1/4 inch circle, punches up to 5 sheets, and catches its chips in a built-in waste holder.
Pros
- Cuts a 1/4 inch circle that the listing states fits onto most standard rings
- Punches up to 5 sheets at a time, on paper, leather, plastic and cardboard
- Soft grip handles with a rubber grip for repetitive use
- Built-in waste holder keeps punches off the desk
Cons
- Spec table lists a hole count of 3, contradicting the single-hole title and bullets
- No warranty term is stated
- No locking handle is stated for storage
- Listing leans on craft and school use, with no office capacity beyond 5 sheets
Detailed Review
Enday lists this as a single hole punch with soft grip handles, a 1/4 inch diameter circle, a 5 sheet capacity and a built-in waste holder, in purple, with dimensions of 4 by 1 by 7 inches. The listing states it cuts paper, leather, plastic and cardboard, and that the 1/4 inch circle fits onto most standard rings. One contradiction: the spec table lists a hole count of 3, while the title and bullets describe a single hole punch; the title and bullets are trusted here, so this counts as a one-hole punch here.
Who it's for: a desk or classroom that punches a few sheets at a time and wants the chips contained. Who should skip it: anyone who needs more than 5 sheets at a time or a stated warranty term, since the listing states neither.
Its Office Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 27/35, build 20/25, value 19/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 0/5: 66 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Hole size | 1/4 inch |
|---|---|
| Sheet capacity | 5 sheets |
| Operation mode | Manual |
| Dimensions | 4 x 1 x 7 inches |
| Colors | Pink, Purple, Green, Blue, Red, Grey |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Assemble and use the product as the maker describes, stay under any stated capacity, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
MoHern 2-Pack
A two-pack of steel single hole punches in 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch sizes for paper, leather, tags and tickets.
Pros
- Two hole sizes, 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch, in one pack
- Steel build with a labor-saving mechanical handle
- Suits paper, leather, greeting cards, scrapbooks, invitations and plastics
- Compact single punch that is easy to carry
Cons
- 6 sheet capacity is the lowest stated here
- No warranty term is stated
- Spec table mixes punched materials with build material, listing paper and leather as materials
- Spec table gives a single 0.25 in hole diameter for a two-size kit
Detailed Review
MoHern lists a two-pack of steel single hole punches in 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch sizes with an ergonomic labor-saving handle, a 6 sheet capacity and uses across office, home, school and ticket checkpoints. The listing states paper, leather, greeting cards, scrapbooks, invitations and plastics as materials it punches. Two spec table quirks: the material field lists paper and leather alongside steel, which are materials the punch works on rather than its build, and the pin hole diameter shows a single 0.25 in figure for a two-size kit, so trust the title on the two sizes.
Who it's for: someone who wants two hole sizes in steel for tags, tickets and light craft work. Who should skip it: anyone punching thick stacks, since 6 sheets is the lowest capacity here.
Its Office Score of 9.4/10 comes from performance 24/35, build 19/25, value 20/25, safety 5/10 and warranty 0/5: 68 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Hole sizes | 1/4 and 1/8 in |
|---|---|
| Sheet capacity | 6 sheets |
| Material | Steel |
| Pack | 2 punches |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Ergonomic labor-saving handle stated, so safety scores 5 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Assemble and use the product as the maker describes, stay under any stated capacity, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Compare the picks
| Punch | Office Score | Sheet capacity | Hole size | Warranty | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOSTITCH EZ SQUEEZE | 9.7/10 | 10 sheets | Not stated | 3 years | View on Amazon |
| ENDAY SINGLE PUNCH | 9.5/10 | 5 sheets | 1/4 inch | Not stated | View on Amazon |
| SWINGLINE 74017 | 9.7/10 | 20 sheets | Not stated | Not stated | View on Amazon |
| MOHERN 2-PACK | 9.4/10 | Not stated | 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 25 October 2026. Only the Bostitch states a warranty term, and no listing here states a safety certification.
How we scored them
The Office Score weighs performance (sheet capacity, hole size and punching ease), build (materials, handle and waste handling), value for the stated specs, safety and warranty. No listing here states a safety certification, so safety scores zero across the group. Only the Bostitch states a warranty term, at 3 years, so it is the only pick with a warranty score above zero.
| Product | Office Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOSTITCH EZ SQUEEZE | 9.7 | 32 | 21 | 20 | n/a | 4 |
| ENDAY SINGLE PUNCH | 9.5 | 27 | 20 | 19 | n/a | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Safety counts only for powered gear or where the listing states safety features; where it does not apply, the score is taken over the remaining 90 points.
How to choose the best single hole punch
Start with sheet capacity
Sheet capacity is the first number to check, because it decides whether a punch handles a whole stack or forces you to split it. The Swingline lists a 20 sheet capacity, the Bostitch lists 10 sheets, and the Enday lists 5 sheets, while the MoHern states no sheet capacity at all. If your usual stack is a few pages, the Enday covers it; if you punch thicker stacks, the Bostitch or the Swingline fits better, with the Swingline stating the highest capacity in this group.
Match the hole size to the rings
Hole size decides whether the punched page sits neatly on the rings. The Enday cuts a 1/4 inch circle that its listing states fits onto most standard rings, and the MoHern offers 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch sizes in its 2-pack. The Bostitch and the Swingline state no hole size, so if the ring size matters to you, pick from the two that state one. One wrinkle on the Enday: its spec table lists a hole count of 3, while its title and bullets describe a single hole punch, and the title and bullets are trusted here.
Handles, waste and storage
The handle is what your hand meets on every punch. The Bostitch uses EZ Squeeze technology that its listing states requires 50% less force, plus No-Jam technology, a locking handle for storage and an easy-clean chip tray. The Enday uses soft grip handles with a rubber grip and a built-in waste holder that catches the punches. The Swingline lists a metal plier design and the MoHern lists no handle detail, so both are thinner on this point than the two full-data picks. Whichever you choose, empty the chip tray or waste holder before it fills, so chips stay off the desk.
| Punch | Sheet capacity | Hole size | Waste handling |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOSTITCH EZ SQUEEZE | 10 sheets | Not stated | Easy-clean chip tray |
| ENDAY SINGLE PUNCH | 5 sheets | 1/4 inch | Built-in waste holder |
| SWINGLINE 74017 | 20 sheets | Not stated | Not stated |
| MOHERN 2-PACK | Not stated | 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch | Not stated |
Figures as stated in each listing. Where a listing states no figure, the table says so rather than guessing.
Read the warranty line, not the headline
Only the Bostitch states a warranty term: a 3-Year Limited Warranty. The Enday states no warranty term, and the two title-only listings state no warranty term either. A warranty term is worth checking before you buy, because it is the one promise in the listing with a number attached to it.
Setup Notes
- Check the stack: the Bostitch handles up to 10 sheets, the Enday up to 5 sheets, and the Swingline lists 20 sheets, so match the punch to the thickest stack you punch.
- Check the hole size against the rings: the Enday cuts a 1/4 inch circle and the MoHern offers 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch, while the other two state no hole size.
- Note the footprint: the Bostitch measures 1.13 by 4.8 by 3.13 inches and the Enday measures 4 by 1 by 7 inches, so note both before choosing a storage spot.
- Lock the Bostitch handle for storage, and empty the chip tray or waste holder before it fills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use a single hole punch?
Line the paper up in the punch, squeeze the handles, and empty the chip tray or waste holder when it fills. The Bostitch adds a locking handle for storage, and the Enday adds a built-in waste holder that catches the punches, so the desk stays clear.
What size hole does a single hole punch make?
It depends on the punch. The Enday cuts a 1/4 inch circle, and the MoHern offers 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch sizes. The Bostitch and the Swingline state no hole size, so check the listing before buying if the ring size matters to you.
How many sheets can a single hole punch handle at once?
The Swingline lists a 20 sheet capacity, the Bostitch lists 10 sheets, and the Enday lists 5 sheets. The MoHern states no sheet capacity, so its limit is not stated.
How do I keep the chips off the desk?
Use a punch with a tray or holder: the Bostitch lists an easy-clean chip tray and the Enday lists a built-in waste holder. Empty either one before it fills, and the chips stay in the punch instead of on the desk.
Related guides
See every office storage guide and all label makers and shredders guides. Also see our hole punch for cardstock, our three hole punch and our electric hole punch.
