At a home desk, a stack of labels waits for binder rings while the wrong size punch leaves holes that tear, and the best hole punch with smaller hole is the tool that keeps those small holes clean and placed where intended. This guide compares single hole punches with smaller hole sizes by stated diameters, sheet capacity, grip and waste handling. Every figure below comes from the listings, not from independent measurements. The picks below cover full-data sets and title-only listings, so the comparison marks clearly where stated figures end and titles take over.
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Quick picks
Best Overall LYCBTC Single Hole Punch: Two diameters, 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch, with a soft grip and scrap slot Check price on Amazon
Best Silicone Grip Meibatu Single Hole Punch: Two diameters with a soft silicone grip and a waste receptacle Check price on Amazon
Metal Plier Design Swingline 74017 Hole Punch: Single hole punch with 20 sheet capacity and metal plier design Check price on Amazon
2-Pack Pick MoHern Single Hole Punch: 2-pack single hole punch in 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch Check price on Amazon
The picks
| # | Product | Office Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Swingline 74017 | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | LYCBTC Single Hole Punch | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 | Meibatu Single Hole Punch | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 | MoHern 2-Pack | 9.4/10 | Buy on Amazon |
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.
LYCBTC Single Hole Punch
A 2-pack of single hole punches in 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch, with a metal body, soft grip and scrap collection slot.
Pros
- Two diameters, 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch, in one pack
- Punches 8 to 10 sheets of regular A4 paper at once
- Metal body that is wear-resistant for long-term use
- Soft handle plus a paper scraps collection slot
Cons
- Spec table lists a single pin hole diameter of 0.25 inches against two diameters in the bullets
- No warranty term is stated
- No dimensions are stated for this punch
- Only single holes, so multi-hole work needs another tool
Detailed Review
LYCBTC lists a 2-pack of single hole punches in 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch diameters, with a metal body, a soft handle, a paper scraps collection slot and a sheet capacity of 8 to 10 sheets of regular A4 paper. The listing states use for labels, scrapbooks, gift cards, invitations and cardboard materials, with a weight of 0.18 kg. The spec table lists a pin hole diameter of 0.25 inches against the two diameters in the bullets, so trust the bullets on the two sizes.
Who it's for: desk and craft users wanting two small hole sizes with scrap collection. Who should skip it: buyers needing a stated size, a warranty term or multi-hole punching.
Its Office Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 0/5: 71 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Hole sizes | 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch |
|---|---|
| Sheet capacity | 8 to 10 sheets |
| Material | Metal |
| Weight | 0.18 kg |
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.
Shredder and printer safety. Keep hair, ties, jewelry, children and pets away from the feed slot, use the safety lock, unplug when not in use, and give printers and adapters room to vent.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Meibatu Single Hole Punch
A 2-pack of single hole punches in 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch, with a metal body, soft silicone grip and waste receptacle.
Pros
- Two diameters, 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch, in one pack
- Soft silicone grip for comfortable extended use
- Compact waste receptacle traps paper shreds until emptied
- Stated size of 5.51 by 2.56 by 0.7 inches for drawer storage
Cons
- Spec table lists a pin hole diameter of 0.24 inches against the 1/4 inch diameter in the bullets
- Sheet capacity of 6 to 8 sheets is lower than the LYCBTC range
- No warranty term is stated
- Only single holes, so multi-hole work needs another tool
Detailed Review
Meibatu lists a 2-pack of single hole punches in 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch diameters, with a wear-resistant metal body, a soft silicone handle, a compact waste receptacle and a sheet capacity of up to 6 to 8 sheets of standard paper. The listing states use for paper, craft cardstock, invitations, tickets and labels, with dimensions of 5.51 by 2.56 by 0.7 inches and a weight of 5.28 ounces. The spec table lists a pin hole diameter of 0.24 inches against the 1/4 inch diameter in the bullets, so trust the bullets on the size.
Who it's for: craft and classroom users wanting a comfortable grip and contained scraps. Who should skip it: buyers needing more than 8 sheets at once, a warranty term or multi-hole punching.
Its Office Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 0/5: 70 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Hole sizes | 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch |
|---|---|
| Sheet capacity | 6 to 8 sheets |
| Size | 5.51 by 2.56 by 0.7 inches |
| Material | Metal |
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.
Shredder and printer safety. Keep hair, ties, jewelry, children and pets away from the feed slot, use the safety lock, unplug when not in use, and give printers and adapters room to vent.
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.
More picks to compare
Zucosue Single Hole Punch Set2-pack handheld single hole punch set with 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch sizesCheck on Amazon
Compare the picks
| Hole Punch | Office Score | Hole sizes | Sheet capacity | Material | Grip | Warranty | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LYCBTC Single Hole Punch | 9.6/10 | 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch | 8 to 10 sheets | Metal | Soft grip | Not stated | View on Amazon |
| Meibatu Single Hole Punch | 9.6/10 | 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch | 6 to 8 sheets | Metal | Soft silicone grip | Not stated | View on Amazon |
| Swingline 74017 Hole Punch | 9.7/10 | Not stated | 20 sheets | Metal plier design | Not stated | Not stated | |
| MoHern Single Hole Punch | 9.4/10 | 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 25 October 2026.
How we scored them
The Office Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For hole punches, safety would mean a stated safety feature or certification, and none of the listings names one, so no safety points were given. None of the listings states a warranty term. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Office Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LYCBTC Single Hole Punch | 9.6 | 30 | 21 | 20 | n/a | 0 |
| Meibatu Single Hole Punch | 9.6 | 29 | 21 | 20 | 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 hole punch with smaller hole
Pick the hole size
Smaller holes start with the diameter, and three of the four picks state two diameters: 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch. LYCBTC and Meibatu both sell two punches in those diameters, so one pack covers labels, tags and scrapbook pages that need different hole sizes. MoHern also names 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch in its title, while Swingline states no hole diameter at all, only a single hole punch design. If the smaller hole matters most, a pick with a stated 1/8 inch diameter is the safer choice, and our hole punch for cardstock guide covers thicker materials.
Check sheet capacity
Sheet capacity separates the full-data picks from the title-only picks. LYCBTC punches 8 to 10 sheets of regular A4 paper at once, while Meibatu punches up to 6 to 8 sheets of standard paper. Swingline states a 20 sheet capacity in its title, the largest figure here, while MoHern states no sheet count. Capacity figures describe the listing only, so match the figure to the stack on the desk rather than assuming every punch handles the same pile. For multi-hole work, see the three hole punch guide.
Grip and cleanup
Both full-data picks pair a metal body with a soft grip: LYCBTC adds a soft handle to a metal body, and Meibatu uses an ergonomic soft silicone handle that stays comfortable during extended use. Both also catch scraps, with LYCBTC listing a paper scraps collection slot and Meibatu listing a compact waste receptacle that traps paper shreds until emptied. Meibatu notes the grip stays comfortable even during extended use, which matters for long craft sessions. The title-only picks state no grip or waste handling, so treat those points as unstated for them.
When the listing gives only a title
Swingline and MoHern come with title-only data, so compare them on title figures alone. Swingline names a 20 sheet capacity and a metal plier design, while MoHern names a 2-pack in 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch for paper and leather. Neither states dimensions, weight, grip or warranty, and their scores sit below the full-data picks for that reason. A title-only pick can still suit a simple job, but it asks the buyer to confirm the missing details before ordering.
Setup Notes
- Check the stated hole diameters against the labels, tags or pages before ordering, since only three picks state 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch.
- Match the sheet count to the stack: 8 to 10 sheets for LYCBTC, 6 to 8 sheets for Meibatu, and 20 sheets for Swingline per its title.
- Keep the scrap slot or waste receptacle emptied so punched shreds do not spill across the desk.
- Check the Meibatu size of 5.51 by 2.56 by 0.7 inches against the drawer or craft bag before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a hole punch punch leather?
MoHern names paper and leather in its title, while the other listings name paper, cardstock, labels, tags and scrapbook materials. Treat leather use as stated only for the MoHern title.
How many sheets can these hole punches punch?
LYCBTC punches 8 to 10 sheets of regular A4 paper at once, Meibatu punches up to 6 to 8 sheets of standard paper, and Swingline states a 20 sheet capacity in its title. MoHern states no sheet count.
What hole sizes do these punches make?
LYCBTC, Meibatu and MoHern state 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch holes. Swingline states no hole diameter.
Do these hole punches collect paper scraps?
LYCBTC lists a paper scraps collection slot, and Meibatu lists a compact waste receptacle that traps paper shreds until emptied. Swingline and MoHern state no scrap handling.
How do you use a metal hole punch?
Position the paper, squeeze the soft grip handle, and let the sharp metal punch cut a clean hole, then empty the scrap slot or receptacle when full. Store the punch in a drawer or craft bag between uses. Both full-data picks describe a sharp punch with a soft handle for comfortable use.
Related guides
See every label makers and shredders guide and all office machines and storage guides.
More picks: hole punches for cardstock, three hole punches and electric hole punches.
