Belt & Wad Punches

About Belt & Wad Punches

Belt and wad punches are essential hand tools designed to cut clean, precise holes through leather, fabric, rubber, gasket material, and other soft materials. Unlike standard hole punches, these specialist tools feature a hollow cylindrical cutting edge that removes a circular disc of material when struck with a hammer or mallet, leaving a perfectly formed hole without tearing or distorting the surrounding area. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks quality belt and wad punches from trusted British manufacturers including Maun, Priory, and Draper, available as individual punches or comprehensive sets in both metric and imperial sizing.

Constructed from hardened and tempered steel, these punches maintain their sharp cutting edge through repeated heavy-duty use. Available in diameter ranges from small 3mm punches up to larger 32mm sizes, they offer versatility for everything from fine leather craft work to industrial gasket fabrication. The hollow design allows you to work close to edges and seams where drill bits would struggle, making them invaluable for on-site repairs and bespoke manufacturing applications.

Applications

Belt and wad punches are used across numerous trades and applications:

• Leatherworkers and Saddlers: Creating holes in belts, bags, saddles, harnesses, and leather goods
• Automotive Mechanics: Cutting custom gaskets and seals for engine rebuilds and repairs
• Upholsterers: Punching holes in leather, vinyl, and heavy fabric for furniture restoration
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Fabricating precise holes in gasket materials and rubber washers
• Electricians: Making cable entry holes in soft materials and rubber grommets
• Maintenance Engineers: On-site gasket and seal fabrication for plant and machinery
• Agricultural Workers: Repairing and modifying leather tack, harnesses, and equipment
• Craft Workers: Leather crafting, bookbinding, and bespoke fabrication projects

Choosing The Right Belt & Wad Punches

Set versus Individual Punches: Complete sets like the Maun 10 Piece or Draper 6 Piece kits offer excellent value and versatility for varied work, whilst individual punches suit repetitive tasks requiring specific sizes. Sets typically include organised cases for easy storage and transport.

Size Range: Consider your typical hole diameter requirements. Metric sets usually run from 3mm to 32mm, whilst imperial sets cover 1/8" to 1-1/4". Smaller punches suit precision work, whilst larger sizes handle heavy belts and industrial materials.

Material Quality: MyToolShed.co.uk stocks punches manufactured from hardened and tempered carbon steel that maintains sharpness and resists deformation. Quality brands like Maun and Priory offer superior longevity compared to cheaper alternatives that blunt quickly.

Measurement System: Choose between imperial and metric based on your working practices. UK tradespeople increasingly work in metric, though traditional leather working and some automotive applications still reference imperial measurements.

Safety Information

Always wear eye protection when using belt and wad punches, as striking can cause material fragments to fly off. Secure workpieces on a steel block or proper cutting mat to prevent slippage, and keep fingers well clear of the cutting area. Never hold small pieces by hand whilst punching—use clamps or a vice instead. Inspect punches before use for mushrooming or splitting at the striking end, and remove damaged tools from service immediately. Use controlled hammer blows with appropriate force, and store punches with cutting edges protected to maintain sharpness and prevent injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a belt punch and a wad punch?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Belt punches are specifically designed for leather belts with cutting angles optimised for leather, whilst wad punches are general-purpose tools for leather, rubber, gaskets, card, and fabric. Quality hollow punches work equally well across all soft materials.

Should I choose metric or imperial sizes?
This depends on your typical applications. UK trades increasingly work in metric, making metric sets practical for general workshop use. However, traditional leather working and some mechanical applications still reference imperial measurements. Match your punch sizes to your usual measuring system.

How do I maintain sharp cutting edges?
With proper use on appropriate soft materials, quality punches stay sharp for years. When sharpening becomes necessary, use a fine grinding wheel on the outside bevel only, rotating the punch to maintain a uniform edge. Never sharpen the inside of the hollow cutting edge, as this changes the diameter and weakens the tool.