The 9 Best Electric Hole Punches
This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in October of 2017. Though much work is digital nowadays, paper is still a big part of most businesses. Anyone who has to sort and file reams of the stuff on a regular basis will appreciate these electric hole punches, which take the hassle out of a common task. You’ll find corded and cordless models on this list, as well as those that allow the user to select the number of holes punched. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Swingline Platinum
2. Swingline Optima Silver
3. GBC 3230ST
Editor's Notes
January 13, 2021:
Our research showed that Swingline still generally makes the highest-quality and most reliable electric hole punches, which is why they continue to dominate our recommendations. The Swingline Platinum and Swingline 350MD are best for high-volume business applications, whereas the Swingline Optima Silver and Swingline 74515 are better suited to medium- and light-duty use. A new addition during this update is the GBC 3230ST, which takes the place of the previously-recommended GBC 3230. We feel the former will be a more useful item in the average office thanks to an integrated electric stapler. The Eagle 1680BA also makes its debut this year and is ideal for home offices where something that looks overly industrial would be an eyesore.
August 15, 2019:
When it comes to electric hole punches, it’s still tough to beat those from Swingline, a popular name not only in punches but also shredders, staplers, and more. We like both the Swingline Commercial and Swingline Optima 20 Silver. The former is suited to bigger jobs in busy offices or classrooms, while the latter is great for at-home or casual use. This is because the Commercial has a higher capacity and comes in 2- and 3-hole models, so there’s a choice for everyone. For those who often need to switch between hole types, we’ve kept the GBC 3230, which is adjustable. It’s large and not exactly light at 12 pounds, though, so you might not consider it if you're pressed for space. Finally, we decided to add the Bostitch 12-Sheet. It’s not known for tackling big jobs, but if you only need to punch holes occasionally, and don’t want to invest a huge sum, it’s worth a look.
Special Honors
Akiles VersaMac Plus The Akiles VersaMac Plus will punch holes, but it can do much more than that. The 14 available dies let you prepare documents for binding, with the automatic ejector, stacker, and jogger ensuring neat and professional results. akiles.com
Rhin-O-Tuff Onyx HD7700H The Rhin-O-Tuff Onyx HD7700H bills itself as heavy duty, an accurate assessment when you consider its 55-sheet capacity, quick-change die system, and ability to punch through some types of plastic sheets. The diagnostic display lights are a practical touch, too. rhin-o-tuff.com
4. Eagle 1680BA
5. Officemate 90115
6. Swingline 74515
7. Swingline 350MD
8. Martin Yale Master EP210
9. Bostitch 12-Sheet
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.