General Tools 72 Leather Hole Punch Tool - 6 Multi-Hole Sizes for Leather, Rubber & Plastic Review (2026)

Who this punch fits

This tool suits someone who needs a range of small to medium hole sizes for belts, watch straps, and light hardware without buying separate single size punches or a heavier rotary press. Our score of 7.8 out of 10 reflects solid, if not standout, marks across the board, with fit for the job and value both rated at 8 out of 10. It is best suited to occasional or moderate use on belts and straps rather than a production workshop punching dozens of holes a day, since the plier action relies on hand strength rather than a lever or press mechanism.

Hole sizes and construction explained

The Model 72 offers six punch sizes on its rotating head, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 5/32, and 3/16 of an inch, covering the range typically needed for belt holes, strap adjustments, and small hardware mounting holes. The tool measures about 8.5 inches overall and is built from plated steel with hardened steel punches set into a self opening, spring tensioned plier body, a design General Tools describes as reducing hand fatigue compared with a rigid single hole punch. The revolving turret lets the user rotate the correct size into position between holes rather than swapping tools mid project.

Using it across materials

Beyond leather, the punch is rated for rubber, plastic, canvas, and similar light materials, which makes it a useful multi purpose tool for anyone also working on gaskets, straps, or fabric projects alongside leathercraft. The plier action works by squeezing the handles to drive the selected hollow punch through the material in one motion, and the self opening spring returns the jaws for the next hole without manual resetting. On a full thickness leather belt, several squeezes in a row can tire the hand faster than a lever operated punch, so pacing the work helps on a multi hole project like a new belt with several adjustment positions.

How it compares with other punches in this guide

The top ranked option in this guide, a 10 size steel punch kit, edges out the Model 72 on range and scores higher overall, while Pro-Master's double lever action punch trades the revolving head for a lever mechanism that several buyers find easier on the hand for thick belts. Compared with bundled kits from Skilled Crafter and Diyife that add a ruler or awl, the Model 72 is a simpler, single purpose tool without extra accessories, which keeps it compact but means a ruler or awl needs to be sourced separately if the kit does not already include one.

Bottom line

For belts, straps, and light hardware work across a handful of hole sizes, General Tools' Model 72 is a compact, multi material punch that skips the bulk of a lever press. Buyers doing frequent thick belt repairs may find the hand squeeze action tiring over many holes and should consider a lever action punch instead, and anyone whose rotating head loosens with heavy use should tighten the center pivot rather than continue forcing it. For anyone who wants six sizes on one rotating head in a pocketable tool, the Model 72 remains a practical, no frills choice from a long running hand tool brand, well suited to a home workbench rather than daily production runs.

Frequently asked questions