KNIPEX - 90 70 220 Tools - Revolving Punch Pliers (9070220), Red

I had to edit this review once I realized what the problem was: namely that I did not understand the German abbreviation SB" which means the type of package. "SB" = Selbstbedienungsverpackung = "self-service package" usually a cardboard or blister package. I could not see any difference in the Amazon descriptions of the Knipex 90/70/220 and the Knipex SB 90/70/220 except the SB costs $5 more. A google search turned up the explanation after I had done the original review.I was worried when I read two reviews claiming they since their punches had a piece of orange paper stuck in each punch, they had had gotten a used instead of new Knipex and one comment that she had the same concern. If you don't order the SB version, it comes in a too tiny plastic bag that is open at one end, not sealed, with no type of packaging, or insert or anything - just the tool and those orange pieces of paper stuck in the punches. It would be too much of coincidence that Amazon is selling multiple used ones with the same orange paper so I assume that Knipex or Amazon tested out the punch and just left those pieces in the punches and that my Knipex is new not used. I'm glad the other reviewers mentioned the orange paper stuck in the punches or I would have worried. It would be better to take them out before shipping to customers as well as seal or at least close the plastic bag instead of having half the punch stick out of the too small plastic bag. The best would be for Amazon to spell out that if you want this punch looking like it was brand new in the standard blister plastic sealed package like you would see in a store, then you need to order the SB and pay $5 more. I probably would have bought this version anyway but with less worry if I had known the difference.But so far, it seems to work just fine cutting through fabric straps that my wife uses to make purses. I was worried that it might take too much pressure to work it, but she had no problem just squeezing the handle and it made nice neat holes through a double layer. So we will be keeping it. I'm giving it 5 stars despite those strange orange pieces of paper for all the reasons that the other 5 star reviewers gave: looks and feels sturdy, sharp punches, works without needing lots of pressure, etc.

If you have been frustrated by leather punchers that won't stand up to the torque you put on it, look no further. Common leather punchers withstand between 1 and 3 hole punches in a thick leather belt. Before long, the punches do not line up with the brass plate on the other side. Common punchers aren't built to take the amount of pressure necessary to do its job. This is no common puncher.This Knipex puncher can handle the abuse required for its intended use. There is a unique locking device that firmly holds the wheel in place, allowing perfect wheel alignment with each punch for higher efficiency. If the high price discourages you, think of how many leather punchers you would go through in the many, reliable decades of use that this will provide.This tool was my introduction to Knipex tools, and since then I have bought many more Knipex tools. Read the glowing user reviews of some other Knipex tools. It is difficult to find another brand for any product that has such a positive consumer reception. Knipex tools are a joy to use. Don't throw away your money with a cheap puncher, buy this and you will quickly see after your first punch why Knipex has earned such a lofty reputation.This fine pieces of German engineering is worth every penny and more!

This is a most useful tool to have! No more worrying if the belt I'm looking at needs to be a size 36 or 38. If it's a little large, great! Get the big one and if it's loose so what - make a hole and it's good to go!And when Thanksgiving has come and gone so now a 36 is too small it's irrelevant because all belts now have that extra inch. Or those extra two inches. Or those extra three inches if that's how it is. Yes - Independence is a beautiful thing.Is this how those men and women that pioneered and persevered through those dark days of hardship once felt when they discovered a new and simple technique to defeat an obstacle in their way? I think maybe yes, probably most certainly.Also important to note - this Knipex is made to last which is essential since there are a lot of nice belts out there to enjoy & friends really appreciate it when you can fix up their fit as well. Everybody has a waist, right?Who knows, maybe one day everyone will have a PLP, (Personal Leather Punch) and we can all come together more happy and free knowing our clothes will always fit... and there will be peace everywhere at last.Punch on.

I bought this to test out as I go through a bunch of these in a year. I was impressed with the weight, sturdiness and how well it punched through leather. It is a bit on the pricey side, but it is racing red, so that's cool! Overall, very good punching tool and worth the buy if priced under $25.

This is the best leather hole punch I've used. It's not fancy, it just works. It isn't easy but I've been using it to punch holes in 1/4" thick leather.Note that the wheel with the punches only turns one direction and naturally it isn't easy to turn. It isn't supposed to be. You don't really want the wheel to move at the wrong time while trying to punch a hole.This is an excellent punch that I would highly recommend.

[Edited 6/12/2013]Purchased this item as I have the pliers set and am pleased with their quality. Not so with this hole punch! Two of the punches are damaged. Where is the German standard of manufacture and rigid quality control? ... ARRRGGGHHH! (That's the sound made by an unsatisfied customer.) Will exchange for another one. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.Okay, so after the minor hassle of returning the first one, I've received and examined the second one. It works fine! This is the type of quality I've come to expect of Knipex products. Edited the rating from the previous two stars (yeah, I was a bit peeved when I wrote the previous review :p) to 5 stars.