All About Punch Tools

Punch tools are used to create holes in the main drip irrigation pipeline to install emitters or barb fittings. Drip irrigation is an efficient watering method in the garden that saves a ton of water and produces higher yields. Luckily, drip irrigation installation is more manageable with the right punch tool. The punch tool is one of the crucial components of the irrigation kit that is a must-have for every gardener. As a gardener and landscaper, you often need to punch a hole in mainline tubing which is accompanied by a reducing connector or a dripper.

Accurately making a hole in the solid irrigation pipeline is essential because, if done incorrectly, it can damage the tubing and cause a lot of water leakage. That's why punch tools are used to make precisely sized holes. A well-punched hole can speed up the installation process and save you stress and money. At DripWorks, we have a massive range of punch tools.

Read on to learn everything about punch tools and the top punch tools of 2023.

Why should you use a punch tool for drip irrigation?

Drip irrigation is tricky to maintain because slight damage to the mainline tube can destroy your complete irrigation system. Using house tools to create holes can damage your main tubing as you cannot cut a precise hole with these tools, and the pipe will leak water.

However, a punch tool helps you make exact holes of the size you want. It will result in no water leakage and help you install an efficient drip irrigation system with the right water pressure for your plants. Most importantly, punch tools save your fingers as well as time and money on extra fittings.

Things to Consider While Buying the Right Punch Tool

There are some things that make a punch tool a great punch tool for drip irrigation. Let's look at these factors!

Easy Grip

For anyone punching hundreds of holes, a punch with an ergonomic handle is necessary. This factor often goes unnoticed, but when you punch your 50th hole and your hands become stiff, that is when your decision counts. Therefore, always get a punch with an easy grip, as that will be easy on your hands.

Sharpness

While buying a punch, it is crucial to make sure it is a sharp one. The irrigation tubing will become soft in the sun, and any extra amount of pressure while making a hole can cause the hole to stretch and leak. A sharp punch tool will help you to make neat holes without messing up your tube.

Durability

Another vital thing to consider is the durability of the punch. The tool will be used in your gardens and fields. So, always buy a durable hole puncher to use the tool for the years to come. A fragile punch will crack or break easily, which can damage your hand or tubing in the process.

Top Punch Tools of 2023

All punch tools are not the same; even the punch tip can make a difference. Many people are unaware of what type of hole punch they want. Remember, the right punch tool is vital for the efficiency of the installment process.

Let's look at different types of punch tools and their features so you can find a suitable one according to your project. All these punch tools are most popular among gardeners, landscapers, and commercial growers. Luckily, these tools are available at DripWorks.

Miracle Punch

Miracle punch is the best overall standard punch tool to serve its purpose and get you clean holes you need to insert your fittings. This easy-to-use and lightweight punch is popular with gardeners and landscapers. Additionally, the punch is made up of corrosion-free plastic material. If you need to punch hundreds of holes a day, we highly recommend the miracle punch tool.

This hole puncher requires you to insert the pipe in the tool slot and press down the ergonomic handles of the tool to get a precise hole. The ¼" miracle punch tool creates a standard ¼" hole that is suitable for LSB-size fittings and emitters. However, the large-hole miracle punch tool makes a large-sized hole that is suitable for Vibra-Clean emitters. Use this tool with ½" or ¾" mainline.

Pros

• Sharp hole cutter
• Easy to use
• Easy-to-hold ergonomic handles
• Created from corrosion-free plastic material

Punch N Cut

Punch and Cut is the most versatile punch tool and a favorite among landscapers. DripWorks Punch N Cut is a 3-in-1 tool that allows you to punch holes, cut drip tubing, and also insert transfer barbs and specific emitters. The three major features of this punch make it a must-have tool for a drip irrigation system.

This is a lightweight, all-in-one tool that provides you with an excellent alternative to keeping multiple tools. The Punch and Cut tool efficiently makes ¼" holes for ¼" size fittings.

Pros

• The all-in-one tool provides three functions
• Cutter requires a smaller force to cut the tube
• Helps insert ¼" transfer barbs and emitters

Pocket Punch

Pocket punch is an all-in-one tool that every landscaper and gardener should have. With a pocket punch, you can make hundreds of holes in a day without any discomfort. This tool is easy on the hand, punches nice holes quickly, as well as holds and removes transfer barbs. The Pocket punch only works with ½" mainline.

Anyone with reduced hand strength due to aging or arthritis would benefit from a pocket punch and the purple handle punch. Purple handle punch is another easy-to-use manual punch tool with an ergonomic handle that makes precise holes. One of the great features of these punch tools is that they are lightweight and easy to carry. They are easier to hold on to during punching, which lowers hand fatigue.

Pros

• Lightweight
• 2 in 1 punch tools save space
• Safe design

In addition to these popular hole punchers, other widely-used and all-in-one punch tools include Purple Handle Punch, Adjustable Punch, 400 Barb Punch, Spagetti Stickler Punch tool and Key Punch.

Check out our ample selection of all-in-one punching and cutting tools here.

The Bottom Line

Installation of a drip irrigation system is much easier with the correct punch tool. Dripworks has an ample selection of quality punch tools that will ensure your installation process is smooth and stress-free. Here, you can easily find the right drip irrigation punch tool that suits your preference and project.

If you've any questions regarding punch tools, their usage, or anything else, feel free to contact us. Our irrigation experts would love to help you meet all your irrigation needs.