Craftool Heavy Duty Oblong Punch 13 mm

This hand-forged Craftool oblong punch cuts a clean slot for a buckle tongue in a single strike. It completely replaces the tedious process of punching two round holes and connecting them with a knife. It produces a precise opening with parallel walls and smooth rounded ends, letting the buckle tongue slide in without distorting the surrounding leather.

Material and Features

• Hand-forged Swedish steel: unlike cheap punches made from softer alloys that quickly lose their geometry under repeated strikes, this tool has a solid body and a tough cutting edge. It holds its shape and sharpness even during intensive high-volume punching through thick leather.
• Clean cut with no burrs: the vertical walls of the punched oval stay smooth, which makes any subsequent dyeing and burnishing of the inner edge of the slot noticeably easier.
• Precise oval shape: ensures smooth tongue movement when fastening. This prevents excessive mechanical stress and tearing of the leather around the edges of the opening.

Notes for Makers

• Choosing the right size: the punch size must match the width of the buckle tongue and the thickness of the folded leather. A slot that is too tight will cause the tongue to snag and wear, while one that is too large will not hold it securely. Variants in 19 mm, 25 mm, and 38 mm are also available.
• High material resistance: punching through the full perimeter of an oblong opening in thick leather requires considerable force. A hand press or a very firm strike with a heavy non-metal mallet is essential.

Recommended Add-ons

• Wax #2015-00 and protective board #3464-00 for maximum protection and longer blade life. We recommend using a polyurethane-head mallet #3303-11 to avoid damaging the striking face of the tool.

How to Use Punching Tools Correctly

Watch our video guide to see the correct technique for precision punching leather in practice. We’ll show you how to achieve a clean, perpendicular cut and cover the key rules for protecting your tools – from using the right protective cutting board to choosing a suitable polyurethane mallet that will not deform the striking surface.