Heather's Favorite Tool: The Hole Story

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Reported by Heather Strenzwilk

A Japanese Book Drill (JBD) or Screw Punch is a very handy tool. Although lightweight and compact it can punch holes in various materials like chipboard or leather. It is a staple tool for a bookbinder or artist much like a chef might prefer a particular pan. I use mine frequently despite the number of multi-function tools which have become available in recent years.

The JBD is essentially an anywhere hole punch- able to create holes anywhere in anything from paper to cardstock to book board to leather. The basic set comes with 6 interchangeable bits: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 and 4mm bits. Earlier this year a 5mm bit was also introduced. An authentic JBD has a maple handle with the Patent number etched into its brass shaft. It is a very sturdy and well-made tool. To change a bit simply unscrew and remove the brass collar, remove the bit, insert the new one and screw on the collar. The bit will stay firmly in place while punching.

The bits are very sharp. The instructions are in Japanese so the first time I used it I didn't fully understand about the spinning shaft. Consequently, the drill slipped and it badly cut the palm of my hand. I quickly learned the proper amount of pressure required! I also learned to use a self-healing cutting mat under my work because the drill will damage Formica and wood surfaces. The bits (smaller ones especially) tend to develop build-up and I use a bent paper clip to push out the debris. Since the bits are cylindrical, they tend to roll around my work surface. I recently bought a small plastic box with sections for the bits.

I have used my JBD to punch holes for eyelets. The 3mm bit is perfect for 1/8" eyelets. The JBD punches crisper, cleaner holes than the punch in my eyelet setting kit. I use the smaller bits to create openings for mini brads and embellishments. My husband has used the 4mm bit to punch holes in leather belts. The larger bits are ideal to punch holes in preshrunk shrink plastic. I have had some limited success punching ribbon: more delicate ribbons tend to distort or pull. When I am punching multiple layers of lighter weight materials such as paper or cardstock, I have found that sometimes the bottom layers will twist with the motion of the punch. To combat this problem, I use a small bit of adhesive to keep the layers in place while I punch until I can secure them with an embellishment or fastener.

I have been a satisfied Japanese Book Drill user for over 6 years.

One note of caution- if you Google to learn more about this tool be sure to type the name in quotes IE: "Japanese Book Drill"- otherwise you might be in for a pornographic surprise!