How to Sharpen Craft Punches

Most Crafters have many tools that are used everyday. One of those of course are punches. 

If your like me you will have many craft punches in your stash of tools. I have my favourites that I use all the time, but there are some that I rarely use. Sometimes its hard to remember what I have. I think I counted around 30.

One day I am going to make a list of all the Craft Punches I have. It would be great to find the time to punch the shape and mount them on cardstock and store in a folder, so I could readily display what I actually have. However that project is for another day!

For now, here are a few punch tips that may help you if you have punch troubles: 

MY PAPER PUNCH NEEDS SHARPENING

Using Foil and Wax Paper 

• Grab a piece of aluminum foil and fold it in half, then in half again to create four layers. For tiny punches, you may only need one or two. If you find it's too thin, fold it again. It all depends on the punch. 
  
  
• Stick that folded piece in your punch, and punch a couple of shapes from it. Do maybe half a dozen or so. This actually does sharpen the punch.
  
  
• Once you have done that, take a piece of wax paper and do exactly the same thing. Make sure the wax side is on the outside. The wax actually lubricates the punch so that you will have seamless, clean punch.  Works a charm. 

Using Sandpaper 

• Try using sand paper. Start with a coarse and then continue with a lighter one. Again you may need to fold the sandpaper in half. Punch a few times and then punch the wax paper as explained above.

Using a Tin Can

• Another great way to sharpen your punch is to use a tin can ie (coke or lemonade can). Be very careful with this one as the tin will be very sharp once it's cut. Use gloves while cutting. You will need strong scissors.
  
  
• Flatten the tin out and then start punching, I punch mine about 5 times. Such a noisy process. Once you have finished with the tin, then use the wax paper again.

MY PAPER PUNCH IS STUCK! 

• Tear off a piece of wax paper, and fold it into three to four layers.
  
  
• Punch through the folded wax paper half a dozen times. This will wax up the edges a bit which helps the punch on its way to spring back into place.
  
  
• Insert a small flat-head screwdriver gently into the punch hole. Do not insert the screwdriver all the way in to avoid damage.
  
  
• You can also try a silicone lubricant such as WD40 to help free up the blades. Then run through some scrap paper incase there is some remaining lubricant. 
  

MY PAPER PUNCH BROKE 

Not much you can do here. You may be able to pull the punch apart, but then you would have a problem trying to put it together again. 

How many punches to you have in your stash? and please comment on the post if

 you have some punchy tips to share!!

Julie