Need a durable piercer

[mobrien207]

I can't believe it but I had a metal MM paper piercer, but the tip snapped off. I don't do paper piercing, but use it mostly to make small holes when i need to. Can you recommend something to use for that. Perhaps there's something better than a hat pin or paper piercer.

Any recs? Thanks,
Thanks,
mob

[buggainok]

Gosh, I was going to recommend the MM piercer. That's the one I have and I love it. I've had mine for about 5 years and use it all the time.

But since yours broke, that's probably not a recommendation you want, lol.

I think I've heard of folks using a big darning needle for piercing holes.

[mobrien207]

I'd buy another MM but I haven't seen it around anywhere.
mob

[terry serman]

The stampin up one is really nice.

[mobrien207]

I like SU, just not the shipping cost for one item.
Mob

[uncbballfan]

I use an Excel craft knife handle - it has an "X" style opening for the blade, unlike the Xacto handle which only has one slit for the blade. And instead of a blade, I use a needle. The "X" opening holds the needle really well, allowing you to pierce various materials.

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobrien207

I like SU, just not the shipping cost for one item.
Mob

It does look like the MM paper piercer has all but been discontinued. You can only get it with the whole tool kit. I saw several recommendations for this piercer by Tim Holtz. I think Gina K uses it. Here it is on Amazon, with free shipping if you have Prime:

Amazon.com: Tonic Studios Tim Holtz 372 Retractable Craft Pick: Arts, Crafts & Sewing

[mobrien207]

I've had really good luck with Tim Holtz products from Tonic. Those are my favorite scissors. I think I'll go for this as I do have Amazon Prime. Thanks,
mob

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobrien207

I've had really good luck with Tim Holtz products from Tonic. Those are my favorite scissors. I think I'll go for this as I do have Amazon Prime. Thanks,
mob

Glad to help. But sigh, now I want one. But wait, mine didn't break.

[sprtchick]

I have an extra one of the TIM HOLTZ PIERCERS if someone would like it...Bugga?
Blessings.

[Cook22]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggainok

It does look like the MM paper piercer has all but been discontinued. You can only get it with the whole tool kit. I saw several recommendations for this piercer by Tim Holtz. I think Gina K uses it. Here it is on Amazon, with free shipping if you have Prime:

Amazon.com: Tonic Studios Tim Holtz 372 Retractable Craft Pick: Arts, Crafts & Sewing

The one I have is exactly like this. I got it after I'd bent at least two of the replaceable heads (which were then discontinued) on my older one. I love this one - no risk of an accidental stab when reaching for it in my tools jar!

Just editing to say it's not as fine as the one I used to have - it's fine for regular piercing but probably not for parchment craft.

[jactop]

I like my SU piercer and it's pretty sturdy. I also use it to pluck the backing off my dimensionals and it hasn't bent on me.

[Arizona]

I think the SU is very nice. Its very solid and has a thick plastic sleeve to protect the tip in storage.

[sf9erfan]

Mine broke after over 5 years too and my heart sank. After buying several - Tim Holz, SU and one really crappy one that came with a quilling kit - I settled on the SU one. The best quality. Good luck!

[muscrat]

I like my Tim Holtz tonic piercer. I like that it retracts into itself for safe storage so I can carry it along to card class!

[arlenevita]

I go REALLY cheap and use a push pin and a chunk of foam pad! At a gathering in Buffalo a few years ago someone gave us a foam pad that is glued inside card stock shaped like a matchbook cover with the push pin pushed into the side for storage. Very handy for traveling in my craft tote! Great project for 3-D swaps. Use it all the time!

[sparcl77]

I've been looking for one, too. When I used mine to poke a hole, the needle part stayed in the paper and the handle came out. If you still have an extra one, Amber, I would be interested.

[Barbara Jay]

I have the SU piercer and I'll bet it could punch through a cookie sheet without bending LOL It is heavy metal .

Find a local SU demo ( from the SU Web site) and ask her to include your order on her next party. That way you only pay the 10% shipping and the hostess gets a bonus order . I have done this several times .

Tell her you will pick up your order at her house .

[ceramicat1]

I use a potter's needle tool. I just cover the point with a piece of foam for storage.

[cat_woman]

I like the one I have, but I don't know the name of the company that makes it. I bought it at a craft show about 3 or 4 years ago. Its like a ball point pen, but has a needle end in it. I like that it has a cap like a pen for storage so I don't poke myself with it digging in my drawer looking for things.

[sprtchick]

Sorry ladies the extra piercer is on the way to Annette. I will let you all know if I get more of them. Seems like cost is only about $3.50 or so.
Blessings

[grannyof8]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobrien207

I can't believe it but I had a metal MM paper piercer, but the tip snapped off. I don't do paper piercing, but use it mostly to make small holes when i need to. Can you recommend something to use for that. Perhaps there's something better than a hat pin or paper piercer.

Any recs? Thanks,
Thanks,
mob

Might want to check out these places for new tool
paper piercer | eBay


PAPER PIERCER DELUXE MAKING MEMORIES SCRAPBOOKING TOOL | eBay scroll down a bit for variety of piecer tools



Making Memories Paper Piercer Deluxe- - For the Home - General Crafts - Craft Supplies


Making Memories Paper Piercer Deluxe; Review | Billie's Craft Room

[Kathleen Mc]

The one I have is MM and came in a tool kit. Alternatively there are fine pergamano pricking tools, or the tonic/xcut/tim holtz retractable one but that has a thicker prong, iykwim!

[ladyofcards]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobrien207

I can't believe it but I had a metal MM paper piercer, but the tip snapped off. I don't do paper piercing, but use it mostly to make small holes when i need to. Can you recommend something to use for that. Perhaps there's something better than a hat pin or paper piercer.

Any recs? Thanks,
Thanks,
mob

I use a dental pick. I got several in a pack at a craft store. They were about a dollar a piece!

[Camina]

The sharp end of an old fashioned compass works well, too.

[mobrien207]

I ended up buying the TH Tonic piercer for 1/2 price with a coupon. I think it will be well worth the $3.50. I've use hat pins, etc. also and will continue to do so when it fits the need.
Thanks for the tips.
mob

[stamps4funGin]

I know this is unconventional, but I use an old dental instrument (they call it an explorer) that was in a scrap box at work. You could probably ask your hygenist or dentist if they can find one they are throwing out. Also a nail might work. Ginny

[Maus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by arlenevita

I go REALLY cheap and use a push pin and a chunk of foam pad! At a gathering in Buffalo a few years ago someone gave us a foam pad that is glued inside card stock shaped like a matchbook cover with the push pin pushed into the side for storage. Very handy for traveling in my craft tote! Great project for 3-D swaps. Use it all the time!

Mee too! Push pins are great as you can have a lot if you have a class.

[StamperDea]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camina

The sharp end of an old fashioned compass works well, too.

Well, I just had to laugh at myself. When I first read your comment, I got a mental image of a compass for determining direction. For a couple of seconds I was trying to process how a round object could be used to poke a hole in something. THEN I got the correct mental image. I am not an outdoorsy person at all and I was good at geometry. So you would think that the correct compass would have come to mind first. Maybe my bedtime is earlier than I thought.

[craftdesigns]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobrien207

I can't believe it but I had a metal MM paper piercer, but the tip snapped off. I don't do paper piercing, but use it mostly to make small holes when i need to. Can you recommend something to use for that. Perhaps there's something better than a hat pin or paper piercer.

Any recs? Thanks,
Thanks,
mob

My Clover awls are ages and ages old and have been pushed through everything from dry wall to metal sheeting to foamboard to cardstock to fabric (every kind there is). The points are as sharp as the day I got them. Here's a link with the awls. Clover USA

These awls also are available in quilting and sewing departments and stores. Clover products are exceptional. I'm a long time quilter and have used their products for years and have never had a complaint. Can't tell you how many of my sewing tools go from the fabric side of the table to the paper side. BTW: Sewing stuff usually costs less than an identical product labeled for paper. Go figure!

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by craftdesigns

My Clover awls are ages and ages old and have been pushed through everything from dry wall to metal sheeting to foamboard to cardstock to fabric (every kind there is). The points are as sharp as the day I got them. Here's a link with the awls. Clover USA

These awls also are available in quilting and sewing departments and stores. Clover products are exceptional. I'm a long time quilter and have used their products for years and have never had a complaint. Can't tell you how many of my sewing tools go from the fabric side of the table to the paper side. BTW: Sewing stuff usually costs less than an identical product labeled for paper. Go figure!

Thanks for this info. I sew myself, and had not thought about awls for paper piercing. I'm in good shape for piercers right now, but will remember this if I need to restock. And you are so right about the sewing stuff being generally cheaper than the papercrafting products. I have a great clear quilting ruler that I use all the time with my cards.

[jeffnval]

Quote:

Originally Posted by craftdesigns

My Clover awls are ages and ages old and have been pushed through everything from dry wall to metal sheeting to foamboard to cardstock to fabric (every kind there is). The points are as sharp as the day I got them. Here's a link with the awls. Clover USA

These awls also are available in quilting and sewing departments and stores. Clover products are exceptional. I'm a long time quilter and have used their products for years and have never had a complaint. Can't tell you how many of my sewing tools go from the fabric side of the table to the paper side. BTW: Sewing stuff usually costs less than an identical product labeled for paper. Go figure!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Clover Bamboo Tapered Awl! It is my go to for any kind of hole I need with the exception of Pergamano.

[Jill with a G]

I've got several piercers now too. I use them for different purposes. I found a tool at a garage sale once and it had a cord on it. It could have been some kind of testing tool, but I finally cut the cord off and now it's a great piercer! I have the MM one, and the TH one too. I'm a tool addict though, especially for crafting.