There are many different types, makes and models of hand-held punching machine, and each one may be more suited for use on a particular material or specific task.

Punching pliers

There are basic hand-held punching machines available such as punching pliers. They typically have steel arms and jaws with soft-grip rubber handles and a heat-treated hardened steel punch that is screwed in to its uppermost jaw and held tightly in place with a nut. Spare punches of various sizes and shapes are available.

Rotary punch pliers

Rotary punch pliers have steel arms and jaws, the upper jaw having a rotating steel drum with six punches of increasing sizes attached to it. The typical sizes include: 2, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4 and 5mm. (5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 5/32 and 3/16 in) though these may differ from model to model.

Industrial punching machines

There are many types of industrial hand-held punching machines available. Though their chief function remains the same (to punch holes) each may have qualities that make them better suited to a specific material or task. They are generally considered more heavy-duty tools than their domestic counterparts.

Pressed steel punching machines

There are punching machines that have pressed steel bodies, soft-grip rubber handles, a depth gauge and a selection of interchangeable hardened steel punches and dies of varying sizes. These types of punching machine are typically more expensive than the forged steel varieties.

What's more, there are also many punching machine with more specific usages such as C Frame Single Point Metal Stamping Machine, C Frame Double Point Metal Stamping Machine, H Frame Single Point Punching Machine, H Frame Double Point Punching Machine, Deep Throat Punching Machine, Servo Punching Machine, Coil Feeder Machine, NC Servo Feeder Machine, YTE Electronic Disk Feeder, etc.