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My punches can’t seem to punch through cardstock and other heavyweight papers. Do you think my punched have dulled or is there any way to use them with heavier paper?

Madge via e-mail

I don’t know if you are like me, Madge, but sometimes I want to cut several shapes at once to save time and that isn’t always the way to treat our paper punches. Some punches can cut through several sheets of paper or cardstock, but most were just not designed for that heavy a load. I’ve found the more detailed a paper punch the less likely it is to cut through thick materials.

Yet, I’m often surprised to hear that paper punches are cutting through metal sheets, fabric, and more! You’ll just have to test your punches or ask the manufacturer for recommendations. Packaging often clearly states what the punch can and can’t be used with and if you punch through a heavyweight material you can end up damaging the punch’s inner mechanisms.  You can sharpen your punches by using aluminum foil. Just punch a strip of the aluminum foil several times. If you notice your punches aren’t punching as smoothly as you’d like you can punch a strip of wax paper several times and get a smoother punch action.

Maria Nerius is the Resident Craft Expert at FaveCrafts.com. She loves to punch and uses her paper punches daily! Ask Maria at question: Maria@FaveCrafts.com.