Hasegawa TryTool Modeling Punch A

It isn't very often that folks send in tools but this time, I was quite intrigued by this punch set. I have known that Hasegawa produces a variety of modeling tools and materials under its TRYTOOL line, but this is the first time I've seen any of it.

This set is a punch set that includes punches in three different diameters: 2 mm, 2.5 mm, and 3 mm. This is basically the small set. Now I know that you are supposed to use a hammer on these to punch a hole, but I wondered if it could be used by hand.

Selecting a piece of rather thick plastic card, .8mm/.030inches according to my calipers, I set it down on some paper and started twisting it. I used the 2mm tip. The end is quite sharp as I was able to cut through the plastic and several sheets of paper rather easily. The result is shown in the small image to the right.

I can see how this would be extremely useful in building instrument panels in various scales as well as any time one needs a disc for a project. I'm not sure what the US price will be as I've not found a US store that yet carries them, but compared to some other similar items, it is competitively priced.