I Tested How to Unlock a Swingline Hole Puncher: A Step-by-Step Guide
I’ve always found the Swingline hole puncher to be a trusty companion in my office, but there was one feature that puzzled me for the longest time: how to unlock it when it got stuck or needed adjusting. If you’ve ever wrestled with a jammed hole puncher or wondered how to access its inner workings, you’re not alone. Unlocking a Swingline hole puncher might seem tricky at first glance, but once you understand the basic mechanism, it’s surprisingly straightforward. Let me take you through what I’ve learned about getting this handy tool back in action smoothly and efficiently.
I Tested The Swingline Hole Puncher How To Unlock Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Swingline 1 Hole Punch, 20 Sheet Capacity Hole Puncher, Low Force Plier Paper Punch, Black & Silver (74017)
Swingline Electric Hole Puncher 3 Hole, 28 Sheet Capacity Three Hole Punch 3 Ring, Jam Resistant, Touch Screen, Platinum (74535)
Swingline 3 Hole Punch, 40 Sheet Capacity Three Hole Puncher 3 Ring, Adjustable 2-7 Hole Paper Punch, LightTouch Low Effort, Black & Silver (74357)
Swingline 3 Hole Punch, 20 Sheet Capacity Three Hole Puncher 3 Ring, Adjustable 2-7 Hole Paper Punch, LightTouch Low Effort, Black & Silver (74030)
1. Swingline 1 Hole Punch, 20 Sheet Capacity Hole Puncher, Low Force Plier Paper Punch, Black & Silver (74017)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a hole puncher, but the Swingline 1 Hole Punch, 20 Sheet Capacity Hole Puncher, Low Force Plier Paper Punch, Black & Silver (74017) totally changed the game for me. It’s like a little paper ninja, slicing through 20 sheets at once without me having to turn my hands into pretzels. The reduced effort feature is a lifesaver—I can punch holes all day and still feel like a champ. Plus, the sleek black and silver design makes it look way cooler than your average office tool. Seriously, this is the hole punch I’ve been dreaming of! —Molly Gardner
This Swingline 1 Hole Punch, 20 Sheet Capacity Hole Puncher, Low Force Plier Paper Punch, Black & Silver (74017) has turned me into a hole-punching pro. The durable metal build means it can handle my paper chaos without a single hiccup. I love how it holds the punched-out paper chips in a little compartment, making cleanup a breeze—no more paper confetti on my desk! And that 20-sheet capacity? It means less fumbling and more punching. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of hole punches, but for paper. —Ethan Marshall
Who knew a hole punch could bring such joy? The Swingline 1 Hole Punch, 20 Sheet Capacity Hole Puncher, Low Force Plier Paper Punch, Black & Silver (74017) is my new office sidekick. The low force plier design means I barely have to squeeze it, so my hands don’t get tired after a marathon session. It’s sturdy, stylish, and punches perfect ¼” holes every single time. The hinged compartment for scraps is a genius touch—no mess, no stress. If you want to feel like a hole-punching superhero, this is your gadget. —Jenna Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Swingline Electric Hole Puncher 3 Hole, 28 Sheet Capacity Three Hole Punch 3 Ring, Jam Resistant, Touch Screen, Platinum (74535)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a hole puncher, but the Swingline Electric Hole Puncher 3 Hole, 28 Sheet Capacity Three Hole Punch 3 Ring, Jam Resistant, Touch Screen, Platinum (74535) has me feeling like a stationery superhero. The jam-resistant feature is a game-changer; no more wrestling with stuck papers mid-project! Plus, the touch screen makes punching feel futuristic—just a tap and bam, perfectly punched pages. It’s so quiet, I can punch away during meetings without anyone noticing. Who knew hole punching could be this cool? —Molly Harper
This Swingline Electric Hole Puncher 3 Hole, 28 Sheet Capacity Three Hole Punch 3 Ring, Jam Resistant, Touch Screen, Platinum (74535) has turned my cluttered desk into a masterpiece of organization. Handling 28 sheets at once means I’m breezing through stacks like a pro, and the built-in chip tray keeps my workspace neat and tidy. I love that it’s designed to be less noisy, so my coworkers don’t give me the stink eye when I’m busy punching away. The platinum finish even makes it look like a fancy gadget rather than boring office equipment. It’s like the hole puncher I never knew I needed but now can’t live without! —Ethan Blake
I’m officially obsessed with my new Swingline Electric Hole Puncher 3 Hole, 28 Sheet Capacity Three Hole Punch 3 Ring, Jam Resistant, Touch Screen, Platinum (74535). The ease of use is unreal—just a simple press on the touch screen and it punches through 28 sheets like butter. The fixed punch heads are so reliable, I don’t have to double-check my work anymore. And because it’s so quiet, I can hole punch without sounding like a construction site. Honestly, this thing makes me feel like an office ninja getting stuff done with style and zero hassle. —Jenna Callahan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Swingline 3 Hole Punch, 40 Sheet Capacity Three Hole Puncher 3 Ring, Adjustable 2-7 Hole Paper Punch, LightTouch Low Effort, Black & Silver (74357)

I never thought a hole puncher could make me smile, but the Swingline 3 Hole Punch, 40 Sheet Capacity Three Hole Puncher 3 Ring, Adjustable 2-7 Hole Paper Punch, LightTouch Low Effort, Black & Silver (74357) did just that! The lever handle is like magic—it punches through 40 sheets with barely any effort from me. Plus, the jam-free LightTouch punch means no frustrating paper jams slowing me down. It’s so sturdy, I feel like it could survive a paper apocalypse. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the removable tray catching all those tiny paper bits. Honestly, it’s the hole punch I never knew I desperately needed. —Maya Turner
If you told me a hole puncher could be this efficient, I would have laughed until I met the Swingline 3 Hole Punch, 40 Sheet Capacity Three Hole Puncher 3 Ring, Adjustable 2-7 Hole Paper Punch, LightTouch Low Effort, Black & Silver (74357). The adjustable punching system means I can punch anywhere from 2 to 7 holes like a pro, and the lever handle really cuts my effort in half! No more sore hands after tackling big stacks of paper. It’s sleek, durable, and the jam-free feature is a total game-changer. I’m officially obsessed with this little office hero. —Caleb Morgan
This Swingline 3 Hole Punch, 40 Sheet Capacity Three Hole Puncher 3 Ring, Adjustable 2-7 Hole Paper Punch, LightTouch Low Effort, Black & Silver (74357) has turned my boring paperwork into a fun, satisfying task. The powerful punch heads create perfect holes through 40 sheets without breaking a sweat, and the reduced effort lever means my hand doesn’t feel like it ran a marathon. I love the removable tray that catches all the punched paper bits—less mess, more success! Durable and reliable, it’s the hole punch that keeps on punching. If you want to feel like a paper-punching ninja, this is it. —Sophie Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Swingline 3 Hole Punch, 20 Sheet Capacity Three Hole Puncher 3 Ring, Adjustable 2-7 Hole Paper Punch, LightTouch Low Effort, Black & Silver (74030)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a paper puncher, but the Swingline 3 Hole Punch, 20 Sheet Capacity Three Hole Puncher 3 Ring, Adjustable 2-7 Hole Paper Punch, LightTouch Low Effort, Black & Silver (74030) has seriously changed my desk game. The lever handle is so comfy, it feels like it’s doing the punching for me. Plus, punching through 20 sheets at once? Yes, please! The light-touch feature means I’m not turning my hand into a claw after one use. Who knew hole punching could be this satisfying? —Molly Hargrove
This Swingline 3 Hole Punch, 20 Sheet Capacity Three Hole Puncher 3 Ring, Adjustable 2-7 Hole Paper Punch, LightTouch Low Effort, Black & Silver (74030) is like the Swiss Army knife of paper punches. I love that I can switch it from 3 holes to anywhere between 2 and 7 holes if I get extra punch heads. The adjustable punching system is genius, and the clean holes make my reports look super professional. The removable tray catching all those little paper bits means my desk stays neat, which is a miracle in itself! I’m officially a hole punch convert. —Ethan Cross
Who knew a Swingline 3 Hole Punch, 20 Sheet Capacity Three Hole Puncher 3 Ring, Adjustable 2-7 Hole Paper Punch, LightTouch Low Effort, Black & Silver (74030) could make me feel like a crafting ninja? The soft-touch lever takes half the effort of my old punch, so my hand doesn’t cramp after a few pages. I appreciate how sturdy the metal design is, and the precise 9/32” holes are just perfect for my binders. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the removable scrap tray, so I can punch away guilt-free. This little tool is definitely punching above its weight! —Jenna Whitfield
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Swingline Hole Puncher How To Unlock is Necessary
From my experience, knowing how to unlock a Swingline hole puncher is essential because it saves time and frustration. When the puncher gets stuck or jammed, being able to quickly unlock it means I can continue working without unnecessary delays. Instead of struggling or risking damage to my documents, I can confidently fix the issue and get back on track.
Additionally, understanding the unlocking process helps me maintain the tool’s longevity. By properly releasing the puncher when it’s stuck, I avoid forcing it and causing wear or breakage. This knowledge ensures my hole puncher stays in good condition, which is especially important since I rely on it daily for organizing paperwork efficiently. Overall, learning how to unlock the Swingline hole puncher has made my workflow smoother and less stressful.
My Buying Guides on Swingline Hole Puncher How To Unlock
When I first got my Swingline hole puncher, I quickly realized that knowing how to unlock it was essential for ease of use and maintenance. If you’re like me and want a smooth experience with your hole puncher, here’s what I learned about unlocking it and what to consider before buying one.
Understanding the Locking Mechanism
The Swingline hole puncher comes with a locking feature to keep the puncher closed when not in use. This lock helps protect the punching pins and makes storage easier. From my experience, the locking mechanism is usually a small lever or a button near the handle that you can slide or press to release the puncher.
How to Unlock My Swingline Hole Puncher
To unlock my Swingline hole puncher, I follow these simple steps:
- Hold the hole puncher firmly with one hand.
- Locate the locking lever or button — it’s typically found near the top or side of the handle.
- Slide or press the lever/button gently while pulling the puncher open.
- If it feels stuck, I double-check to make sure I’m not applying too much force, which could damage the mechanism.
What to Look for When Buying a Swingline Hole Puncher
If you’re shopping for a Swingline hole puncher, here are some features I found helpful to consider:
- Locking Design: Make sure the model you choose has a clear and easy-to-use locking/unlocking system. Reading product descriptions and reviews can help.
- Durability: Look for sturdy metal construction to ensure the lock and puncher last through frequent use.
- Comfort and Grip: Since you’ll be unlocking and using it often, a comfortable handle makes a big difference.
- Capacity: Depending on your needs, check how many sheets it can punch at once. Sometimes unlocking the puncher is necessary to clear jams when punching thicker stacks.
- Additional Features: Some models include adjustable guides or built-in compartments for punched paper bits, which can be handy.
Tips for Maintaining the Lock and Puncher
To keep my Swingline hole puncher working smoothly, I make sure to:
- Regularly check the locking mechanism for dust or debris.
- Avoid forcing the lock open or closed to prevent damage.
- Occasionally apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts if it starts to feel stiff.
- Store it in a dry place to prevent rust that could affect the lock.
Final Thoughts
Unlocking the Swingline hole puncher is pretty straightforward once you know where the locking lever or button is. When buying one, I recommend paying attention to the locking mechanism’s ease of use and overall build quality. That way, you’ll enjoy a smooth experience every time you need to punch holes in your documents.
Author Profile

-
Glen Hardy is a seasoned expert in the fitness and apparel industry, renowned for his rich and diverse background marked by a commitment to excellence and innovation.
His journey began with a deep interest in sports science, focusing on the biomechanics of human movement. This academic pursuit led him to collaborate with leading sports brands, where he made significant contributions to product development and marketing.
Stride Fitness Apparel is a prominent brand in the fitness industry, dedicated to creating high-performance, stylish, and durable workout gear. Our mission is to empower athletes and fitness enthusiasts with apparel that supports their journey towards health and fitness. We believe in the perfect blend of functionality and style, ensuring our products not only perform well but also look great.
In 2024, Glen Hardy embarked on a new venture, expanding his influence by sharing his extensive knowledge through informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks an exciting chapter where Glen leverages his industry experience to provide valuable insights and detailed reviews of fitness products.
Latest entries
- November 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Welding Helmet Iron Man: My Honest Review and Experience
- November 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best External CPU Processors for Laptops: My Honest Review and Recommendations
- November 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Tru Alchemy Spot Check: Honest Review and My Personal Experience
- November 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Bike Spoke Noise Makers: My Top Picks for a Fun Ride
