Key Punch

A quick guide to successfully punching holes with a plastic spike.

Step 1: Warm the Tubing
Because the spike on this tool is plastic, you must ensure your poly tubing is warm before attempting to punch it. Leave the tubing in direct sunlight for 15-30 minutes to soften the plastic wall.

Step 2: Position the Punch
Grip the wide end of the Key Punch exactly as you would hold a house key. Place the point of the plastic spike firmly against the wall of your tubing.

Step 3: Push and Twist
Apply strong downward pressure while actively twisting your wrist back and forth. The twisting motion is critical to help the plastic spike bore through the tubing without crushing the pipe.

Step 4: Insert Your Fitting
Pull the punch out of the hole. Immediately push your 1/4-inch transfer barb or emitter into the fresh opening until it snaps securely into place.

As I start my system this spring, is the Key Punch durable enough to expand my entire garden?
While perfect for minor spring additions, the all-plastic spike on the Key Punch is meant for limited use. For large garden expansions, we highly recommend upgrading to a metal-tipped punch.

If you are installing more than 15 to 20 emitters during your spring startup, a metal-tipped tool like the Pocket Punch will drastically reduce hand fatigue and save you a lot of time.

Why is the Key Punch bending my tubing instead of puncturing it?
Because the Key Punch uses a plastic spike instead of a sharp metal tip, cold tubing can be very difficult to pierce. You must leave your tubing in the sun to soften it before punching.

Additionally, remember to use a back-and-forth twisting motion with your wrist while pushing down. This helps the plastic spike "drill" through the softened wall of the pipe.

Can I use the Key Punch on 3/4-inch mainline tubing?
Yes, the Key Punch works on 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch polyethylene tubing. Because it has a flat face rather than a wrap-around cradle, pipe diameter does not restrict its use.

However, ensure you are only trying to punch flexible polyethylene (poly) tubing. This tool will absolutely not puncture rigid PVC pipe or thick-walled garden hoses.

Will the Key Punch create a hole large enough for drip tape fittings?
No, the Key Punch creates a standard 1/4-inch hole designed for micro barbs and point-source emitters. It will not work for oversized 5/8-inch drip tape takeoff valves.

If you are trying to install drip tape takeoff valves (like the LSB or LSBSO), you will need a specialized punch that makes a larger hole, such as the Pro Punch or the Drip Tape Hole Punch.