Orange Handle Punch

A quick guide to maximizing the dual functions of this manual tool.

Step 1: Punching Holes
Grip the mainline tubing firmly with one hand. Position the sharp stainless steel pin of the Orange Handle Punch exactly where you want the hole. Apply firm downward pressure with a slight twisting motion to puncture the plastic cleanly.

Step 2: Inserting Barbs
Pull the punch out of the tubing. Take your 1/4" transfer barb, drip emitter, or oversized tape barb and push it immediately into the fresh hole until it snaps securely into place.

Step 3: Installing Mini-Jets
To install a Mini-Jet, punch a standard hole first. Then, flip the tool around and slide the spray head of the Mini-Jet into the hex adapter on the back of the handle. Use the leverage of the tool to easily twist the threaded base of the jet into the pre-punched hole.

How do I use the Orange Handle Punch to install new Mini-Jets for my spring plantings?
First, use the stainless steel pin to punch a hole in your mainline. Then, flip the Orange Handle Punch over, place the Mini-Jet into the hex adapter, and twist it effortlessly into the tubing.

During massive spring garden expansions, screwing dozens of rigid plastic threads into poly tubing by hand will quickly cause blisters. The hex adapter saves your fingers and speeds up the entire installation process.

Will the Orange Handle Punch create a hole large enough for 5/8" drip tape fittings?
Yes, the stainless steel tip on the Orange Handle Punch is sized to accommodate the oversized barbs found on Tape Loc by Barb fittings (LSB/LSBSO) and 1/2" Easy Loc barbs (EL14B).

While some smaller pocket punches will only work for micro emitters, this tool punches a hole slightly wider, ensuring you don't crush your tubing when pushing in heavy-duty agricultural takeoff fittings.

What sizes of mainline tubing can I use the Orange Handle Punch on?
You can use the Orange Handle Punch to puncture standard 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch polyethylene mainline tubing. It does not wrap around the pipe, so diameter size does not restrict it.

Always make sure to punch the tubing while it is warm (left in the sun) to ensure a clean stretch of the plastic and a tight seal around your fittings.

Does the Orange Handle Punch feature an insertion slot for 1/4" transfer barbs?
No, the back of the Orange Handle Punch only features a hex adapter specifically molded for installing threaded Mini-Jets. It does not hold 1/4-inch transfer barbs.

If you are looking for a tool that holds and inserts standard 1/4-inch micro barbs to save your thumbs, we recommend the Pocket Punch or the Punch N' Cut.