International Model Tack Month: Making a punch from a Micron pen
Microns are archival quality ink pens that come in a variety of shapes and sizes from brush and chisel tips to the fine tips they’re most known for, which are available from 005 (0.20 mm) through 08 (0.5 mm). These pens make great punches because they’re easy to disassemble and have a one-piece nib. If not made from one piece, the nib will telescope in on itself when pressure is applied.
But why not use a needle or awl?
Because those don’t remove material, they just push it aside. Over time they will always close back up. A puncture is hard to find from the back of a strap and significant leather fatigue and stress can result from trying to jab the tongue through it. Holes are where it’s at for both function and form.
You’ll need a micron pen in your choice of size - I’m using an 005 (0.20 mm), a file, and toothed needle nose pliers. Ultrafine sandpaper (600-88 grit) can be used for polishing.
One - separate the nib and barrel
Separate the nib and the barrel. Use gentle pressure to hold the nib, otherwise it might be crushed. It may take a moment to remove the nib; if it’s particularly stubborn you can use something like an exacto knife between the nib and collar to get it started.
Two - remove the ink reservoir
Once the nib and barrel have been separated, you can remove the ink chamber. Pull steadily from the back to avoid leaving pieces of the chamber in the nib. If it does break, you can use a needle to push the rest through.
The nib is separated from the barrel and the ink chamber has been removed
The pen is ready to reassemble - push the nib back into the barrel.
Now it’s time to sharpen the nib - a sharpened nib requires less force to punch, extending the life of your punch, and creating a cleaner hole. You can hold the pen and file in whatever configuration you prefer; the important thing is to rotate the nib constantly so that it is sharpened evenly. An unevenly sharpened nib can become misshapen (no longer making a circle) or even collapse in on itself entirely. The same thing can happen to a nib that is weakened by removing too much material. Creating a longer taper will result in a cleaner punch and reduce the risk of distortion on very narrow straps.
Two nibs are shown - sharpened on the left and unsharpened on the right.
Two nibs are shown - one sharpened and one unsharpened - with an imperial (inch) ruler for scale.
2mm (about 3/16) kangaroo lace shown with holes in graduating sizes
Micron has 9 pen sizes suitable for conversion and you can further expand your range by using dispensing needles.
The holes shown above are, left to right: 25 gauge dispensing needle, 22 gauge dispensing needle, 005 Micron, 01 Micron, 02 Micron, 03 Micron, 04 Micron, 05 Micron, 08 Micron.
It is important to use a piece of chipboard under your leather when you punch. Hold the punch vertically and use as little pressure as possible to punch your hole. Direct pressure from your hand or a few light taps from a jewelry hammer should be enough. Holding the punch at an angle or using too much force can cause it to break or distort your leather by pushing too deeply.
If needed, you can use a needle or wire to clear the nib. I maintain my punches with occasional sharpening and stropping.
Other types of punches can be created by filing away half the nib or gently squeezing the nib into an oval prior to sharpening.
This article was originally written in 2023 and updated in 2024. As of 2024, I have converted all of my punches to dispensing needles.
