Find HS Code and trade information for punching pliers

Punching Pliers

Punching pliers are hand tools used to create holes in thin materials, primarily sheet metal, plastics, leather, and fabrics. They function by shearing the material between two hardened steel blades when force is applied via a lever action.

Material:

• Blades: Typically constructed from hardened tool steel (e.g., carbon steel, high-speed steel) to withstand repeated stress and maintain sharpness.
• Handles: Often made of steel, with plastic or rubber grips for comfort and control. Some models feature ergonomic designs.
• Body: Usually steel, providing structural support.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of punching pliers is to quickly and efficiently create round, oval, square, or other shaped holes in materials without requiring a separate punching machine or die set. They are favored for applications where precision hole placement isn't critical, and a large volume of holes needs to be created.

Function:

Punching pliers operate on the principle of shearing. The user positions the pliers over the desired location on the material, then applies force to the handles. This drives the punch (the upper blade) through the material, guided by the corresponding die (the lower blade). The shearing action creates a clean cut hole. The size and shape of the hole are determined by the punch and die configuration.

Usage Scenarios:

• Sheet Metal Work: Creating holes for rivets, screws, or ventilation in ductwork, flashing, and other sheet metal components.
• Leather Craft: Punching holes for lacing, stitching, or decorative purposes in belts, wallets, and other leather goods.
• Fabric Craft: Creating holes for grommets, eyelets, or decorative elements in canvas, vinyl, and other fabrics.
• Electronics: Creating small holes in thin metal enclosures for mounting components or ventilation.
• DIY Projects: Various home repair and crafting applications requiring hole creation.

Common Types:

• Round Hole Punch Pliers: The most common type, featuring round punches of various diameters.
• Oval Hole Punch Pliers: Used for creating oval-shaped holes, often employed in leather work.
• Square Hole Punch Pliers: Produce square holes, suitable for specific fastening applications.
• Rectangular Hole Punch Pliers: Create rectangular holes, often used for ventilation or specialized projects.
• Adjustable Hole Punch Pliers: Allow the user to select different punch sizes by swapping out punch and die sets.
• Automatic Punch Pliers: Designed for high-volume production, featuring a ratcheting mechanism for easier operation.
• Center Punch Pliers: Used to create a small indentation to guide the starting point of a drill or punch.
• Grommet Pliers: Specifically designed for setting grommets in fabrics and other materials, often including interchangeable dies for different grommet sizes.

Files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt cutters, perforating punches and similar handtools, and base metal parts thereof are the relevant goods. The following HS codes apply:

• 8203206030: This HS code falls under Chapter 82, which covers tools, implements, cutlery, surgical instruments, and articles of base metal. Specifically, Heading 8203 covers files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt cutters, perforating punches and similar handtools. The subheading 8203206030 further specifies “Pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools, and parts thereof: Other: Other (except parts) Pliers”. The applicable tax rate is a base tariff of 12¢/doz. + 5.5%, with an additional 25.0% surcharge, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025. The total tax rate is 12¢/doz. + 5.5% + 55.0%.

• 8203106000: This HS code also falls under Chapter 82, Heading 8203, covering files, rasps, pliers, etc. The subheading 8203106000 specifies “Files, rasps and similar tools: Over 11 cm but not over 17 cm in length”. The applicable tax rate is a 25.0% surcharge, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tax rate of 55.0%.

It is important to note that the classification of "punching pliers" may depend on the specific design and function of the tool. If the pliers incorporate a perforating punch function, HS code 8203206030 may be applicable. If the pliers are primarily considered a file or rasp with a punching feature, HS code 8203106000 could be more appropriate.