HEAD,PUNCH,SWI74030,9/32", Minimum order quantity - 12 EA

I decided to switch to a 3 hole paper punch once that I had too much work to put into binders. I had one of those single hole hand punchers and I just decided to one day spend a bit more and invest in this beauty. It works wonderfully and the holes come out crisp and clean. You don't have to apply too much force for it to work, a little goes a long way. I still don't know why I hadn't bought it before, I am glad I did now!

I thought I wasn't the only one having the same problem as the previous reviewers. I was close to returning the product as well.
Luckily, I managed to unlock the hole puncher. For those out there that need help in doing so...

Press down on the grip handle, and locate the slide lever which is found in the back, at the base of the handle. Here, you will see the "lock" and "unlock" logo. Next, slide it toward the "unlock" side. and there you have it! Initially, it might take a little force but I realize that it doesn't slide all that much and it gets easier over time. But remember to PRESS DOWN on the grip handle FIRST before sliding the lock lever. Hope that helps guys!

When you look at this product, you would think that it would be easy to unlock. I had no idea what to do. I tried the instructions given and it was only when I broke them into little pieces was I able to get it by accident.

1. Hold down leaver

2. Look for lock/unlock sign

3. Push that sign to unlock.

This type of instruction could be included with this hold punch. I only gave it an average as it is so hard to figure out how to unlock it.

As an attorney in practice for more than 40 years this is the best 3-hole punch I've ever used, which is probably over 30 models.

Please add a video or some detail how to unlock the handle. I have to read reviews every possible place to unlock.
Press the handle and then move the unlock plastic on the side! Uhhh...

Great Product, years of use and still works like new.

frustrated as others do to inadequate instructions, luckily I read these helpful reviews and solved this simple mystery . It's a dream to use after unlocking

Great unit and price from Costco. BUT the instructions on how to unlock the unit is far from being clear and easy. An extra sticker on the base to the left side of the locking mechanism that says: Push down handle and push the grey block with the un locked (picture) here to the left. Something along those lines. I'm technically and mechanically savy, but this here.....Uh failed the basic operation of UNLOCKNG the unit ___

I wrote a review back in December, complaining about the lack of instruction and how I managed to loosen it too far. Later in the month, I received an email and was nicely offered to get a new one.
This time, following the instructions he/she had sent me via email, making sure I didn't push too far out, now there is no clicking sound. The handle does not move sideways. Everything is great! Thank you!

I have never had to go to a product web site to figure out how to get the item to work. What is so mysterious about letting your customers know how to unlock the handle so it can be used? Why not put that on the box or a note on the paper punch. It works great once you find out the secret to unlocking the lever! Seems like an unnecessary step, and a waste of time, for your customers.

I have had this product for a few years and it worked very well but now the rubber on the bottom is falling apart and I have been trying to hold it together with tape.

Other than that the product has worked very well -- but now it's difficult to use without getting little round pieces of paper all over my desk when the rubber part falls off.

Should come with instructions on how to unlock the handle. I'm sure this product will work well but I wasted valuable time trying to figure out how to unlock it. Thankfully others wrote reviews so I could find out how to unlock it.

I was about to return my hole puncher to Costco. I don't know what made me think to go on the swingline website for instructions. Instructions are posted, but comments by frustrated customers are. The box says slide to unlock lever, but the arrow doesn't necessarily point to the right piece. You must slide the center piece in the back of the hole puncher to the left to unlock while pressing down on the lever and press the lever down and slide the center piece to the right, to lock. Crazy!

It took me and a coworker about ten minutes to figure out that you have to hold the lever down and slide the arrows left or right to lock/unlock....works great! Just hold down the lever folks

easy to use, durable

Put the directions on how to unlock handle SOMEWHERE!!! Also, ease of use is limited because in order to lock or unlock handle the tray has to be removed EVERY time.

The representations contained on the Mfr.s Packaging is deceptive and THIS PUNCH IS NOT SUITABLE FOR THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH I PURCHASED IT AND WHICH ITS PACKAGING STATES THAT IT IS WITHIN ITS CAPABILITIES (WILL NOT PUNCH >3 HOLES AS SHIPPED IN FACTORY PACKAGING, AN ADDITIONAL PURCHASE OF >$60.00 IS REQUIRED TO MAKE THIS PUNCH CAPABLE OF PUNCHING 7 HOLES, WHICH IS THE SPECIFIC REASON THAT I PURCHASED IT! I had just received a new binder for  my DayTimer (DT) Diaries, and discovered that it required that 7 holes be punched in an supplemental documents, e.g. Reports & Printouts of CT Scans, MRI Printouts, etc. to allow them to placed in the binder. I am not sure why I had assumed that the binder had only 3 rings, as do most of my other DT Binders, but I did not look at that specifically when I ordered it, and other than that I like the binder. When I received the punch I had opened the box to examine it before giving it to my secretary to fill it in with documents (v.a.) that I would need for the rest of the week. I examined the punch and noted that it was only capable of punching 2 -3 holes as shipped. We both carefully examined the packaging looking for any additional items that might need to be installed to make it a true 7 -hole punch. but none were present within the packaging. In fact, the description on the side of the box in which the hole punch was packaged by the mfr. it clearly states that it has "Adjustable, REPLACABLE (emphasis added) punch heads for up to 7 hole applications", yet at no place on any external, or even internal (within the mfr. packaging) did it indicate that the punch, as contained therein, WAS NOT, IN FACT, AN ACTUAL 2 - 7 HOLE PUNCH, BUT ONLY A 2 -3 HOLE PUNCH UNLESS THE PURCHASER ADDITIONALLY ADDS FOUR (4) MORE PUNCH HEADS, THE COST ALONE OF WHICH EXCEEDS THE MANUFACTURER'S LIST PRICE FOR THE PUNCH OF ~$53.00. EVEN WITHIN THE CONTENT OF THE FOOTNOTE (v.a.) WHERE IT DESCRIBES IT CAPACITY TO PUNCH UP TO 7 HOLES DOES IT WARN IT WON'T DO IT.

I am very frustrated, after first purchasing a DayTimer only to find out it had 7 rings I have now spent more money to purchase this punch which from the description and packaging would suggest it will punch 2-7 holes, but when I receive it, it is a standard 3 hole punch.  No extra parts to make it a true 7 hole punch.  This is misleading and very disappointing.  Do not purchase this if you are expecting to be able to use it as anything other than a standard 3 hole punch.

I agree with other comments that figuring out how to unlock it is a pain. They Swingline should include instructions on how to unlock.

Love this machine but not impressed with the fact that there are still no instructions in the box after complaints from as far back as 2015(that's how far I read). Took me forever and visiting this site to figure out how to release the punch so it could be used. Hope I never need to adjust the punch area...................

First identical punch remained true and reliable in excess of five years, and one of my sons decided he needed it immediately. We gave it to him and then, just as immediately, ordered the replacement. And the second one was more of a bargain than the first one.

I like the hole punch very much. I AM ANNOYED that I have to google how to unlock it. Yes, there are arrows on the side of the device, but how hard would it be to put the directions on the box?

Read the reviews here and what people failed to mention was that it is not the handle that you move left or right - it is the plastic mechanism itself that you move to establish lock or unlock. I found the video on YouTube it is linked here.

Had to order another one of these as the original was in a box stolen from my storage when I moved to another state. Got it today and no, couldn't figure out how to unlock the handle either - LOL. Read all the complaints and saw the video included as well. Yes, at the very least there could be a small paper insert included in the box on how to do that! It's the best hole punch I've ever had so this was a minor but annoying glitch. Thanks to the one who left the video, that is something I would have done too!

I just received the product and had to refer to this site to help me unlock it. The video helped! After that it took me a bit to rearrange the hole punch locations. It was a bit troublesome placing the rubber bottom back on. Hopefully using the punch will be much easier than figuring out the basics on this.

I just spent 20 minutes of my work day searching youtube to figure out how to unlock this stupid thing.  I don't even care how it works- I am so frustrated.   How about some instructions on the box?