The Best Discbound Punch – Arc Punch Review
Discbound has changed my life! I know, I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s true! This system is the easiest way I’ve found to keep my planner (and my life) together. If you’ve been following me for long, or have purchased one of my Sweet Life Planners, then you already know all about the discbound system.
The most integral part of that system is finding a discbound punch that will stand the test of time and, luckily, I’ve found it! I’ve been using the Arc punch for over 5 years and it’s still going strong! ? It gets the job done with ease, versatility, and reliability. It has been a game changer for creating my own discbound planner.
If you’d like to actually watch me use the Arc discbound punch, check out my latest video below:
This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend products I use and love myself.
Now, before I dive too deep into the goodness, some of you may be asking “what exactly is discbound?” Great question! Discbound is a binding system that uses small discs to hold your papers together and adding or moving pages with this system is quick and painless. It combines the best parts of a three ring binder and a spiral bound notebook to fit all of my planning needs! If you’d like even more discbound planner goodness (or learn how to make your own planner or notebook) you can read my ultimate guide to discbound planners here!
Arc Punch Review
I’ve tried a lot of punches in the past and the Arc system is by far my favorite discbound punch. Let’s walk through some of its best features together.
Design
Have you ever used a punch where it feels like you have to throw your whole body weight on it just to make a single hole? Not with the Arc! It has a high lever on it which gives maximum leverage – The more leverage you have, the easier it is to make those punches and, if you need to add as many pages to your discbound planner as I do, you know how important it is to have an easy-to-use system.
With the high lever, there may be some concern about storage, but the Arc has a nice lock on it to save on space. This is a feature I would have never thought about when I was originally looking for a discbound punch, but I was thrilled with this find. The lock allows the lever to be stored at its lowest height to make storage simple and painless.
Durability
We do a lot of punching here at I Heart Planners and this punch has worked perfectly for me the entire time I’ve had it. Not only has it lasted, but it has cut down the amount of time I’ve spent punching since it can handle up to 8 pages at once. I’ve found this to be true even when using thicker paper. And, hey, the time speaks for itself! I’ve used it for over 5 years and it’s still going strong.
Versatility
The Arc punch has options for any paper size you may need! There are settings for full letter, half letter (Arc calls it “junior”, which is the same size as our Sweet Life Planner), as well as 5 and A4 if you’re international. Don’t know which letter size is best for you? Check out my ultimate guide to planner sizes where I explain each size in depth!
Easy-to-Use
The Arc system is easy to use regardless of the letter size you’re using. When setting the paper, there is a little groove so that you know it is in place. The paper doesn’t slide easily once it’s in that groove which makes it easy to get the right punch every time. I’ve used plenty of systems where there is a guide, but the paper doesn’t really lock in so it ends up moving. There’s nothing more frustrating than taking the time to punch something just to have to reprint it and try again. The Arc definitely alleviates some of that frustration.
Clean up is quick and painless as well! Just slide out the little tray and dump the scraps right into the trash.
Where do I get it?
Are you ready to purchase one of your own?!
Arc is a Staples brand so you’ll be able to grab your own at your local Staples store. The Arc system is also available through Amazon, which is my preferred way to purchase! Amazon is especially the way to go if you’re a prime member and can snag their free shipping or if there isn’t a Staples near you.
This product has saved me so much time and energy. I hope this discbound punch fits into your life just as well as It did mine! If you end up purchasing an Arc Punch for yourself, leave a comment and let me know how you’re loving it!
And, don’t forget, if you’re ready to start planning, sign up for my free e course Get Organized Once and for All which will help you get organized and stay organized.
Jen Says
I haven’t used the Arc punch, but if the punch is like the pre-punched paper, I can’t say I am a fan. I prefer the Levenger full size (heavy metal with a price point to match) and travel punches. These punches are slightly more crisp, using very sharp cut edges. Even with Arc discs, the pages punched with Levenger stay in place. I’ve found that they are less likely to wiggle out of the notebook over long use. I’m using that punch to add cleaning schedules, reading lists, and an online order tracker to my Sweet Life Planner.
The history of the systems goes back 100 years. There are many different companies now making discbound systems. The original was Atoma (Europe, they also produce Adoc), with Rollabind the first US variation (Levenger paid Rollabind usage fees until a proprietary rights lawsuit). Others include Martha Stewart (which is just a branded version of Arc), TUL (OfficeMax/Office Depot), Clairing (Clairefontaine), William Hanna (probably the most luxurious), and the others doing planners like Happy Planner, Inkwell Press (liveWELL), and The Perfect Notebook.
Betty Bonnett Says
I have been using the ARC system for several years and totally love it. Yes I have the ARC punch and feel it is the best on the market. I have even punched light weight plastic to make covers and it has held up very well.
Cami Says
I have an ARC and it’s good. The punches are slightly smaller than what I would prefer so the paper ends up a bit tight on the discs, but it is not that bad. I do like how sturdy it is and how I can punch laminated documents and several pages at once. I also have a small portable Levanger and the punches are amazing, but it gets stuck quite often if you only punch one page at a time, and you can’t really punch more than two pages. My dream is the large Levanger, but it is so expensive.