I'm a newish leather crafter and finding it a real chore to clear the leather bits out of my punch tools. Until recently I was using a rotary punch. I'd punch 3 or 4 holes, then clear the plugs out with a bent paper clip... with some work, do 3 or 4 more holes, clear the plugs, etc. Seems to make the job longer.

I recently got a desktop punch tool, but finding that I still need to clear the plugs out of the punch bits about the same way. Stick something sharp and try to push the plugs out. I tried a Google search to see if there's a better way and the best I could find was someone who suggested hammering the punch onto a tack, which then pulls out a little leather shishkabob.... if you're lucky. If not, then you gotta find something longer to work it out still.

So I want know what all you experienced people are doing. Do you clear your punch after every 3 or 4 punches? What is the fastest and easiest way to clear it out? Does punching into wax or vaseline make it easier to get the plugs out? Also, is there a way to keep your punches sharp, particularly the really small ones like for buckle holes on watch bands?