What paper stocks work best with hole drilling?

Heavier stocks stand up best to drilled holes because the paper around the opening takes the stress of repeated handling. For anything that gets picked up, hung, or flipped often, thicker card stock is the safer choice.

• 14pt and 16pt card stock: the sweet spot for durability around a drilled hole.
• Coated finishes: add a tougher surface that resists tearing at the edge.
• Lamination: reinforces the hole area, ideal for swatch books and event badges that see heavy use.

Thinner papers can tear or fray around the hole over time, so reserve them for pieces that will not be handled repeatedly. When in doubt, step up a stock weight for anything meant to last.