Hand Held Id Card Slot Punches

Hand held slot punches are just what they sound like, you hold the punch in your hand when making a slot. This type of slot punch will work just fine for low volume punching. They can be a bit labor intensive for smaller hands if a larger volume of cards need to be slotted. Otherwise the hand held slot punch is a good choice.

I recommend: 
A good die cast steel hand held slot punch with a hardened steel die that will last for years.  Here is a link to a product video of one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmAJcfL6x6g

Stapler Style (Desktop) Id Card Slot Punches

Stapler style id card slot punches are desktop models. A stapler style punch gives you a mechanical advantage in slotting an id card very much in the same way a desktop stapler does with stapling. This type of slot punch is fine for low volumes as well as moderate volumes of cards that need to be slotted. A stapler style or desktop model will eliminate hand fatigue for more frequent slot punches.

I recommend: 
An ergonomic desktop model appropriate for the volume of id cards you will slot.  Be sure it has a hardened steel die to last for a long time.  Here is a link to a product video of one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feh-UM-AS7g 

Electric Id Card Slot Punches

Electric id card slot punches are the top of the line. They are typically easy to use and require only the operator depress a foot switch on the floor. They can be used for low, mid, and high volume id card slotting operations. Of course, they are also the most expensive.

I recommend: 
An electric model that provides an easy path to insert and remove an id card during the slot punch process.  Of course make sure you choose one with a hardened steel die for many years of use.