There are two small openings, two very different jobs. The design file's view of thumb-cut and finger holes are the same and the words are often used synonymously. However, they address different issues, and selecting the wrong package ends up with no value added or even detrimental packaging. This is the actual divergence between them.

What is it exactly that the Thumb-Cut is?

A thumb-cut is a shallow notch that is carved into the edge or panel of a box. It is normally a curved line or half circle and is intended for one purpose, to push.

The customer sticks a finger into the slot and pushes the contents out. It's designed for sleeves, tuck boxes and thin retail packaging for slipping products in. It is at the edge and is shallow, removing very little board.

The purpose of a thumb-cut is to:

• Give a push point on which contents can be pushed out.

• Sit on an edge or upper panel.

• Take out as little structural boards as possible.

It's a small feature to address one particular problem. It's used in just the right place in a Custom thumb-cut Boxes where a product requires assistance to get out.

What Is A Finger Hole, anyway?

A finger hole is an opening completely cut into a panel (and is a hole when looking at the panel from the inside). It's a full hole and it is typically intended for grabbing instead of pushing.

Put a finger or two through and lift or carry. This is found with multipack carriers, larger cartons and the boxes that must be hand carried. It's closer to a handle than such an opening aid.

A finger hole is a fixture that is used to:

• Provide a handhold for lifting and/or carrying.

• Sit in a panel, which is completely closed.

• Handle with weight on feet.

This is an easy distinction to make after you see it. One aids in getting the things out. The other is used to carry the box.

Push Versus Grip

This is what sets them apart, and ultimately determines your choice.

A thumb-cut is one in which the product is moving and the box remains stationary. You propel the contents through and out. If you assume that the contents remain stationary and the box moves, then it's a finger hole. You hold in hand and pull up the entire thing. Those are opposing motions.

The difference is between:

• Thumb-cut: ready to use product.

• Finger hole: box is carried by hand.

• For every movement, a unique design.

It doesn't do anything if you get it the wrong way round. A finger hole in a thin card sleeve won't make any difference and a thumb-cut will not assist anyone in lifting a heavy carrier.

The structural impact of the two is very different.

Here is where the choice really counts. Both of these features have somewhat different and differing effects on box strength.

A thumb-cut is a shallow cut, typically at an edge, and removes a little bit of board from an area where there is low stress. A finger hole is larger, completely enclosed and is usually located at a high stress point where the box will be lifted. It must be much more carefully engineered.

The difference is that:

• Thumb-cut: little cut, low stress area.

• Finger hole: a larger hole that bears a load.

• More reinforcement required for finger holes.

Finger holes are more likely to tear than thumb-cuts, which is why. They do harder work.

The requirements of the boards also vary.

The materials vary according to the loads. Gives brands a chance to catch up if they add a finger hole to an existing design.

A thumb-cut can be used with regular paperboard as long as the paper has a clean-cut edge. Finger hole on a box to be carried must be reinforced with more board and sometimes reinforcement around the hole to prevent tear on first lift.

The requirements of the materials are as follows:

Thumbed: standard board, with a clean cut edge.

Finger hole: Thicker board or reinforcement.

Weight, what you need.

It's a common, and it really is expensive, mistake to put a finger hole on the board without upgrading the board.

Which One Does Your Product Require?

Now the question for practice. The answer is in the interaction the customer has with your packaging.

When your product is in a sleeve or a tuck box and the customer needs a push point you want a thumb-cut. If the box is heavy and bulky, people will pick it up by hand, you want a finger hole. If neither of those applies, then you don't need them.

Choose based on:

Sliding products: thumb-cut.

Carried boxes: finger hole.

Neither situation: Skip both.

Custom thumb-cut Boxes are perfect for small retail products, cards, cosmetics and slim packaging. Finger holes are ideal for multipacks and large cartons that people can carry.

Can You Use Both?

Occasionally, yes. With some bigger packages, there are actually a couple of true needs: the requirement to carry the package, and the requirement to unpack the contents.

But be careful. Each opening takes board and two openings weaken the box more than one. Use of both is only allowed when both are truly deserving of their place. If you have the habit of adding both, you are making your packaging weaker for no reason.

When used together, it is appropriate when:

• The contents slide into the box which is carried.

• The board is sufficiently thick to withstand cutting twice.

• Both open-ups address a genuine issue.

Two features, two justifications. This is the standard to be maintained.

Final Thoughts

Once you remove the layers, the difference is easy to see. A thumb-cut is made on the edge to facilitate pushing out contents. The finger hole is an enclosed hole to grip and carry the box. Here one rolls the product, the other rolls the packaging.

The difference is what is the root of everything else. Thumb-cuts are made on regular board, they are small, low stress. The holes on the fingers are larger, and are able to hold the real weight of the board, and typically require heavier board or reinforcement to survive being lifted.

Just check your customer's packaging treatment. Do they slip something out or do they pick something up? Custom thumb cut Boxes are a good answer to the first question! The second is answered by finger holes. Select the one that corresponds to the motion, and ignore the one that does not.