The whole is dependent on the sum of the holes

Years have gone by without incidence. But as random distribution would have it* there are three occasions when perforations left their mark on a single day.

First it was a check which was rendered void because the account and routing number were separated when the check didn't separate from the receipt as planned.

Second, on leaving a restroom a towel dispenser would not release its contents

Last, a pouch of Paul Newman's Thousand Islands resisted opening because the perforation didn't live up to its purpose. It remains to be seen whether the result of the ensuing struggle will come out of the suit it subsequently dressed.

It's created new-found appreciation for this oft-overlooked design element when it functions well.