Starrett Automatic Center Punch with Hardened Steel Metal - 100mm Length, 11mm Punch Diameter Tapered Point - 18AA

I wish it was smaller so I could carry in my pocket comfortably. I could not find a smaller version when I ordered, but this one works great.

Beautifully made solid steel center punch. The adjustable action is helpful. Feels like a lifetime tool in your hand. This one is small which I like for getting in tight spaces to mark pieces while they are held against each other.

High quality. You get what you pay for.

Ok for soft metals, needs stronger spring for most steels

Starrett is known for making quality tools and this one is no exception. I have already used it for several projects and it has performed well and is still in great condition. Worth the money in my opinion. Would both recommend and purchase again if needed.

I had to return this for a replacement. Half the time, the spring would not rest after triggering. The replacement (same make/model) is great -- heavy, precise, and reliable.

This punch is small, which is a plus, and very dependable. I use it anytime I want a small centering hole. Just push and punch. Well worth getting. The self tapping feature is easy and reliable. Dont know why it took me so long to find this device. No more hammering. Now a simple one-handed operation. Listen for the click and you know you have a made small centering mark.

This gets a solid five stars because it really is perfect. The wind up is very, very smooth with a nice and short throw, which helps keep it on the spot while pressing on it. The resulting action is quick, firm, and surprisingly powerful considering how effortless the wind up is. It makes me wonder if they are somehow cheating the conservation of momentum and energy... Oh yeah and the knurling and overall look is second to none. It feels super sweet to hold! Given all of this, plus the fact that it only costs as much as 6 lattes, plus the fact that its still made in the USA, dont even bother to waste your money on a cheaper import (which are only cheaper by about 1/2 as much - were still in the impulse dollars range here folks...).

This is the second one Ive owned. The first keeps disappearing on me. Now I KNOW where I can find one when I need it. Being Starrett, you know its high quality.

I use this to punch/stamp date codes into metal castings and I typically have to do it multiple times in the same spot for it to be deep enough for QA purposes (by deep enough, I mean visible without a magnifying glass and/or light to notice the difference). The tool came fully tightened, so theres no way to make the punch hit harder unless I use a hammer (which is impractical in some cases). Maybe the spring is faulty and thats my issue? I dont know as Im not going to try to open it up and risk not having it work even at this level. The tip has retained its point after multiple uses, so thats a definite plus. I would have given this 5 stars if I didnt have to punch the same spot multiple times to see an effect.