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

It seems to catch and not punch sometimes but removing it and resetting the punch mechanism it hasnt completely failed yet.

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.

Was too weak to produce a dimple in the metal sheet I wanted to drill.

This, the 18AA is a little brother to the 18A. Keep in mind that the 18AA has no replaceable tips which can be a good thing as its more rugged. I use auto center punches for aviation rivet removal so they are heavily abused. Starrett auto center punches have never misfired even once for me. Bypass the red punches from the tool truck they are junk compared to a Starrett!

Wonderful little center punch. It only rarely misfires and you have to do it again, but normally it is excellent. It is light duty and only good for soft or thin metals.

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...).

High quality center punch, USA made, type of tool that will last generations

Product quickly arrived as promised. This small punch makes a tiiiiiny indention, enough for a drillbit to lead. I do wish was more potent and made a larger indention in sheet metal.

The punch was as seller indicated and in fine condition, however, not knowing the the model number it was much smaller than the one I had previously owned (US made by General Tool) and turned out to be too small and too light-duty for my purposes... it was like a mini-punch. I had to re-purchase the18A model from another source. I should contact the seller to request a return.

Ok for soft metals, needs stronger spring for most steels