Starrett Steel Automatic Center Punch with Adjustable Stroke - 5-1/4 Length, 11/16 Punch Diameter, Lightweight, Knurled Steel Handle - 18C

For some reason, mine wasnt firing properly when I first got it. I was about to return it, but decided to open it up, clean it and put it back together first just to make sure there wasnt something hanging it up. Nothing obvious noted when it was apart, but when I put it back together it worked fine, and has ever since. Oddball issue, but overall Im very happy. This thing is typical Starrett quality - built like a tank.

Great punch and heavy duty. I use it to punch steel mostly, but also for aluminum surfaces. One punch is all you need for aluminum, but for steel, a few punches work best depending on your pilot hole size. My only complaint is that it doesnt fire sometimes, and you need to let it go and try again until it does.

Very well made and at a fair price.

First let me thank the Amazon Customer whos 2017 review mentioned that he couldnt turn the knurled adjustment cap. Here it is 2021 and I had the same issue, but with a vise and pliers it opened right up. After a little testing I see a big difference in dimple size between the light and heavy settings. I cant really address durability except that I inherited a Starrett 18A lighter duty model out of my grandfathers toolbox years ago and its still punches just fine. I just thought with this heaver punch I wouldnt have to follow up with a hammer and punch on the harder metals, and so far so good. I keep HF punches in the cars for breaking windows in emergency (and test them every so often), but for real work Starrett cant be beat.

I purchased this item to replace the cheap Chinese units that I have been struggling with for years. The punch is heavy in the hand, and works as advertised. It is easy to adjust the force that the punch strikes with simply by turning the knurled handle on the top of the tool. Replacing or re-grinding the point is easily done by unscrewing the lower portion of the punch. The punch leaves nice deep marks without excessive pressure being put on the tool. If you are looking for a quality tool, Starrett is the way to go. One note about the listing, the 18C that you purchase will be the one pictured on the left of the image above. The tip shown on the right side punch is an add on that is not included.

Awesome, works very well, certainly heavy duty, contrary to any unhappiness with this product from other reviewers, I purchased two from Amazon, with a firm hold, both punches make one dent per actuation, I find that the rough ends of the adjustment spring prevent the punch from wandering away from the tension setting that I adjusted it to, a good idea in my world. In my opinion once I find a happy spot for my needs I wont be winding this thing up and down anyway as I might select a lighter punch for lighter work. 5 star, both punches that I purchased work awesome ! I recommend this brand of punch to anyone who is looking for excellent quality and years of durability. This item is used by gripping punch firmly in one hand and pushing the pointy bit into a metal plate all the way down until it kicks, it will leave a nice smart dent so that you can use it for layout purposes, a dent to start a drill bit in, and other creative uses, ie: denting a shaft surface, etc wind in the handle end clockwise all the way makes a heavier dent, counter clockwise progressively lightens the dent impression created., Unlike the previous automatic centre punch that someone borrowed from me, and used a hammer on it....its only good for that now. For hand use only, maybe an optional plastic handle on this thing might end any confusion with a hammer style centre punch ( what do you think Starrett ? )

This is a quality tool, yes a bit more expensive than its counterparts, but its the only one you will buy in your lifetime. Unless you are like me and must have the 18a as well BAM! This tool hits with significant force, enough to mark stainless steel billet. Im getting the 18a as well for some lighter sheet metal work. You dont find quality like this often. Im really proud to own this tool. No regerts :)

I always used a punch and hammer togeather. Now I am able to mark holes more quickly one handed which is especially nice when I need to drill several holes. Realizing that took away overspending concerns especially since Starrett makes high quality tools. I read some comments about the tool not resetting. I am not sure if it was the same issue I noticed but the tool would fail to reset after multiple punches. After some thought a Duh moment arrived and with it realizing I was not lifting the tool up fully from the stock after it clicked. Perhaps it has something to do with getting broken in. Since then the issue went away. The only other smidgeon of an issue is the black paint job on a small tool which can make for tedious searching. Next hardware order will include some bright color spray paint.

I bought one and then used it this weekend. Be sure to disassemble and lubricate first. Then unless you release the spring tension a lot be ready to push real hard. But good dimple.

The body is beefy, knurling is perfect, sharp hardened point. Performed exactly as expected.