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

Im a retired tool and die maker of 35 years. I started buying Starret precision tools in the early 70s. Back then those tools were far superior to anything on the market. I still use them to this day which speaks volumes about the quality. The only reason I purchased an auto center punch is because my original punch disappeared about a month ago. My daddy always said Dont buy the cheap tools because in the end it will cost more to keep replacing them than if you spend a little more on quality.

It is good, but we have to exert a much greater push to make a blow with this. But the impact of it’s blow is too higher to make a deep point hole. One this to note is that, there are two springs inside a heavy spring at the back and a light spring at the pointed side. The light spring is narrowing towards one side and widening towards other side which we can put only in one way. The wider part of the little spring must be kept back, if you taken that spring out otherwise it will not work. You can also blow with a hammer at the backside in order to make it to blow, if you are unable to push too much pressure. No problem because it is too hard.

This tool has superior quality and strength. Lots of spring force (adjustable to reduce if you wish). Nice hard tip can mark anything softer than a hard chrome socket. Incredibly useful for scribing as well and center punching.

Not my father’s Starrett center punch. Doesn’t operate with the same clean smooth feel. And most important it does not appear to have the very hard and very tough grade of steel at the tip as the ones I grew up with: Punching mild steel with the Starrett punch set to highest force I could press (a lot), the mill finish on the test piece is barely touched. SAD!

This is the best spring loaded center punch that I have used, but (for complete disclosure) I havent used a lot of them. I experienced a tiny bit of jump on the accuracy (which is why I rated the accuracy a 4 - if they offered a 4.5, I would have selected that). Looks and feels solid, very easy to adjust and use. So much so that I bought the 18A as well. So far, I would buy again.

Love it, very handy,beats a hammer and center punch!

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 ? )

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

This is my first automatic punch I have ever owned. So, in all fairness I dont have anything to compare it to. I read the reviews by others and decided to pay more up front and get quality made in USA product. I made a few test punches with it and I am happy with the performance. It works every time and it makes a dimple of adequate depth to keep the drill bit from wandering. This thing is solid. Durability will be tested over time, but I have no reservations about it. It will outlast me for sure.

Everything Ive grown to expect from Starrett. Inheriting my grandfathers Starrett mics and running metrology & calibration labs during my career have me a $tarrett believer. Pricy but will be reliable and accurate forever.