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

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.

No doubt this is the best auto center punch that I have owned. That is, until it stopped working. Lasted about 3 years, but I use it almost every day. This punch is for metal, not wood people. If you need a punch for wood get a Harbor Freight special. It held up to whatever I used it on - Stainless, Mild Steel, Aluminum, etc. and then one day it would not actuate. Tried everything and couldnt get it working again. Emailed Starrett, warranty on these is only a year from purchase, so I reluctantly sent it back for repair. The cost to repair was about $12 shy of buying a new one. Hate to do it, but like I said - this is the best Ive owned.

If youre reading this, theres a 95% chance you saw this punch on the Canadian fabricobblers YouTube channel. Like he said, this isnt a necessary tool, but is it ever nice to have. I find that it either takes two strikes with heavy tension to get a good starting mark, or one strike on light tension, followed up with an actual hammer and punch. So, its not a one-hit wonder, but it will definitely let you mark the spot precisely. Its saved me enough time and frustration in the three months Ive owned it that Id say its earned five stars.

Useful, but a bit stiff in use. Might ease up after a while, but excellent quality. Made in USA!!!

I’ve already set over 1000 center marks in 6061 aluminum. This punch is fantastic. Very happy with this purchase.

The Starrett automatic center punch has the same high quality as all other Starrett tools I have ever owned. It is a little stiff to use when adjusted for full impact but creates a nice little punch mark where you want it. I can highly recommend this item.

Works better than any hootin tootin auto punch I ever used Ill be it dagnabbit

Almost gave up on this. The punch arrived a few days ago and I could not get the stroke adjustment to work. Assuming it might be defective I returned it - I was tempted to use a vice and pliers to see if the top would turn but thought this might damage it and a new product shouldnt arrive jammed like this. Sure enough the replacement would not turn eitehr - so into the vice with soft jaws and use and use some tape to protect from the pliers teeth. Didnt take much and now it works! But no way either of them would turn by hand and I tried pretty hard. I guess some bodybuilder works at the factory? Love the tool - well built - its replacing my General Tool punch I left out in the rain by mistake and that was already damaged (tip falling out)

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!

I have long wanted one of these and was put off by the cost. The reviews on the imports were pretty poor. I have had great luck with all the Starrett tools Ive bought over the years so decided to spend the 2 to 4 times greater cost for the Starrett. I am glad I did as this works very well. I have the heavier duty 18C version and it really hits hard and leaves a good center-punch. I am sure this is a tool that I will pass down to my son.