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

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.

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

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.

As stated in the title, I run a metalfab shop. I use this nearly every day, and have punched what must be hundreds of centers in mild steel with this. Its still sharp and working like the day I pulled it from the box for the first time. Having it be adjustable is nice too, when using it on softer/thinner materials or for smaller holes, where more force or larger centers arent necessarily a good thing. Ive learned to love this center punch, highly recommend it, and will be a repeat customer.

This tool is great. Ive used it for everything from marking shipping containers to building engine stands to marking cuts for the band saw on steel, aluminum, stainless, cast, galvy sheet metal, and chineseium. My only complaint is that the case has started to get a rust on it, making it look way older than the year Ive had it for. No averse performance issues though, the striking unit is clean as a whistle. Keep an eye on this piece... Ive found it in other peoples tool boxes on quite a few instances.

I needed a second one of these and am not sure why I decided to buy this relatively expensive tool. My first was much cheaper. Not that I have used the Starrett, I realize that the shape of this one is just better. I am not sure why, but its easier to place it where I want. It adjusts the impact more easily as well. And it just looks good.

Starrett tools are made only with the finest of materials, performs everytime as designed, markings are outstanding and second to none. I never loan out tools ever as my Starrett tools will confess.

Buy once cry once, the bar is set with this punch.

If you appreciate quality tools you just cant go wrong when buying a Starrett tool. When you need to mark out placement for a hole to be drilled these make it a snap. Position the tip where you need to drill your hole and give the tool a quick push till it pops and youre done. But, dont be a doofus and hit it with a hammer and then do use a center punch and a hammer to give your drill bit a good solid starting point. This tool is only meant to mark placement for a hole and is not meant to replace a center punch. Use this fine Starrett tool properly and its most likely gonna still be workin the same as when it first came outta its box every time you use it.

Finally broke down and bought this one after trying the spring tools punch and the general tools 79. The spring tools punch the spring eventually broke, snapped and hit my finger. The general tools 79 I still use for wood. Only issue I have had when I have it a heavy tension and I am odd angle cannot easily depress it but that is ok.