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

First off-this is a quality product, for professional use. There is no slop on the part fit up, and replacement parts are readily available through the manufacturer. It’s a tad expensive, but it’s worth more than what I paid for it. It’s easily adjustable, and strikes reliably, without losing its pinch pressure setting. A tad stiff at the hardest punching level, I would recommend some type of padding or impact glove for all day use. This tool works very well for pricking holes in 308 stainless for line up on a drill press, or an ironworker (punch).

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

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.

This marking punch packs a wallop. It leaves a deep centering mark in the hardest steel. A great tool.

Highest quality item. But a high level of arm strength needed to operate. Perhaps the design needs an enhanced setting mechanism.

Any Starrett products are world class in there market they do command a high price but never fall short in performance and quality. This center punch is a perfect example of just that, just holding it you are sure of its quality. For use in wood or Soft material You could get away with a lighter duty Starrett automatic center punch. But in metal hard or soft one crack of this punch in the shop And the heads will turn. Often imitated but never duplicated, OK Starrett send me some free tools for this great review....Well it’s worth a try.

Been using these punches for decades at work. Needed some better punches at home so I went straight for these. Expensive compared the Chinese alternatives but there really is no comparison. If you appreciate nice tools and need a power punch, look no further.

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.

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 ? )

Starrett is one of the great names in American precision measuring and tooling products, and this Automatic Center Punch is no exception. A few years ago, they changed the design of the center punches where the shank and the tip are unitized, meaning you have many more opportunities to sharpen the tip before you require a replacement. Its not as elegant as the original design, but it is more robust, and has one less part to worry about(the replaceable tip) I now have the 18C, and have the original 18A and 18AA. This is by far the heaviest duty unit of the three, and will likely get the most use. It is adjustable, however, even the lightest setting is still quite hard, so if you are working with soft metals or thin gauge stock, you will likely want to use the 18A or 18AA. This one is perfect for my use, and I will now be selling off my General automatic center punch, which takes significantly more pressure to activate and doesnt hit nearly as hard.