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

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.

A little steep in price but well worth it! This punch will be more reliable and outlast dozens of cheaper foreign made models.

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.

Works well and the ability to adjust it for your needs is a bonus

This thing is a beast. Against my better judgement, Ive used a pos $3 HF and $10 General for years. For the cost, those are great but they just dont have that feel you get from a quality tool. This, is that tool. I wasnt sure if it was more than I needed based on other reviews and yes, it will punch a hole into the thickest of metal but Ive loved it since the first use. I now walk across the shop (passing the other punches) to use this one. Maybe its bc I paid $50 for it but either way, I like it and will buy at least one more for the shop. Its Starrett, you cant go wrong.

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.

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.

I thought I had a need, but didnt and was too lazy to return. It seems really expensive, I wish it was about 15 cheaper but it is high quality I look forward to having a need.

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

Wow... this is powerful. Like other reviewers, I received this with the knurled cap so tight I couldnt budge it until I put it in a vice and rotated it w/ pliers. But even before loosening the tension, I tried it on a piece of hardwood (Teak) and it punched a good hole in it (albeit at the expense of straining both of my hands). After loosening, the tension/punching was much easier to manage. Id buy again - a bit pricey but worth it.