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.

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.

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

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)

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.

The Starrett 18C Automatic Center Punch is the most heavy duty center punch Starrett offers. The automatic center punches offered by Starret are the 18AA, 18A, and 18C. The main difference is the length and diameter of the handle this allows for stronger spring compression and greater size. With an increased spring size the 18C is capable of driving a starter hole punch is the toughest of material, without the need to hammer a manual punch after. General: Excellent Knurling - Amazing Grip. Great Finish. Not good for center punching most wood materials—too heavy-duty. Perfect for 16 Gauge Steel.

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.

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

Very well made and at a fair price.

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.