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

I bought one of these over thirty five years ago but i thought i lost it so i bought this one it looks exactly like my first one except for a little strip of knurling about a half inch from the point outside of that they are exactly the same and before this one arrived i found my old one just the name starrett stands for high quality and durability because of that i now have two of them they are made in the U.S.A because of that and the name you just cant go wrong i would definitely recommend this tool to everyone fast shipping and high quality you cant go wrong.

I was hesitant to spend this much money on an automatic center punch, but am glad that I did. This is a very high quality tool that is not only a pleasure to use but should last a lifetime. There are parts (such as the tip and spring) that may need replacing after a lot of use, but as with many quality tools you can buy those parts without having to buy a new tool. I took a star away because I had to use pliers to start the adjustment cap turning and once the cap was broken free hand turning wasnt smooth and even. That was quickly fixed using a small brash brush and air compressor to remove what looked like small metal particles in the threads. Once that was done cap adjustments were smooth and easy. I was also contemplating getting one of their lighter duty punches after reading some of the reviews. Im glad I didnt because this punch is versatile. Unlike some reviews, even at the highest tension setting I had no problem using the punch and the range of adjustments was significant. At the lightest setting I used it on hard wood, plastic and thin steel which made a larger dent than on heavier metal. Unless youre a weakling, this may be the only punch you need.

Great for starting holes in the exact spot you want. This bad boy pits a sizeable divot in the metal and there is no bit wondering. Extremely hard to push though on the stiffest setting. The usual Starrett quality youd expect. Im a happy buyer.

When it comes to this Starrett center punch, it is definitely buy once cry once. After many years using cheap Chinese punches, that I would give up on. I decided to make the purchase. And boy an I glad I did. The quality of this is amazing, you just feel it. It marks steel as deep as a hand punch and hammer. It is adjustable as well, for thinner material and wood. The nurling is excellent for grip. Overall just a great punch that my son will inherit.

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).

Ive a few of the el-cheapos about, which do okay. Wanted one tat would lay a definitive mark with less activations. This does that. At first I thought I may have over done it; s it does take more push. But once used to it, I like it fine. Will likely eventually bore a golf ball to put on the push end to spread the force. Seemed a large piece of money; I have no regrets. Higher quality tools cost a bit more, but by my experience are worth it.

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.

First let me thank the Amazon Customer whos 2017 review mentioned that he couldnt turn the knurled adjustment cap. Here it is 2021 and I had the same issue, but with a vise and pliers it opened right up. After a little testing I see a big difference in dimple size between the light and heavy settings. I cant really address durability except that I inherited a Starrett 18A lighter duty model out of my grandfathers toolbox years ago and its still punches just fine. I just thought with this heaver punch I wouldnt have to follow up with a hammer and punch on the harder metals, and so far so good. I keep HF punches in the cars for breaking windows in emergency (and test them every so often), but for real work Starrett cant be beat.

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.

I have only used this punch on mild steel and within two months the point has become very dull. I suspect a hardening issue. Not what I thought I was getting when I bought a Starrett. Otherwise it seems nice.